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| Life with My Sister Madonna | 
 enlarge | Authors: Christopher Ciccone, Wendy Leigh
Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
Category: Book
List Price: $26.00
Buy New: $11.95
You Save: $14.05 (54%)
New (53) Used (32) Collectible (1) from $5.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  194 reviews
Sales Rank: 4182
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 352
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.4
ISBN: 1416587624
Dewey Decimal Number: 782.42166092
EAN: 9781416587620
ASIN: 1416587624
Publication Date: July 14, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: New - Never Read, 1st Edition
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| Customer Reviews:
 Candid and insightful October 14, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
While I generally don't read celeb-bashing books, this one was quite candid. It is clear from the first paragraph of the intimate closeness that Chris has shared with M., and how it evolved more so over time. At times I felt like I was reading over someone's private letters, the details too delicate, perhaps better left between the two of them. And I was angered as well, mostly at her, for it is not just Chris's view of his sister that has tarnished her image--she has also done it many a time herself.
She comes across as a control freak, every piece of work that her brother has done for her has been at the expense of himself. Her relationship with him begins well, but over time it degrades as she must exact more and more terms of her favor over him.
His guilt perhaps lies in the fact that he has become too needy, and his life has become too enmeshed with hers to the point that to remain in her shadow, outside of her court is to be penniless. He has become a people-pleaser when it comes to her, and her incessant need to know the particulars of his life, to insist over time that he needs rehab when it is proven he does not, the only recourse one can expect from such a toxic relationship is extrication from it. I can't find fault in him for writing this, it's been a long time coming.
 What's It Feels Like For a Brother of a Material Girl October 11, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I first saw this tome at Barnes & Nobles and actually resisted getting it. Considering it was written by her "beloved" brother Christopher, it must be one posterior smooching session. When I read the reviews on Amazon about how this book was a hatchet job on the Queen Bitch herself that I have to grab my own copy, and read it all within two days (hey, I've got a job, PEOPLE!).
It seems Chris has a tale to tell. The book itself re-affirmed what we know or suspected about Lady M herself: a tight-waded, egocentric, calculating, publicity-hungry harpy who is one step away from flying around in a broom. Well, to a Madonna fanatic, the fact that she IS one and the sheer spectacle of her being one and getting away with it with impunity is one of the secrets of her success.
On the other hand, one cannot help but sympathized with Christopher on how Madonna used and abused him, and there are several examples of Madonna's behavior that I cannot excuse in anybody...like having her sister Paula pay her own way to her wedding to Guy Ritchie? How tacky is THAT?
As for Christopher himself, as many other reviewers have pointed out, he is no doubt talented, and with friends with Demi, Gwyneth, Kate, Naomi, etc. etc., he can't parlay that into a career of his own? In the business side of thing, Madonna is the one who did all the real hard work: writing songs, photo shoots, video shoots, singing and dancing in tours and promotional appearances, endless sessions in the recording studios. It seems in the end, Chris just expected his sister to keep throwing him a bone.
Also, I agree with other reviewers that Mr. Ciccone downplayed his own drug use. The fact that he bragged about doing a "key line" with Jack Nicholson and lamented flushing into the toilet the "finest" grade of coke (as a non-user I wouldn't know to save my life) he's ever had, and actually showed Courtney Love how to do coke, I'd say Madonna's suspicions have some legitimate basis. And the fact that he is always broke...as in Prince's song "Pop Life", I think Chris' money went up into his nostrils.
Overall, this book is entertaining and fun. In the end, Madonna may be the "bad girl" here, but don' tell me Chris himself isn't totally blameless. It hasn't change my status being a Madonna lunatic. After I watched Truth or Dare, I came to the realization that while I will always enjoy her music, videos and concerts, I wouldn't want to know her personally. My relationship with Mrs. Ritchie is like millions of others...we pay and she entertains. A fair exchange, I'd say. Any dirt on her personal life is just a little bonus to amuse us all.
Biotrash Fabulousness October 8, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
As a professionale crap reviewer (google jackie jones and no, I am not the jazz singer in Chicago but isn't she great!!!), I have this to say...
Christopher Ciccone is a brat. A talented brat. But say, if EYE wrote a bio on my step sisters, Bette, Joan, and Lana, I would be ashamed! Ashamed! But thank GOD my painting's sold.
Probably the best dirt since Mommy Dearest and Cheryl Crane. Totally worth it.
jj
Specially fror big time fans October 5, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is "can't put down" is you are a total Madonna fan, many small details behind the big superstar, nothing that you wouldn't imagine but lots of confirmations about the cold blooded diva. Madonna devotes herself to becoming her own brand and makes it at whatever price, over family or friends... yet to know if there is another way of becoming an icon, i personally don't think so. A big price for big stardom. And yes it is so lonely at the top!
 NOTHING SURPRISING October 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
THANKFULLY I PICKED THIS BOOK UP AT THE LIBRARY, OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE CONSIDERED IT A WASTE OF MONEY.
THERE WAS NO INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK THAT SURPRISED ME ABOUT MADONNA.SHE IS A SELF-PROCLAIMED CONTROL FREAK AND MISER. AFTER FINISHING THE BOOK I COULDN'T FEEL SORRY FOR CHRISTOPHER AT ALL. HE ALLOWED MADONNA TO WALK ALL OVER HIM DURING THIER ENTIRE RELATIONSHIP. I'M STILL NOT SURE WHY HE NEVER STOOD HIS GROUND. WAS IT HIS LOVE FOR MADONNA, FEAR OF MADONNA, OR HIS LOVE OF THE GLAMOROUS LIFE MADONNA AFFORDED HIM TO LIVE?
CHRISTOPHER SOUNDS MORE LIKE A DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEE, WHO TOOTS HIS HORN ENTIRELY TOO MUCH.THE NAME DROPPING GETS A LITTLE ANNOYING ALSO.
MAYBE SHE GOT TIRED OF HIS EXPECTATIONS OF HER AND JUST THREW IN THE TOWEL.
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