Karma: My Autobiography

Bough this for my wife, who couldn't put it down. She says it's a great read

Great book about his life and time in Culture Club.

I think this book holds the most value if you are a child of the 70s/80s and remember Boy George from then. I expected a kind of tell-all vapid gossip book but instead it offers a fascinating glimpse into what it's really like to be Boy George. A view into a world few of us will ever experience, going back to the outrageous clubbing days of the early 80s in London through to the ups and downs of the music business until present. For me it was so interesting to hear his views and experience of what fame brings. The whole book is sort of a mix of anecdotes and you get descriptions of the most outrageous behaviour followed by something really profound and thought-provoking. It's clear though that the lawyers have been all over the book and this sanitization to ensure he won't ever get caught by England's strict libel laws unfortunately also makes the book a bit bland in parts. For example there is a chapter on how he ended up convicted of assault and false imprisonment in 2009 but it's very vague and there are no names or specific details. In fact parts of the book is spent by Mr. O'Dowd putting forward his side of the story for various controversies he has been involved in and that's fine and you just know that the truth lies somewhere in between of what everyone is saying. The love story with Jon Moss is just so incredibly heartbreaking and it's worth reading the book just for that. Overall - entertaining and profound at the same time.

I knew Georges dad and lived around the area George did so I wanted to read about his experiences and family, not so much his show business career.

Full of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. I spotted the first mistake within the first few pages. This theme continues throughout, which is distracting. Reads like a conversation in the pub - starts with a tale about someone/something then goes off topic and starts on something else. Constantly having to go back/re-read to figure out how we got here and what the initial topic was. Some interesting, sometimes fascinating, stories, a few scandals, plenty of gossip but a hard read. Disappointing after Take It Like A Man/Straight. Whilst it may seem pedantic to some, a published book containing so many errors is really very poor. Sack the proof readers and suspend the authors. This could (should) have been so much better. It's like a jigsaw with missing pieces, or left over pieces from another puzzle. I feel the content is there, sort of, but it's so hashed up (pun intended). Shame.

Good item

I found this book to be honest, funny and a great read. What an amazing life he’s led.

Brought this for a gift arrived in good clean condition

I love Boy George and even though I haven't read the book yet I know it will be interesting and enjoyable. Once I have read the book I can send in a review.

I want to apologize to Boy George and his followers for my previous review. This is a completely different George than the one who ignored me twice in NYC and he said in the book "if I was rude to you, I'm sorry." George I accept the apology. I was in the pit at NJPAC in Newark New Jersey and you and I had a great time. You even mimiced my dance moves for a moment. (I must admit I stole the setlist off the stage). Culture Club was out at a time in my youth where I just fell in love with music. They were always my favorite (I could do without God Thank You Woman however). I've followed George's solo career and Culture Club' various tours over the years since their 80s heyday. George says in his autobiography "there is no such thing as a genius." I beg to differ The track Il Adore from Cheapness and Beauty is immaculate. The strings alone are genius.. If you've never heard Cheapness and Beauty I urge you to buy it, It's a masterpiece. A note to George: Why didn't you post a discography at the end if the book? I have everything on CD that I can get (minus The Twin) but if you're releasing songs on TikTok I want to know about that. Culture Club has an album Don't Mind If I Do that was never released In America. Japan has recently released the first four CC albums along with George's first two on CD. In America we had High Hat and I finally got Tense Nervous Headache from Japan. I have all the DJ mixes on CD and in enjoy them. I Night In/A Night Out is a highlight. Now that George is taking over the role of Harold Zeigler in Moulin Rouge I really want that stage door photo. George's has had brilliant moments in his solo career (I have Generations of Love on vinyl). George played Bow Down Mister at the Cyndi Lauper show at the Beacon NYC which he mentions in the book and it brought the house down. George play some of the solo material. Your fans know and love it. Also it's been a dream of mine to hear The War Song live. At NJPAC I met with one of your employee's by accident and he told me no War Song. George has said in America nobody knows anything but his hits with CC and that simply isn't true. Same Thing In Reverse, Funtime, When Will You Learn, King Of Everything, Generations of Love, Your Kisses Are Charity (BRILLIANT DOLLY MIX I have it on CD), Let Somebody Love You, To Be Reborn (AKA This Used To Be My Video), aren't there songs written with Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier out there? Come out to NYC and play Irving Plaza again. You've earned the right to do whatever you want. Just do Victims, Black Money, Church..I'd love to hear White Boy or I'm Afraid of me. I want that photo George. After two unsuccessful tries (you ignored men completely at Beige) I want that photo of us. My Mom also just died and she loved you. Let's do it for our Mums.I skipped the chapter on I'm A Celebrity...we don't have it in America. The John Moss chapter I feel was a bit sanitized and George calling people c@*ts isn't going t get you anywhere. Play it cool. Like you don't care then complain to anyone who will listen. After finishing Karma I really enjoyed it. It's not quite detailed enough for a rabid George fan but everyone else will enjoy it. His new outlook on life is remarkable. I think you and Cyndi could do a Las Vegas residency, Come back to the Beacon and do more than two shows. Or better yet play NJPAC again in Newark because there's a pit which was a blast.George, if you happen to read this I've followed your musical career and you've honesty done genius work. Il Adore is genius. Don't argue with me on this.Take It Like A Man is kind of a bitter read but I think it's an essential read before Karma. I just re-read it. Also dump Philip Salon. He sounds just awful. If you like the Boy you will love The Boy by the end of Karma. If you already love the boy it will take some time to get this new version of the Boy in your head but he's got a lovely outlook on life now and comes off as very sweet. It's wonderful. We've all grown up. Your career has lasted 40 years and you're still here. BRAVO!Madonna is doing a tour with really deep cuts. I've seen it and the audience really isn't engaged but she tells her story and actually talks about her life between songs. You could so do this. Slip some of your solo songs in-between the hits. Again the Beacon NYC went nuts for Bow Down Mister. MORE MORE NORE!!! Tour NYC, Philly or Pittsburgh. I can catch you in all three cites.Long may the Boy reign! XXXOOO Andrew P

Ho già letto il libro in inglese e lo comprerò e rileggerò in italiano. È un emozionante viaggio nella vita di Boy George, non solo l' artista dai molteplici talenti ma anche e soprattutto la persona. George si mette a nudo con onestà, raccontando i momenti belli e quelli difficili di una vita comunque straordinaria. Racconta di come ha saputo rialzarsi, lavorando su se stesso, affrontando e superando le proprie paure e fragilità anche attraverso la spiritualità. Una lettura consigliata, un bel messaggio che ci esorta ad amare ed accettare noi stessi e gli altri e ad essere autenticamente umani.

Boy George's autobiography captivated me through a sleepless night; it was impossible to put down. His storytelling is a seamless blend of calm, wit, and self-awareness, tied together with an unwavering commitment to a happier, hate-free existence that I found truly inspiring. His book is a treasure trove for anyone grappling with life's pains and difficulties - whether in love, their career, or day-to-day life - offering solace and actionable wisdom. Not all rosy, but insightful for those dealing with love, money woes, or self-worth struggles. A must-read for talented souls outside showbiz, too.What stands out is Boy George's unapologetic embrace of his identity. Beside his multitalents, work ethic, being a considerate, self-reflective and not a hateful person, he's also eccentric, edgy, flawed, contradictory, and self-obsessed, as a product of his unique experiences, family, societal backdrop, and own decisions. Yet, there's an undercurrent of empathy and love in his sharp analysis of both himself and others, affirming the right of every person to their humanity. The audiobook, narrated by Boy George himself, complete with his laughs, jokes, and two brandnew beautiful songs never heard before (Suddenly I'm wiser and Religion), conveys this impression more strongly than the printed book.George shares with readers how he has navigated challenging situations, how he's worked to improve himself as a person and artist, overcome fears, and embraced a peaceful state of being through spiritual practices. He strives to eschew blaming others for life's obstacles, urging himself to adopt a broader perspective and confront his own limitations and imperfections head-on. He champions the idea that hope and the pursuit of personal growth are timeless pursuits.For me, a poignant takeaway is the book's affirmation of the inherent value in being authentically human. Boy George's primary message - one of attaining happiness and self-improvement through self-awareness and self-acceptance - resonates deeply. His life is a reminder that the multifaceted nature of our journeys, with all their trials and triumphs, shapes who we are, and that there's profound strength in embracing this complexity.

This book is fantastic. I read George’s first book many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s beautifully written. If you love Boy George do yourself a favour and read this book.s