Ticket 2 Ride

Thanks for stopping by for Book Talk Tuesday.

Truly (2025, HarperOne) is an easy 460 page read, but still, I was reading it all night love. Okay, enough of that.

Lionel Richie is a difficult person to not like. He comes across in his writing like he appears on American Idol, kind, affable and supportive. His life hasn’t been perfect, but most people would want his life. Aside from a difficult break with the Commodores, two divorces and the vast changes in the music industry, his book is a joy to read. Richie has struggled with the loss of his parents, friends and business relationships, but most of us do. Even though he’s a wealthy and famous person, we can relate to his joys and problems like our own. That’s the persona and legacy that Lionel Richie shows us.

From Tuskegee to Los Angeles to the world, Richie’s journey is an incredible one indeed. His stories are fun to read, especially how he became a hit songwriter for hire, giving Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross and the We Are the World successful recordings.

Ritchie’s parents were well-grounded, supportive, but with high expectations. His father was disappointed in his decision to leave school to follow his journey with the Commodores, but embraced his son’s success. The journey of father and son, from stiffness to warmth through the years, is written with the right amount of sentiment. That grounding served Richie well as he attained success and many temptations came his way.

Lionel Richie is mostly squeaky-clean, but everyone knows of his contentious first marriage, and how his estranged wife followed him to his girlfriend’s home to have a confrontation. Richie delicately relates that event, not really offering up any additional information. No salacious tales are told. Richie is respectful of his ex-wives, former band mates and others who passed through his life.

If you are a fan, even a casual one, who is looking for an entertaining read, don’t be scared off by the length. I read this book in two days, it’s easy as Sunday morning.