Ordinary People: The Story

From Booklist
This family autobiography, so slight and lightweight it threatens to levitate off the table, offers a look inside the daily lives of the once great rock icon, his wife, Sharon, and their three children, discussing such topics as Ozzy's drug-addled Black Sabbath days, Sharon's battle with cancer, and son Jack's stint in rehab. Presented like transcripts of interviews with each family member (including Aimee, who opted not to appear on the MTV show), it's a difficult feat to read their words and NOT hear their voices--especially disturbing when Ozzy talks about his painful childhood and Sharon reveals her brief affair with Randy Rhodes. Each family member exasperatingly claims to be the only "sane" one in the bunch, when Jack seems to be the one with the most realistic view of the (rapidly changing) music industry. However, it seems past its sell-by date by at least a year--the MTV program is already in its third season, Sharon's talk show has been canceled, and Kelly has been dropped from her record label. A "tell-all" that feels like an episode of Behind the Music (and can be read before the credits roll), this might be a good choice for those anxiously awaiting a Duran Duran expose; on the other hand, expect interest at the circulation desk. Carlos Orellana
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
In their own words (and we all know how colorful those can be), the five members of the notorious Osbourne clan tell the amazing story of the first family of rock. OZZY talks about his first beer, his legendary career,and why he's the only sane member of the Osbourne family. SHARON explains the root of her shopaholic nature, the ups and downs of being married to Ozzy, and what it's like to battle cancer and host a talk show. AIMEE reveals why she opted out of MTV's The Osbournes, why she thinks her mother's in denial, and why her father destroyed himself with drugs. KELLY offers cutting thoughts on sibling relationships and growing up Osbourne as well as on life as a fledgling rock star. JACK shares stories about life without privacy ("What's privacy?") and his stint in rehab -- and claims he's the only sane one in the family. IF YOU THOUGHT YOU ALREADY KNEW THE OSBOURNES, THINK AGAIN!


About the Author
Todd Gold collaborated with the Osbournes on Officially Osbourne: Opening the Doors to the Land of Oz, a companion to the family's hit TV show. He has previously collaborated with celebrities including Drew Barrymore (Little Girl Lost), Brian Wilson (Wouldn't It Be Nice?); and Richard Pryor (Pryor Convictions). He lives in Los Angeles.


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