This Thing Called Life: Prince's Odyssey, On and Off the Record

Thoroughly enjoyed this book .

Finally a book which allows the reader an insight into Prince, the man "the guy". Prince fans will have read the many, many books which have been published since the untimely death of Prince in 2016. Neal Karlen's intimate book is based on the many night-late chats the two shared over three decades. Karlen is a very engaging writer, and journalist who lends his eloquent and intelligent writing to so generously share these conversations with us. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for all Prince fans but also for anyone who is interested to read about the loneliness of a great artist. This is the best book about what made Prince "tick". In my opinion it tops the list. Be ready to be surprised and moved.

Ive been a Prince fan since 83, i can honestly say this is the book ive been waiting for. I always thought Neal gave Prince respect, he never sold out on Prince when they parted company, Neal had proper respect for Prince. If you arent a fairweather fan youll already know this. If you are a REAL Pfam you need to have this book on your bookshelf along side Tourè. I recommend this book highly, its not a book thats kissing Princes ass, its telling it how it happened. You will not regret buying this book.

Finished Neal Karlen’s book last night. One hell of a read. Unflinchingly honest and forthright, Neal’s candid writing style pulls no punches. It’s one of those Prince books that throws back the curtain to reveal the real genius, troubles and all. I’ve seen people be critical of some of the things in the book, but for an honest assessment of the man, rather than the myth, This Thing Called Life hits the spot perfectly. Thoroughly recommended, this one.

A book for prince fans. Since inevitable inaccuracies.

I really enjoyed reading this book . For a Prince fan as I’ve been for over 40 years I found it very honest insightful and a truthful account of the authors friendship with Prince . It helped me understand the man behind the iconic image . Great read .

This is for my husband, but I read the first chapter and cried ... I know this is going to be his favourite Christmas present.

as described

Love this book!

Some interesting facts, a lot of speculations

Se centra más en su persona que en su música, pero la fuente resulta fiable -siempre entre comillas- al ser un escritor que lo conoció desde pequeño y aunque no fueron amigos, eran algo así como colegas y fueron viéndose o hablando hasta el 2016. El autor también es de Minneapolis y sus opiniones sobre Prince son tanto buenas como malas, aunque resultan bastante creíbles, al diferenciar la persona del genio.

This book is disgusting. It is well known that Prince didn't trust the press, and it is not hard to see why. Most people have more respect for their pets than Neal shows for Prince's life. Weeks before his death, Neal did 2 interviews with CJ of StarTribune -- in the first, he boasted about how much Prince's letters will be worth when he dies -- he was so heavily criticized on social media, that a follow up interview ensued in which CJ said Neal was 'joking'; but when she asked when he last had contact, he claimed not in a few years, but made eye contact a few times that year -- yet in this book he makes himself a hero at the 11th hour.He feels his account of Prince's mother should be taken over Prince's memoir, and wants folks to know that he was swearing as a JW (though everyone said the opposite, and Prince even changed his song lyrics). Many errors, sloppy writing, and a total disrespect for a black icon. He begins the book by chastising Prince for not receiving a hug from Alan Leeds when he broke up with Kim Basinger some 20+ years ago -- I haven't known any boss who would behave that way, or even any guy. But it's okay to complain and feel entitled because it's Prince...Neal talks up a storm regarding Dorothy Parker but fails to mention her 'Arrangement in Black and White', about an African American musician who is disrespected by the white host at a dinner party; he doesn't mention Dorothy's 'Ballades' in which she speaks to 'Prince', or her screenplay 'A Star is Born' - Prince had the movie poster on his wall, according to Lisa Coleman. Neal has an agenda... and it isn't a good one.I suggest reading Prince's memoir for his own reflections, especially on his parents -- 'The Beautiful Ones'.

A really interesting human viewpoint for fans of an incredibly talented, complex personality from someone he obviously had a level of trust with.