Shattered Love: A Memoir

I was a bit disappointed, but have always loved watching Richard Chamberlain so just had to read this. The best thing is that he is a happy man and you can tell he worked to find & sustain his happiness.

A boring book, my experience with autobiographies, no one wants to kiss and tell, although that. Would make for a more interesting book, I prefer biographies much more enjoyable, although I adore Richard!s acting ability, he was the KING OF THE MINI SERIES, for you kids out there, watch THORN BIRDS!!

I have loved Richard Chamberlain since he was "Dr. Kildare" with all my heart. He actually saved my life without ever knowing it.

It is my hope that he continues to play the romantic leads that I love to see him in, as well as anything else, since he is a very good, winning, relaxed, and talented actor, on the order of Bing Crosby, due much to his speech patterns, and gentle demeanor. What female could help, but melt, even in his screen presence. I wish Richard and Martin the very best, whatever they wish for themselves, long and healthy lives, and another dog like Buster, if they so choose.

Being a very private person, however, has not allowed Richard to go beyond the most superficial accounting of chronological events in his life. It describes his father more than any other character, including himself. The book tells way less about the kind of man Richard truly is than the episode in which he played on "Desperate Housewives." In fact, it tells nothing other than that he suffered inner turmoil about how to please others, and that he was having an identity crisis, weren't we all? Two, or three sentences can sum up the content of the book. It would have been worth the money with lots more pictures. I have the feeling that the book was more therapeutic for Richard than anything else.

There are always some famous people, who because we love them in one genre, will be followed wherever they believe their talents lead them, ie; J.K.Rowling. Hence, fans have bought this book because Richard Chamberlain wrote it. I think we thought there were going to be revelations about Richard's past broken relationships. It is what the title leads one to expect.

Richard has always been very politically correct, and considerate with and about others, especially his fans. One can see that when he gives interviews. Never a truly revealing word in any instance. This book is more of the same in that it is not a memoir, but lots of superficial musings. I was disappointed, hoping to learn just a little more information about my favorite person in the world.

Disappointed that about every other page had such light print that I had to take a magnifying glass to read some of the pages. When I finally got one that was the normal "black" it was just fine. Whoever printed the novel should have had someone checking the printing.

Hello Richard.... unfortunately I missed you when you played Dr. Kildare in sixties...as I was living in Europe ( in Prague where I was born) I came to Canada in 1968.... and since then I watch many of your movies, series and you must know that there is no woman who did not fell in love with you.... and for that you should be proud of yourself and your absolutely fine accomplishment and you devotion to acting... I did not know that you love painting .... I do so myself....

as you said your life was very complicated and sad and I am so sorry to read about it... But you still pull through and found love which gave you satisfaction in your otherwise complicated life.... stay strong.. and be happy.... that should make a whole...
I know I have suffered so many illnesses in my life and pulled through only because I believe in myself and my strong zest for the life and my family.... Fortunately I had a very kind parents and most of my grandparents died in war so I can have a better life ... wish many people will remember that..... I visited Berlin and Terezin and Lidice few years back so I can see the place my parent risked their lives by delivering food for the prisioners.... sad sad place....

12 years ago I had tripple by-pass complicated by 3 strokes and my heart is living only on 2/3 and I am still kicking and I am proud I can tell you my favor actor something about me.... I admire you, and love everything you have done for the other people in your life.... God Bless ,.... and yes it was cold in Canada when you filmed the movie about Raising to the Pole.... what about minus 50.... that was the temperature in Canada in winter 1968/1969 when I came to this lovely country.... xoxoxoxoxooxox I love walking my son's dog Bogey ( after Humphrey Boghart movie " Maltese falcon") Bogey is part of maltese and part of yorkshire.....
I am very greatfull that after all these years I have admired you I can tell you how I fell about you not only as an actor but as a kind human being.... xoxooxxoo

This book broke my heart, because I learned things about my life-long heartthrob that I didn't know, and some things that I knew, but still had trouble with. He is truly the most gifted actor I have ever seen, on any screen, and is a terrific author as well. He has a sense of integrity and class you don't see much anymore.

I couldn't finish this book. I think Richard should stick to acting. He just went on and on.....and on. He seemed to be trying to impress us with his vocabulary but I am a firm believer in simple, honest, get-to-the-point definitions, I think he needs to either get real or perform with a script. I didn't want therapy. I wanted to know the man.

Clearly spirituality is important to Mr. Chamberlain but the entire book seemed to revolve around it. I was more interested in his life. It appears he identifies himself with his spirituality more than anything. Just wasn't interesting to me.

Interesting at first when he wrote about his life but then he got into his deep feelings concerning different issues & the psychology of those feelings. He lost me & I was bored & went to something more interesting. Like murder thrillers.

I wanted to hear more about his life, rather than be preached at. It is so obvious how self absorbed he is, still, after all his "enlightenment ". When he described his partner, Martin, being almost fatally ill, it sounded as if he were describing a bee sting....ho hum...
If I were Martin, I would not have reconciled with Mr Ego Maniac.

I had the great privilege of knowing Richard's parents, and liking & loving them very much, so hearing them portrayed in such a crude & shallow way was particularly disheartening to me.
They were truly great people, & in their lifetimes helped literally thousands of people.
In reading this book, I believe Richard transmitted the very best of both Chuck & Elsa when he described his own spirituality.
In this case the " Apple didn't fall far from the tree."
I only wish Richard would have clapped the other hand, & let us see what I'm sure is his deep love for his folks.

Shattered Love:- A Memoir: I barely remember watching Richard Chamberlain in his Dr. Kildare series. I became enthralled with him though after watching The Thorn Birds in 1983. This mini-series was aired again recently, and I was quite surprised by my reaction to Richard Chamberlain, the amazingly handsome man that he still is. I then decided to read his memoir, without expectations. I already knew of his sexual orientation.

His book reveals a traumatic childhood over-shadowed by an alcoholic father, events of his film and stage career, but I was left wanting more. The book reads like the first Thorn Birds mini-series, with big gaps of years and details that I believe a true Chamberlain fan would want to know about. I didn't expect the private details of his personal life, but I was left disappointed at the end of his memoir. Without judgement, I respect Mr. Chamberlain as a human-being. Actors and other celebrities are too often held to an impossible higher standard of reputation and life-style choices. I would like to see the 'Missing Years' of this memoir.

I wanted to hear more about his life, rather than be preached at. It is so obvious how self absorbed he is, still, after all his "enlightenment ". When he described his partner, Martin, being almost fatally ill, it sounded as if he were describing a bee sting....ho hum...
If I were Martin, I would not have reconciled with Mr Ego Maniac.

I had the great privilege of knowing Richard's parents, and liking & loving them very much, so hearing them portrayed in such a crude & shallow way was particularly disheartening to me.
They were truly great people, & in their lifetimes helped literally thousands of people.
In reading this book, I believe Richard transmitted the very best of both Chuck & Elsa when he described his own spirituality.
In this case the " Apple didn't fall far from the tree."
I only wish Richard would have clapped the other hand, & let us see what I'm sure is his deep love for his folks.

Shattered Love:- A Memoir: I barely remember watching Richard Chamberlain in his Dr. Kildare series. I became enthralled with him though after watching The Thorn Birds in 1983. This mini-series was aired again recently, and I was quite surprised by my reaction to Richard Chamberlain, the amazingly handsome man that he still is. I then decided to read his memoir, without expectations. I already knew of his sexual orientation.

His book reveals a traumatic childhood over-shadowed by an alcoholic father, events of his film and stage career, but I was left wanting more. The book reads like the first Thorn Birds mini-series, with big gaps of years and details that I believe a true Chamberlain fan would want to know about. I didn't expect the private details of his personal life, but I was left disappointed at the end of his memoir. Without judgement, I respect Mr. Chamberlain as a human-being. Actors and other celebrities are too often held to an impossible higher standard of reputation and life-style choices. I would like to see the 'Missing Years' of this memoir.

There are many different aspects to this rich memoir. Chamberlain shares the pain of his childhood, growing up with an intimidating, perfectionistic, alcoholic father. It is a relationship that will haunt him for much of his life. In his early years, Richard, never a particularly good student, began leaning toward the arts. In his freshman year at college, he was persuaded to try out for a part in a play.
Even though he later reaches great heights in his professional career as a TV and movie star, he struggles with lack of self-esteem, as well as nagging homosexual desires.
It is inspiring to see how he comes to terms with these issues, as well as finding his long-term lover, Martin. Together, they make a good life in Hawaii.
With time and effort, Chamberlain blossoms into a self-accepting,,highly-evolved, spiritual human being. Ironically, his father eventually got sober, and became an influential member of AA. Not that this awakening included a realization of the damage he'd inflicted on his family.
Yet, fortunately for all involved, Chamberlain, when in his late forties, gained the wisdom and maturity to forgive his father.
There are many entertaining anecdotes of his interactions with other famous actors and celebrities. Plus he gives us a behind-the-scenes tour of his blockbuster TV series, "The Thorn Birds," and "Shogun."
He relates the pleasures of working with such notables as Barbara Stanwyck, in "The Thorn Birds." A consummate professional, she was usually unflappable. Except during a scene with Chamberlain, as Dr. Ralph. He'd been caught in a rainstorm and stripped off his wet clothes. She flubbed her lines, then murmered, "Well, it's been a very long time since I've stood next to a naked man."
This is an excellent, layered memoir, which captures the grace and elegance of this fine actor, who, to his credit, has managed to maintain his dignity and a semblance of privacy, even under the prying eyes of the entertainment industry. Highly recommended!

I was somewhat disappointed with this autobiography, as Mr. Chamberlain is seemingly reluctant to giving a more in depth look at coming out in the Hollywood era of classic television and films in the 1960s. Being Dr. Kildare in the day when he was the hottest property on TV, I hoped for more information about what it was like, but then, that is my thinking not the authors. It was a good read, however, but not great as was Tab Hunter's.

I have admired Richard Chamberlain since I was 13 and have always kept an eye on his career. I was so excited to learn that he had written an autobiography and expected that it would be well-written and interesting. Of course, once I read the book, I saw it was much more than that. It was enlightening, thoughtful, spirtual, and extremely honest. As a writer myself, I know how difficult the writing process is--and to open yourself up and write the truth is quite a feat. I chuckled when I read the part about Richard's admiration for Noel Coward and his feelings when actually meeting him, because it reminded me so much of myself thinking that "celebrities" are any different than anyone else.
This book was just so wonderful. Richard truly shared his revelations and awakenings that took place over the course of his career. He is still learning and growing and looking at life in such a positive light, even though his childhood and relationship with his father was less than desirable. I think his descriptions of how he was constantly perpetuating the "image" of the "perfect Richard" while secretly falling apart inside is so true for so many people. To read how he overcame this and was able to be successful was totally inspiring.
The book did touch on his homesexuality and his long-term relationship with Martin, but that wasn't the focus, just part of it. The media advertised this book as his "coming out," memoir, but really, that is such an insignificant part of this book and means absolutely nothing. The book is simply an honest memoir written by a man who is experiencing his life journey just like everyone else.

Although Richard Chamberlain was well past his prime by the time I discovered his TV miniseries work (such as The Thorn Birds), I always admired him. He was the appitomy of the handsome prince on a white horse, and still is for so many women. I always knew he was gay, and at age 69 he finally came out not too long ago. It wasn't exactly a surprise, it had been whispered about for years, but it didn't seem to affect his career in a negative light, even in his prime when he was denying it.

I have always admired people who have overcome terrible obsticles or battled tremendous odds to overcome things. This book was a spiritual journey as much as it was a biography, telling of his rough childhood in an alcoholic home to his sexuality to his success as an actor. I think a majority of people picked up his book not because they wanted to read about his accomplishments in life, but about The Dirt on Hollywood. Who did he have to sleep with or preform for to get those plumb roles? But, he doesn't say. He's a gentleman. He doesn't even see his being gay as a polical issue, it's just another fascet of his personality. Maybe that's the whole point, right?

It was very interesting to read about his childhood and his life in general. I felt he could have elaborated more on his relationship with his Mother and Brother after going out on his own.
He focused much too much on all the phylosophical stuff and the spiritual seminars; I suppose they were important to him, but it made for long stretches of mundane and boring reading.

In his memoir, Richard Chamberlain describes the early feelings of inadequacy and need for love that lead him into acting, his break-through role as "Dr. Kildare" and later success in Shogun and The Thorn Birds, but the book is mostly about his spiritual journey, especially his experience with transcendental meditation.

Chamberlain comes across as an intellectual and well-spoken man; unfortunately, I found his endless discourses on meditation and the essence of Truth and Love confusing and repetitive. I was expecting more about his acting career. The book contains many professional and personal photos.

Richard Chamberlain has always possessed an unusual aura of grace, radiance, and tranquility about him. It is an aura that many fans have been drawn to, and found very appealing. But as Richard candidly reveals in "Shattered Love," this outward persona effectively hid a much deeper sense of personal unworthiness, and persistent unhappiness.

To an outsider looking in, Richard Chamberlain, the immensely popular star of "Dr. Kildare," had little to be unhappy about. He was tall, slim, and extraordinarily handsome, with a legion of female fans who idolized him. He was personable and charming, and enjoyed great respect among his peers for his strong work ethic and unfailing professionalism. He was also extremely talented; he was a gifted actor, singer, painter, writer, and dancer. But boyhood insecurities, fed by his domineering and alcoholic father, and his own growing awareness of his homosexuality, continued to be his nemesis throughout adulthood. As Richard states in his book, he was a product of the conservative forties and fifties, and was as homophobic as anyone. He made a personal pact with himself to never reveal his shameful secret to anyone; it was a pact he would keep for many, many years.

In "Shattered Love," Richard Chamberlain provides us with an intimate and insightful look at the many struggles and successes that have shaped and colored his fascinating life. We read about the sensitive boy with the gentle spirit, and what it was like growing up under the stifling rule of his emotionally abusive, and self-aggrandizing father. We learn how, as a young adult trying to "please the crowd at all costs," Richard perfected the charming "All American Boy" persona that would be synonymous with his name for years to come. And when Hollywood comes knocking, we go along for the joyous ride, as an inexperienced and insecure actor is launched overnight into the intoxicating world of instant fame, celebrity, and financial success.

The author himself is a deeply spiritual and soul-searching man, who has looked to psychologists and spiritual teachers to guide him back from a life lived in fear, to a life transcended by love. Some of the philosophies that have been so helpful to Richard personally, and are presented here in his book, may not resonate or be understood by all of his readers. But even the most complex ideas are never offered with an "I HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS" attitude, or with the mindset of "IT'S MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY." Rather, this genuinely humble and warm-hearted actor simply offers up spiritual ideas to contemplate, that have proven instrumental to his own current state of self-contentment..........a state that he worked so long and tirelessly to achieve.

"Shattered Love" is an inspiring book, beautifully written with a sincere sense of joy, and heartfelt optimism. It is an emotionally honest rendition of the life and shortcomings of Richard Chamberlain--a man who strives to be open-hearted, but freely admits to being "absurdly judgmental" at times. Though normally an intensely private person, Mr. Chamberlain temporarily shelves that reputation with the publication of his book; a book that provides a rare glimpse into the gentle soul of the man behind the public image. What emerges from these pages is a picture of a man of uncommon class and grace........one who possesses an endearing sense of humility and graciousness about him. Though well into the sunset years of his career, Richard Chamberlain still enjoys tremendous personal popularity among fans throughout the world. After spending time reading "Shattered Love," it is easy to understand why he still generates so much genuine affection--his class and appeal are truly timeless.

I thoroughly enjoyed the contents of the book by Richard Chamberlain, Shattered Dreams. I fell in love with Richard when the played the role of Father Ralph in the Thornbirds so I had a strong desire to learn more about him in his book. His book not only focuses on the intricacies of being human but ultimately the many avenues and tools that have enabled him to enjoy life more deeply and spiritually. He also assured us that we are all "God" in the human form. I started the book yesterday and I finished this morning because the book was filled with so much knowledge and sharing of the joys and the difficulties of his journey. I am in my 60's, too. I could relate to the times when margarine had the little yellow spot in it for us to mix. I know when you reach this age that you are certainly cognizant of the fact that our journey here can end at any time. I feel that the content of his book is comparable to the life he has chosen to live in Hawaii-one of peace and gratification for all his divine blessings. I hope that Richard reads the review on the book. I feel like I know him now after reading his book, the harsh relationship with his father, his fears of letting the public know about his preference for a mate, his relationship with Martin, his love for his mother, and most of of his inherent skill as an actor and his determination to live his dream. I highly recommend Richard Chamberlain's book, Shattered Dreams. I wish him many more years of walking along the ocean as the sun goes down. Dolores F. Curry

Richard Chamberlain has written a wonderfully philosophical account of his life, which I found inspiring and uplifting. I know that, even if everyone on the planet were to read it, there still would be many for whom it would be meaningless or even sacriligious, but for those whose minds are not closed to new ways of thinking, it could be an eye-opener.
The title refers not at all to heartbreak, but rather to the author's spiritual beliefs that we are all part of the greater love which fills the universe - to say more would spoil his description, which you should read for yourelf!
I don't feel that Mr. Chamberlain's spiritual beliefs and the various religious beliefs in the world are necessarily mutually exclusive; instead, they can be an extension of almost any creed. That we and everything on earth are part of the divine order is a concept which can only help bring us together as a species. Even if only a few people see the potential in this way of thinking, it would be a step in the right direction, one in which we stop seeing our differences, and start respecting each other and the world we live in.
Don't be put off by the fact that this is not a gossipy memoir - Mr. Chamberlain writes in a very readable style, and weaves his own story seamlessly in with his beliefs. This is a model of what a biography should be: not just a record of events in a life, but also a true examination of the heart and soul of a man.

The man Mr Kinder ( ironic name for being so judgemental ) should remember that if Chamberlin had been honest in the 60's he would have had no career -even if he had more recently. Even today if a major star came out ( a romantic star rather than a comic like Rosie or Nathan Lane) he probably wouldnt have a career. Its easy to judge when you are on the sidelines. He didnt have to come out now so lets give him some credit.( for example, Raymond Burr never came out and Rock Hudson only did because of contracting AIDS)Though I think people should come out, I think we should respect people's choices and their right to make them.

Richard Chamberlain's book reveals a man with the heart and soul of a poet and a writer who is capable at both of his crafts of acting as well as writing. This book was very worth my time, and I can give no higher compliement. I intend to read it several times. I recommend it to anyone who in these troubled times is searching for meaning and peace, as well as anyone interested about what a person in the public eye experiences and/or must endure.

I anxiously awaited this book. Coming-out novels are usually poignant memoirs of the trials associated with living in the closet. How disappointed I was to find very little about R.C.'s experiences in Hollywood. Rather than a tell-all story of one man's journey to freedom, Shattered Love is merely a vehicle for R.C. to repeatedly discuss his pantheistic beliefs. The book belongs more in the self-help section than in the biography area.

When I received my copy of SHATTERED LOVE, I read it with much interest of my dear friend's expose of his double-sided, fence sitting life. It is a psychological, spiritual journey of Richard's views on God, love and forgiveness as he learned the truth behind the illusion that he presented. From all of the worlds's spiritual teachers, he learned from in the past 25 years, Richard weaves his own philosphy of trying to achieve divine enlightenment as he states "self discovery is the very essence of a life worth living." He believes the center of NOW of WHAT IS currently happening. One of his paintings has this theme. Like a butterfly ever changing and growing, Richard seeks his spiritual soul where GOD and Love live inside and learn to radiate outward. As Moni moved in and took gradual control, Richard fell into a blind maze and lost his soul. Uncomfortable and forever searching, he can be either intimately focused or coldly aloof. By all standards Richard is a remarkable man of many talents in acting, painting, singing, playing the piano and now writing his own insightful book. It could have had more of his childhood and other things that we already knew about but something is missing. There is a gap that was left out. Since Martin had input and has control, the book is stilted omitting some of Richard's life before him. The book does reflect that Richard's career came first above everthing else with his fears of work not coming, his indesiveness to commitment and his life is an empty void. On the Today show interview, Richard did mention the many girl friends that he had over the years and cared deeply about such as Clara, Yvette, Linda, Joan etc. If you want to read the other side of Richard, read LIFE'S POTPOURRI. Truly, Richard IS Father Ralph. All in all, Richard's book is a delightful read not only about himself but also what the journey of life to obtain enlightenment of one's soul that he is trying to restore and find. May Richard truly find yet GOD's wisdom and understanding of how to live one's life more fully despite missing out on love given.

I totally respect Richard Chamberlain for coming out of the closet. Most stars of his generation and age usually die before it is talked about openly. (Think Raymond Burr) It is great he feels comfortable enough to "come out" and I applaud him.
This book, however, is totally misrepresented by the description on the book jacket and even on this website. This is NOT a book full of information on Richard's career and experiences. This is really a new age self help book about how to get over being angry with your family and being at peace with yourself.
Due to the fact that Richard fills every chapeter with his ruminations on love, sense of self and spirituality the true stories of his life never get explained. Everything in his life is still at "arm's length" for the reader.
For example he tells how much he loves Martin but never really explains in detail how they met, how it felt to fall in love, the details of their romance or potential problems. You don't get any sense of who Martin is at all. I got more info looking at his picture in the book than anything Richard says.
Richard has worked with so many interesting people and legends it was unfortunate he shares so litte of it all. All he says about the "Thorn Birds" is really that Rachel Ward is lovely and Barbra Stanwyck a hard worker. Less info than I would get from an issue of People magazine.
I definately think that if you are looking for a new age spirituality book or trying to deal with getting over a bad family situation this book could be helful. For everyone else who wants to read an autobiography I would skip this book.
I respect Richard and the fact he came out but I wish he would have spent more time talking about his life and less about the beautiful scenery and/or his spirituality.
He used to have a "mask" hiding behind his straight leading man image. Now he is using the "mask" of new age dogma to again reveal very little of who he is.

Richard Chamberlain's memoirs of his career and his spiritual awakening are all fine, but the book did not elaborate on the internal and external struggles that he (and all gay and lesbian people) experienced in dealing with accepting his homosexuality.
It's hard to believe that he experienced heterosexual sex ONCE (while in Japan) and then met his only domestic partner approximately 20 years later...No sexual encounters other than these two experiences....???? I don't want details but I would have been able to identify with the book more had there been a more gay view than spiritualistic view presented in the book.
I'm reading Billy Bean's book now (just started it today) and it expounds more of the internal and external conflicts of gays in the closet and their struggle for acceptance upon "coming out."

This book was jammed with filler by Richard Chamberlain spouting all his philosophical ideas. He evidently did not lead much of a life as he told very little of it in this book.I tried to read his philosophies of life, but it was just too boring. I was able to skip over that dreck and read about his life, which just wasn't all that interesting. Too bad, I thought he would offer more.

As memoirs go, this one is pretty bad--Chamberlain fills the pages with spiritual psychobabble, putting up a fake front to keep the reader from truly getting to know him. He admits in the early pages that he feels he is above others and has the need to put on a false self, trying to reveal some of his inner thoughts, but along the way he gets sidetracked by meditation, LSD, mediums and other New Age experiences that he claims put him in touch with the universe. He lost me when he claimed that God is as much in a tree as He is in a human.

There is almost nothing in the book about his early career--he skips through Dr. Kildare in a couple paragraphs and summarizes a slew of movies in a couple sentences. There is more detail about the mini-series but not enough. Pretty much every actress he worked with is lavished with hyped praise. But he rarely gives meaningful stories of the people he worked with and he makes sure to cover up any private details about his personal life before his permanent boyfriend.

There are times the book is just plain boring, such as describing international trips with his male lover. To simply state the facts of where you stayed or ate does not make for interesting reading! It's nice that he could afford multiple homes and spend most of his life in Hawaii but he makes his life seem downright mundane (which it may very well be).

In the end Chamberlain is a very sad, self-centered person who blames his ills on his formerly alcoholic father. The problem is that dad turned his own life around through AA when Richard was young and dad is actually is the one who helped Richard start his career through setting up a key meeting. Chamberlain refuses to focus on the positive things in his dad's life and instead seems stuck in the bitter child-of-an-alcoholic syndrome. While the actor's words say he is now happy and at peace, it's obvious that he really is still that sad little boy who still wants to be loved.

I truly enjoyed this Memoir by Richard Chamberlain. I loved the way he took us through his entire life, not only as an a actor but how he has evolved to be the person he is today. The people he admired as well as those who really had touched his life whether it be a positive or negative way. This book is a MUST READ for ALL Richard Chamberlain fans!!! You definately WON'T Be Sorry!!!

i bought this book believeing that i would find out more about Richard Chamberlain's personal life and loves, but this book disappointed me. It barely speaks about the man that has spent so many years by his side. It's more of a movie disography, more of his accomplishements in his career than his love life.

Moving, quite-frankly, taken from real life, a must-read for everone.
I warmly recommend it not just to Richard Chamberlain fans.
It should be found in any public library and translated for those who don't know or only know little English.
Readers won't just learn something of Richard's life but rather learn a great deal for themselves, too.
Mahalo nui loa Richard and Martin!

Although Richard Chamberlain is a person I admire, the book could have offered more.It was very enlightening about his childhood and I could sympathize with his battles through life. But all was too short. It was more a book about his spiritual beliefs which I enjoyed very much,but not much of a memoir of his life. I think another book would be welcomed Richard!

I cannot believe this book actually has gotten a few positive reviews. I gave this two stars instead of one, because it's not terrible writing. It's just that I doubt that anyone but the most die-hard RC fan would be interested in it, anyone else shouldn't bother.

When an actor comes out of the closet in the middle of a thriving career, then I will be impressed, NOT when it's near the end (or in this case, mostly over).

There is no insight about what it was like working while hiding that part of one's life. And if I were his life partner and got such a paltry mention, I'd leave him! The rest of it is random musings that wouldn't matter to most people.

If you want an alternative recommendation, get the graphic novel anthalogy "American Splendor." Harvey Pekar worked as a file clerk all his life and managed to lead a more interesting one than famous mini-series star Richard. Go figure.

Richard finally admits that he is gay after lying to his fans and to himself for so long. That is one honest and courageous act that made me laughing out loud. Don't ever take his revelation as an example of a strong human being. Take it as a example of a weak human character.
If you really want to learn what honesty and courage are, and how to be true to yourself and to others, please read Damages by Bazhe. This is a book that would change your live and make you strong, confident, and proud of yourself as an human being.