I am in Australia and Amazon informed me delivery has been delayed

Ill be checking in...so far everyone who HAS read it has only good things to say...according to my facebook feed ...

Strawberrylova123 said:

NotACleverName said:

Strawberrylova123 said: I believe it's clear that this thread will only convey positive thoughts, opinions, discussion about the book. Probably best you scoot along....

once I checked the post says we can discuss ANYTHING, EVERYTHING about the book. whats the point of having a book club if a person can't discuss their personal feelings towards a book. I'm not a mayte hater at all but this book...

Yes you can. Opinions welcome.

OH NO! Hope there are no books in the Post Office truck waiting to be delivered!!

.

this happened here in KC

Where is the main post about the book? Is it hidden now?

purplethunder3121 said:

kmama07 said:

The other thread seems to have disappeared...

Uh, oh. Beware...

i downloaded the audible book through amazon.com and actually love it so far. there's something about hearing it in Mayte's voice that makes it more special. although the chronology skips around a bit (i'm only up to chapter four by the way) i really like it a lot.

Mayte is very talented, and her story is HER story, enjoyable to hear. it's quite funny in places, touching in others. i don't feel at all like she is "spilling the beans" or being in any way unsavory with the details of her experience. good job Mayte, big thumbs up!

XxAxX said:

i downloaded the audible book through amazon.com and actually love it so far. there's something about hearing it in Mayte's voice that makes it more special. although the chronology skips around a bit (i'm only up to chapter four by the way) i really like it a lot.

Mayte is very talented, and her story is HER story, enjoyable to hear. it's quite funny in places, touching in others. i don't feel at all like she is "spilling the beans" or being in any way unsavory with the details of her experience. good job Mayte, big thumbs up!

XxAxX, thank you for sharing. I'm reading the book (hard copy), but I think I may want to purchase the audiobook or check it out at the library. I'm also enjoying the book. I'm reading chapter 2, but I already read chapters 8, 9, and 10 first. Those are the chapters that go into depth about their marriage and Amiir. Her early life was pretty interesting. There was a lot of "chaos and disorder" in her early life and just as Prince channelled his energy into music, she channelled her energy into dancing.

PurpleGlitter said:

Where is the main post about the book? Is it hidden now?

It is gone. Some folks ruined it by flinging poo.

AnnaStesia91 said:

Read and finished today. A spotted a couple inaccuracies with years as most Prince fans will. All and all...I liked it. I knew P wasn't a saint and we all know he did her dirty at the end of their marriage. That's all I'll say for now. THIS IS NOT THE BOOK FOR YOU if you don't want to know some of his flaws. Period. This is not for the folks who swear he could do no wrong.

AnnaStesia91, I also spotted some inaccuracies with years. So far I like it. I want to know the truth about the man that we didn't get from his music, and she has filled in a lot of gaps for me, especially with what she wrote in chapters 8, 9, and 10. She appears to tell it like it is, for better or worse, but more for the better. From what I have read so far, she directs a lot more of her anger at people other than Prince. I'll leave it at that until I've read the entire book.

Amazon is filling up with Reviews on the Book....

So far...there are 11 and the overall rating is four stars..

Just posting this one here...THis person did a total turn around AFTER Reading the book...

Okay this will be long, but I have a lot to say about this book....

Let’s all take a moment.

Take a deep breath.

4 counts in. Hold it it. 4 counts out.

You good?

Okay.

Mayte Garcia is probably one of the most polarizing figures in the P universe.

We knew she was his first wife. Mother of his kids. They shared several tragedies. She was on a reality show. Things happened.

Not a ton of info about their time together other than what was heard on the grapevine...and OH what a grapevine it has been.

So informed by said grapevine, I came to this book full of side eye, salt, and envy if I can be completely honest here. Lump on the features in People magazine, I came with WHY?! Reading that absolutely tuned my stomach and I felt horrible for wanting to know such personal things.

But then I realized, I was reading this in People magazine, which isn’t the most credible source for information as they tend to be sensational most of time.

So I said to myself, I’ve read dozens upon dozens of Prince books and articles from former band mates, scholars, super fans, journalists, groupies, ex-girlfriends...why not read one by his first wife.

Also, if I want to speak about this book with any credibility, I have to read it.

And so I did.

Can I tell you that I had to eat every single judgmental thought I’ve ever had about her?

Can I tell you that she addresses pretty much every “why” question I had regarding her?

Can I tell you about the amount of self-awareness this woman has and perhaps even had during her time with Prince?

Can I tell you how surprised I was about how well written this book is? About how good of a story teller she is? About how my respect for her just as a woman skyrocketed?

Can I tell you how ashamed I was for being surprised about how well written this book is? About how good of a story teller she is? About how my respect for her just as a woman only skyrocketed after having read this?

Can I tell you that even at the sweetest moments with her and P, I did not have an IOTA of envy and was excited and happy that they were so in love?

Can I tell you how important context is when considering what people do and why they do it?

This book is about Mayte Garcia.

It's about HER life and when Prince enters it, it's still about HER life. When he exits...still about HER life.

I feel like I grew as a person by reading this, learning not to judge, and to look at myself and really consider the reasons why I react or get upset about things regarding P, or really just in general. I learned to address those things so I can be free to just absorb and appreciate other people’s life experience without placing my own projections onto it.

Not gonna lie, this is a VERY difficult book to read, especially leading up to the anniversary, not because of what’s in it (the info about Prince and his habits isn’t new if you’ve read Dance, Music, Sex, Romance by Per Nilsen or Possessed by Alex Hahn) but because of the emotionally raw place it comes from.

Everyone will stand in front of a huge mirror when it comes to this book. What you see in it will be very revealing of who you are as a person.

If you’re coming to it with an anti-mayte agenda and a point to prove, you will find evidence here that will corroborate what you think about her...because that is what you will want to find...and that is all that you will see.

If you’re coming with a set idea that Prince is a wonderful, loving, sexy and giving musical genius, you may be in for a disruptive experience that will humanize him in more ways you’re ready for (ESPECIALLY if you haven’t read the aforementioned books).

If you come with a general curiosity about him with no context about him otherwise, you will find it to be a depiction of a flawed genius...and maybe a few other not so nice judgements without having the context of his upbringing.

If you come with a critical, but open minded place of love4oneanother and really lean into this, really dig in and challenge yourself, your perceptions, your prejudices, your bias, you will find this book to be an incredibly DIFFICULT, but humbling and cathartic experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this deeply resonating and evocative journey. I came with a critical, but open minded mindset, had to reset my own feelings every few pages...then found that I didn’t have to anymore as I progressed through the book. I emerged with HUGE amounts of respect for Mayte, and yes Prince was humanized even more in a MAJOR way through her lens, even given that much of the info here isn’t new if you’ve been around.

It’s interesting in that he is in this book for sure, but this book is not about him at all. You still only get a glimpse of who he was. I found I still very much loved and wanted to protect the complex and human man that was depicted here (as much as you can a stranger). He is still a wonderful, loving, sexy, giving musical genius. Even at the most difficult points when he seemed to be only one of those things (lol), he was still transparent, pure of intent, and INCREDIBLY consistent in the way he dealt with really everything.

Whatever your perception of this book is, in reading it, you will be challenged deeply on the reasons why you are fam and you will have to face that truth in a VERY direct way. It will take some time to process and you should let this marinate for a minute while you do. Don’t be afraid of what might come up as you work it out. Let it wash over you and really do some self inventory...if you do this right, it can really be an amazingly healing ride. That was my experience and I hope you are able to free yourself so you can learn, grow, and heal from this journey as well.

Lovejunky said:

Amazon is filling up with Reviews on the Book....

So far...there are 11 and the overall rating is four stars..

Just posting this one here...THis person did a total turn around AFTER Reading the book...

Okay this will be long, but I have a lot to say about this book....

Let’s all take a moment.

Take a deep breath.

4 counts in. Hold it it. 4 counts out.

You good?

Okay.

Mayte Garcia is probably one of the most polarizing figures in the P universe.

We knew she was his first wife. Mother of his kids. They shared several tragedies. She was on a reality show. Things happened.

Not a ton of info about their time together other than what was heard on the grapevine...and OH what a grapevine it has been.

So informed by said grapevine, I came to this book full of side eye, salt, and envy if I can be completely honest here. Lump on the features in People magazine, I came with WHY?! Reading that absolutely tuned my stomach and I felt horrible for wanting to know such personal things.

But then I realized, I was reading this in People magazine, which isn’t the most credible source for information as they tend to be sensational most of time.

So I said to myself, I’ve read dozens upon dozens of Prince books and articles from former band mates, scholars, super fans, journalists, groupies, ex-girlfriends...why not read one by his first wife.

Also, if I want to speak about this book with any credibility, I have to read it.

And so I did.

Can I tell you that I had to eat every single judgmental thought I’ve ever had about her?

Can I tell you that she addresses pretty much every “why” question I had regarding her?

Can I tell you about the amount of self-awareness this woman has and perhaps even had during her time with Prince?

Can I tell you how surprised I was about how well written this book is? About how good of a story teller she is? About how my respect for her just as a woman skyrocketed?

Can I tell you how ashamed I was for being surprised about how well written this book is? About how good of a story teller she is? About how my respect for her just as a woman only skyrocketed after having read this?

Can I tell you that even at the sweetest moments with her and P, I did not have an IOTA of envy and was excited and happy that they were so in love?

Can I tell you how important context is when considering what people do and why they do it?

This book is about Mayte Garcia.

It's about HER life and when Prince enters it, it's still about HER life. When he exits...still about HER life.

I feel like I grew as a person by reading this, learning not to judge, and to look at myself and really consider the reasons why I react or get upset about things regarding P, or really just in general. I learned to address those things so I can be free to just absorb and appreciate other people’s life experience without placing my own projections onto it.

Not gonna lie, this is a VERY difficult book to read, especially leading up to the anniversary, not because of what’s in it (the info about Prince and his habits isn’t new if you’ve read Dance, Music, Sex, Romance by Per Nilsen or Possessed by Alex Hahn) but because of the emotionally raw place it comes from.

Everyone will stand in front of a huge mirror when it comes to this book. What you see in it will be very revealing of who you are as a person.

If you’re coming to it with an anti-mayte agenda and a point to prove, you will find evidence here that will corroborate what you think about her...because that is what you will want to find...and that is all that you will see.

If you’re coming with a set idea that Prince is a wonderful, loving, sexy and giving musical genius, you may be in for a disruptive experience that will humanize him in more ways you’re ready for (ESPECIALLY if you haven’t read the aforementioned books).

If you come with a general curiosity about him with no context about him otherwise, you will find it to be a depiction of a flawed genius...and maybe a few other not so nice judgements without having the context of his upbringing.

If you come with a critical, but open minded place of love4oneanother and really lean into this, really dig in and challenge yourself, your perceptions, your prejudices, your bias, you will find this book to be an incredibly DIFFICULT, but humbling and cathartic experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this deeply resonating and evocative journey. I came with a critical, but open minded mindset, had to reset my own feelings every few pages...then found that I didn’t have to anymore as I progressed through the book. I emerged with HUGE amounts of respect for Mayte, and yes Prince was humanized even more in a MAJOR way through her lens, even given that much of the info here isn’t new if you’ve been around.

It’s interesting in that he is in this book for sure, but this book is not about him at all. You still only get a glimpse of who he was. I found I still very much loved and wanted to protect the complex and human man that was depicted here (as much as you can a stranger). He is still a wonderful, loving, sexy, giving musical genius. Even at the most difficult points when he seemed to be only one of those things (lol), he was still transparent, pure of intent, and INCREDIBLY consistent in the way he dealt with really everything.

Whatever your perception of this book is, in reading it, you will be challenged deeply on the reasons why you are fam and you will have to face that truth in a VERY direct way. It will take some time to process and you should let this marinate for a minute while you do. Don’t be afraid of what might come up as you work it out. Let it wash over you and really do some self inventory...if you do this right, it can really be an amazingly healing ride. That was my experience and I hope you are able to free yourself so you can learn, grow, and heal from this journey as well.

POST EDITED ON 4/5/2017:

Love Junky,

I wish I could cut and paste something that I wrote on part 2 of the official thread about The Most Beautiful. Since that thread has been removed, I will repeat something that I wrote as best I can.

There were some individuals who were attacking Mayte because they felt that she was going to tarnish Prince's legacy with this book. I made this point: Because a big part of Mayte's life and identity is tied to Prince and a lot of her supporters are Prince fans, it would not be in Mayte's interest to tarnish Prince's legacy. Why would she want to say things in the book that would cause her to become alienated from friends of Prince as well as his family and estate? I recall predicting that while she would be critical at times, what she wrote would not tarnish his legacy.

I totally agree that she humanizes him in the book. Her description of him as a father, on p. 209, is absolutely touching, and it is something that only she could share.

[Edited 4/5/17 6:47am]

I'm in too! Have my book in hand. Looking forward to it.

206 Michelle..

I think you misread my post...

I didnt write the Purple words...they are copied from the AMAZON book review...

and No..

Ive never been critical of Mayte...the only comment I made about her was in reference to something she was quoted as saying.

If you go to the Amazon Book page, you will find ALL posative comments written by people who have purchased and read the book...

206Michelle said:

Lovejunky said:

Amazon is filling up with Reviews on the Book....

So far...there are 11 and the overall rating is four stars..

Just posting this one here...THis person did a total turn around AFTER Reading the book...

Okay this will be long, but I have a lot to say about this book....

Let’s all take a moment.

Take a deep breath.

4 counts in. Hold it it. 4 counts out.

You good?

Okay.

Mayte Garcia is probably one of the most polarizing figures in the P universe.

We knew she was his first wife. Mother of his kids. They shared several tragedies. She was on a reality show. Things happened.

Not a ton of info about their time together other than what was heard on the grapevine...and OH what a grapevine it has been.

So informed by said grapevine, I came to this book full of side eye, salt, and envy if I can be completely honest here. Lump on the features in People magazine, I came with WHY?! Reading that absolutely tuned my stomach and I felt horrible for wanting to know such personal things.

But then I realized, I was reading this in People magazine, which isn’t the most credible source for information as they tend to be sensational most of time.

So I said to myself, I’ve read dozens upon dozens of Prince books and articles from former band mates, scholars, super fans, journalists, groupies, ex-girlfriends...why not read one by his first wife.

Also, if I want to speak about this book with any credibility, I have to read it.

And so I did.

Can I tell you that I had to eat every single judgmental thought I’ve ever had about her?

Can I tell you that she addresses pretty much every “why” question I had regarding her?

Can I tell you about the amount of self-awareness this woman has and perhaps even had during her time with Prince?

Can I tell you how surprised I was about how well written this book is? About how good of a story teller she is? About how my respect for her just as a woman skyrocketed?

Can I tell you how ashamed I was for being surprised about how well written this book is? About how good of a story teller she is? About how my respect for her just as a woman only skyrocketed after having read this?

Can I tell you that even at the sweetest moments with her and P, I did not have an IOTA of envy and was excited and happy that they were so in love?

Can I tell you how important context is when considering what people do and why they do it?

This book is about Mayte Garcia.

It's about HER life and when Prince enters it, it's still about HER life. When he exits...still about HER life.

I feel like I grew as a person by reading this, learning not to judge, and to look at myself and really consider the reasons why I react or get upset about things regarding P, or really just in general. I learned to address those things so I can be free to just absorb and appreciate other people’s life experience without placing my own projections onto it.

Not gonna lie, this is a VERY difficult book to read, especially leading up to the anniversary, not because of what’s in it (the info about Prince and his habits isn’t new if you’ve read Dance, Music, Sex, Romance by Per Nilsen or Possessed by Alex Hahn) but because of the emotionally raw place it comes from.

Everyone will stand in front of a huge mirror when it comes to this book. What you see in it will be very revealing of who you are as a person.

If you’re coming to it with an anti-mayte agenda and a point to prove, you will find evidence here that will corroborate what you think about her...because that is what you will want to find...and that is all that you will see.

If you’re coming with a set idea that Prince is a wonderful, loving, sexy and giving musical genius, you may be in for a disruptive experience that will humanize him in more ways you’re ready for (ESPECIALLY if you haven’t read the aforementioned books).

If you come with a general curiosity about him with no context about him otherwise, you will find it to be a depiction of a flawed genius...and maybe a few other not so nice judgements without having the context of his upbringing.

If you come with a critical, but open minded place of love4oneanother and really lean into this, really dig in and challenge yourself, your perceptions, your prejudices, your bias, you will find this book to be an incredibly DIFFICULT, but humbling and cathartic experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this deeply resonating and evocative journey. I came with a critical, but open minded mindset, had to reset my own feelings every few pages...then found that I didn’t have to anymore as I progressed through the book. I emerged with HUGE amounts of respect for Mayte, and yes Prince was humanized even more in a MAJOR way through her lens, even given that much of the info here isn’t new if you’ve been around.

It’s interesting in that he is in this book for sure, but this book is not about him at all. You still only get a glimpse of who he was. I found I still very much loved and wanted to protect the complex and human man that was depicted here (as much as you can a stranger). He is still a wonderful, loving, sexy, giving musical genius. Even at the most difficult points when he seemed to be only one of those things (lol), he was still transparent, pure of intent, and INCREDIBLY consistent in the way he dealt with really everything.

Whatever your perception of this book is, in reading it, you will be challenged deeply on the reasons why you are fam and you will have to face that truth in a VERY direct way. It will take some time to process and you should let this marinate for a minute while you do. Don’t be afraid of what might come up as you work it out. Let it wash over you and really do some self inventory...if you do this right, it can really be an amazingly healing ride. That was my experience and I hope you are able to free yourself so you can learn, grow, and heal from this journey as well.

Love Junky, THANK YOU for your honesty.

I wish I could cut and paste something that I wrote on part 2 of the official thread about The Most Beautiful. I recall you being critical of Mayte on the official book thread part 2, but you kept your criticism civil and didn't throw Mayte under the bus and assassinate her character as some others did. Since that thread has been removed, I will repeat something that I wrote as best I can.

There were some individuals who were attacking Mayte because they felt that she was going to tarnish Prince's legacy with this book. I made this point: Because a big part of Mayte's life and identity is tied to Prince and a lot of her supporters are Prince fans, it would not be in Mayte's interest to tarnish Prince's legacy. Why would she want to say things in the book that would cause her to become alienated from friends of Prince as well as his family and estate? I recall predicting that while she would be critical at times, what she wrote would not tarnish his legacy.

I totally agree that she humanizes him in the book. Her description of him as a father, on p. 209, is absolutely touching, and it is something that only she could share.

XxAxX said:

i downloaded the audible book through amazon.com and actually love it so far. there's something about hearing it in Mayte's voice that makes it more special. although the chronology skips around a bit (i'm only up to chapter four by the way) i really like it a lot.

Mayte is very talented, and her story is HER story, enjoyable to hear. it's quite funny in places, touching in others. i don't feel at all like she is "spilling the beans" or being in any way unsavory with the details of her experience. good job Mayte, big thumbs up!

A freind sent me the audiobook last night and I'm listening off and on as I do spring cleaning.

So far she's only 8 years old at a dance competition in Atlanta, but I like her reading it to me and I'm trying to keep an open mind...but my mind can and will snap shut if there's any shenanigans regarding P. Know it.

I'm taking my time savoring it.

Can't wait for us to get the discussion started!

LBrent said:

XxAxX said:

i downloaded the audible book through amazon.com and actually love it so far. there's something about hearing it in Mayte's voice that makes it more special. although the chronology skips around a bit (i'm only up to chapter four by the way) i really like it a lot.

Mayte is very talented, and her story is HER story, enjoyable to hear. it's quite funny in places, touching in others. i don't feel at all like she is "spilling the beans" or being in any way unsavory with the details of her experience. good job Mayte, big thumbs up!

A freind sent me the audiobook last night and I'm listening off and on as I do spring cleaning.

So far she's only 8 years old at a dance competition in Atlanta, but I like her reading it to me and I'm trying to keep an open mind...but my mind can and will snap shut if there's any shenanigans regarding P. Know it.

I'm taking my time savoring it.

well, you're entitled to your reactions and opinions! and to the expression of them.
but so far (remember the chronology skips around a bit) she's touched on a few challenging topics and it hasn't been in a bad way. rather, she takes the topic on with honesty and grit.

i don't think this book will ruin prince's image at all. it might portray him as the human being he actually was. we're uber-fams here so we worshiped him as a demi-godlike being; mayte is gently telling us the other side of that story, from the perspective of someone who actually knew him and spent a lot of time with him. she seems very compassionate

206Michelle said:

lotusflower0000 said:

Can't wait for us to get the discussion started!

Soon, as soon as everyone get's their books, we will start.

PennyPurple said:

purpletbird said:

PennyPurple said:

Soon, as soon as everyone get's their books, we will start.

Thanks penny for suggesting iBooks, I read last night to page 297, without disturbing my partner. I was so worried about the book with all the, Negative mojo from the original post, but I always knew I was going to read the book. I mean how could I not, she was married to Prince. The way it's written I also feel like I'm there experienceing a life with him. I'm in love all over again. Not only is this book going to help me but this book club will help me heal. Talking and experiencing what others think we help develop a strong understanding of life, love, and loss. Thank U

I stayed up way to late last night reading. Didn't want to get up this am. to go to work. Work will drag on today.....

Oh hey that Amazon essay (lol) is mine!

.

I'm going to point some Tumblr folks here if you don't mind. Def recommend reading this book with others to help process it and I imagine some people live on "purple islands" where they may not have fellow fams around to discuss it with.

nisibee said:

Oh hey that Amazon essay (lol) is mine!

.

I'm going to point some Tumblr folks here if you don't mind. Def recommend reading this book with others to help process it and I imagine some people live on "purple islands" where they may not have fellow fams around to discuss it with.

GOOD ON YOU nisibee

very impressed

XxAxX said:

LBrent said:

A freind sent me the audiobook last night and I'm listening off and on as I do spring cleaning.

So far she's only 8 years old at a dance competition in Atlanta, but I like her reading it to me and I'm trying to keep an open mind...but my mind can and will snap shut if there's any shenanigans regarding P. Know it.

I'm taking my time savoring it.

well, you're entitled to your reactions and opinions! and to the expression of them.
but so far (remember the chronology skips around a bit) she's touched on a few challenging topics and it hasn't been in a bad way. rather, she takes the topic on with honesty and grit.

i don't think this book will ruin prince's image at all. it might portray him as the human being he actually was. we're uber-fams here so we worshiped him as a demi-godlike being; mayte is gently telling us the other side of that story, from the perspective of someone who actually knew him and spent a lot of time with him. she seems very compassionate

So far I'm good.

Been listening on and off all night (the great part of having worked nights 34 years before I retired is being able to easily stay up all night) between cleaning and organizing and taking breaks to listen to P music and try to digest what Mayte's reading.

I'm only up to P having a cold in Switzerland so I'm not too far in yet.

I'm a voracious reader, but in this case listening to her read with vocal inflection is making it easier for me to deal than if I were simply reading the words on a page with no emotion from her. Might sound stupid, but it's making a difference to me. It's almost like she's talking directly to me, conversationally.

LBrent said:

XxAxX said:

well, you're entitled to your reactions and opinions! and to the expression of them.
but so far (remember the chronology skips around a bit) she's touched on a few challenging topics and it hasn't been in a bad way. rather, she takes the topic on with honesty and grit.

i don't think this book will ruin prince's image at all. it might portray him as the human being he actually was. we're uber-fams here so we worshiped him as a demi-godlike being; mayte is gently telling us the other side of that story, from the perspective of someone who actually knew him and spent a lot of time with him. she seems very compassionate

So far I'm good.

Been listening on and off all night (the great part of having worked nights 34 years before I retired is being able to easily stay up all night) between cleaning and organizing and taking breaks to listen to P music and try to digest what Mayte's reading.

I'm only up to P having a cold in Switzerland so I'm not too far in yet.

I'm a voracious reader, but in this case listening to her read with vocal inflection is making it easier for me to deal than if I were simply reading the words on a page with no emotion from her. Might sound stupid, but it's making a difference to me. It's almost like she's talking directly to me, conversationally.

I'm at that point in the book as well.