Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock and Roll

Writing this as I listen to "Fanatic" for the first time (review on that later).This long-awaited look at the trials and tribulations of Heart and the lives of Nancy and Ann Wilson satisfies those of us who are fans and wanted to know more of the details of that journey.This book (I read the ebook) balances personal details against "too much information" nicely. There is enough information to fill in gaps about how certain songs came about (including naming the jerk who spawned "Barracuda"), but not lots of intensely intimate gossip. I loved the look into their family life and their relationship with their parents. The information about some of their battles, like sexism and corruption in the music business (one of the reasons I walked away from it very early), and their battles with body image and weight is very timely and also resonates deeply with the struggles of many people today.I also enjoyed the many stories about the music business and their rise to stardom. I didn't realize they did so much Led Zep cover work. The story of Zep walking into a club just as they were doing a cover of "Stairway to Heaven," was cool, and reminded me of a similar experience a jazz guitarist I know in Portland had with a George Benson song.I've always felt a special resonance with them, partly because I am also a military brat from the Northwest. All the stories in the book about the life of military families and growing up on military bases, traveling, the lack of long-term friendships, and the distance from family exactly mirrored my experiences. And, since I and my older sibling are almost exactly the same ages as Nancy and Ann, the parallels run deep. (More on that would be too personal.)I have to wonder if our paths ever crossed (or nearly so), even though we were in a different service. We were in similar parts of the world in roughly the same times. That kind of synchronicity interests me.I also feel a sense of resonance because I wondered in those early days why there were no female guitarists like Jimi, Pete, Eric, etc. To read that the Wilson sisters also just accepted that women could be hard rocking guitarists/musicians deepened the connection for me. That is one reason why I respond so strongly to Nancy's playing. It is a long held dream of mine to see a woman tear up the strings like she does (which I've mentioned in other reviews of their work).And Ann's voice? What can I say? It sends chills up my spine, it is so powerful. There is a magic to the combination of energies these two spin with each other. They are definitely musical avatars of our generation.This book is a cool look at two people I respect and adore. I love the music they have done, and hope they keep doing it for a long time to come. This world is blessed by their presence, and I am grateful for this glimpse into their lives.This book is a must read for any Heart fan, period.Thank you for sharing with us yet again, Nancy and Ann. Good job.

Amid the din of yappin' ass co-workers and the allure of suppertime featuring various meat dishes, I plowed through this in record time, never reading the same sentence more than once, and thanks to my thirst for knowledge about the history of the band. And when I refer to band, i mean the entire band throughout the decades. Of course the story of Ann & Nancy being the main selling point.Some of what's presented is not new if you've followed the band, but official POV. Nice to see that beside the ladies, others were asked for their take on a particular subject. Interesting to me specifically is the "Private Audition"-"Passionworks"-era, although it was brief. Perhaps nothing more needed to be said. Shame that the sisters had to fight so hard to get recognized for their contribution to rock and roll. i got the sense that in some regard, they still are. Hopefully, when the smoke settles, the music will be the focal point of Heart. I feel that many of the bands albums are underrated ("Desire Walks On" among them) and the airplay is non-existent for some of the newer and deeper cuts. Unfortunately, radio blows and has for many years and thats another discussion for a different time.The history of the Wilson clan is covered in adequate detail, from the marriage of mama Lou & Dotes to the formation of the Big 5, the "Connie's", Hocus Pocus, Heart and the humble beginnings in Canada and sometimes glorious career through to The Lovemongers and solo projects and the birth of babies. In between we get some tear jerking moments e.g. Ann's struggle with weight and the cruel behavior of classmates regarding it. But if there's an overwhelming theme here, it is the strength of family.I would wholeheartedly recommend this to any true fan of Heart, but I shouldn't have to. i would like to reach out to the casual fan and ask that you go back and give Heart a listen from beginning to current and judge them solely on their musical output.As a side note here, I really enjoyed the added video clips of this e-book version and wish more of what I read could be as enjoyable.

Pretty good....would have liked more detail on Roger Fisher’s leaving...virtually nothing here about studio time in the recording of their albums...still an enjoyable read...oh and celebs, can we dispense with the “all in the family” stuff? I’m not interested in your ancestors or grandads, nans, aunties and uncles. Let’s just start with maybe from the age of 17ish and “I met the others in the band on this day”....and let’s go from there please.

I have never read a better book about a rock band in my life. This is clearly written from ann, Nancy and their band and family members best and worst thoughts and memories of their life. The true grit and determination of two women breaking through barriers they really shouldn't according to the stupid mail driven world is unbelievable and true, heartfelt and sincere and this all shines through all the way through the book. All you can feel for these two fantastic ladies is pure love and year warmth for the fantastic and heart felt music they will leave behind for many many people and friends. Sisters were never so tight and clearly as one!

This is a candid, honest and charming book, written by the Wilson sisters and exploring their lives in and out of the music world. It's a fun and lively read and I, as a Heart fan of long standing, learned lots, particularly about the struggles they faced as - gasp - intelligent, independent women in a traditionally male world.A fine book, heartily (SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!) recommended, especially in this enhanced Kindle edition which features video interviews at the end.

A very good read if you like Heart, an in depth and honest book of the Wilson sisters battling with the music industry and life.

A good insight into Anne and Nancy's life. Two remarkable women with beautiful voices. Avery good read, well worth buying it.