Secrets of a Sparrow

by Diana Ross

Book Overview

An illustrated autobiography. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679428747
• ISBN13: 9780679428749
• Release Date: October 1993
• Publisher: Villard Books
• Length: 299 Pages
• Weight: 1.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

I learned something new!

Not many people know how spiritual Miss Ross is. She is very inspiring in this book and highlights how positivity can go a long way.

Pleasently Suprirsed By This One!

I dont understand why this book has gotten trashed by so many people over the years. Its a very good & insightful story of Diana Ross' life right from the horses mouth. There are more unauthorized biographies on this woman than you can shake a stick at. and ive pretty much read them all. & sadly i never bothered to read this one simply because i heard it was so terrible. Well i could kick myself now for waiting 15yrs to finally realize what a good book this is. Maybe its not the [...]-fest everyone thought it should be but it rang true for me and gave me clearer insight into what its like to constantly be the center of the publics ( & press') adoration and their wrath all at once. Her dependant relationship with the slave-driving Berry Gordy was one of worship and loathing "he played favorites and set up an unhealthy internal climate at Motown" pitting performer against performer often using Diana as the bait. The backstage drama of The Supremes takes up much of the bulk of this book & is facsinating reading for Supremes fans. She gives clear insight (the good & the bad) on her relationship with Mary & Flo, the complex personalities btwn them and why things began to unravel at the height of their success. As for her "bashing" Florence Ballard. Please. People love to give Flo sainthood becuz of how her life ended when in reality she was a human being with problems. period. At any rate, Diana's side of who Florence was & her true feelings behind the firing sound much more beleiveable than Mary Wilson's. She dosent shy away from the rumors and bad press that have dogged her throughout her entire career, racism within life and within the music industry and even a brief bout with stress that led to anorexia during The Supremes. Missing are the relationships with men like Ryan O'Neal and KISS frontman Gene Simmons. But Diana is a class-act, she's not going to go into the gory details of her sex-life. why should she? I went into reading this book not sure what to expect but i was surprised at her candor. I honestly didnt think she would do it. As much as i liked this book i have to admit things toward the end got a little sappy & contrived w/ the "Dear Mommy" letters from her children and the detailed "dates" btwn her & her husband. Sure, there were things she didn't go into detail about--who's gonna write a autobigraphy trashing themselves? She was as honest as she needed to be. Overall i thought this book was honest & upbeat. Maybe some thought she shouldve ripped everyone apart? I dont know. I liked this book alot and became an even bigger fan because of it. It was definately a pleasent surprise.

Diana Tells It Best

This is a wonderful book of show business legend Diana Ross. She tells her story in her own words being both eloquent and articulate. It is easy to see from reading her memoirs why Diana Ross has reached and sustained the summit of her dreams. Her passion, her personal reasons why, and an unguarded spiritual approach to life are undoubtedly a clue. Diana Ross writes in a way that makes anyone with a dream feel good about themselves as long as they are striving to make that dream a reality. Her lessons are for all people because they are of the human kind. They are the lessons of living a life with grace and dignity. Needless to say, Diana's five children are an admirable testimony, example and reflection to the secrets of this sparrow's soul.

I think the other critics are a little harsh...

I personally felt that Ms. Ross's memoirs were interesting and touching. If you're are looking for a tell-all on her personal life, this is not the book for you. But, if you are looking for a positive, uplifting read that makes you believe that your dreams can come true, then this is the book for you. I did wonder about the rumors between Ms. Ross and the Supremes, but I felt the direction she took the book was very good. She offers intimate pictures and letters from loved ones which I felt was personal enough.

Diana Ross... A Living Legend Indeed!

I've been a huge fan of Diana Ross since I was a child and this book has been long anticipated to me to finally hear her life story. Unlike many autobiographies this one focuses on her life as an entertainer, a mother, a wife, and her early childhood years and most importantly no dirt on other entertainers. I don't know about you guys, but writing trash about other people you don't really know, especially if they're not true is kinda getting old and way annoying. Diana is true 'CLASS'! I'm glad I purchased this book not only being a fan of Diana Ross, but also the inspiration she delivers through her words. If you want to read positive views on life and love from an entertainer with "CLASS", then this book is definitely one worth reading.

STRAIGHT FROM THE QUEEN'S MOUTH !

This book is writen by Diana Ross herself and tells many of her trials and tribulations. The author of "Call Her Miss Ross" was rediculous. This book gives detail and truth to the life of Miss Ross. From her struggles as a child with being black to her marriage to Arne Neas. In my opinion, for her writing debut, she did a quintessential job. Perfect, with over fifty pictures of the diva with her family, co-workers, on stage and in her own element. Beautiful woman, beautiful voice, beautiful book.