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Spare
Spare | Prince Harry
34 posts | 45 read | 1 reading | 2 to read
It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother's coffin as the world watched in sorrow-and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling-and how their lives would play out from that point on. For Harry, this is that story at last. Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness-and, because he blamed the press for his mother's death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight. At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn't find true love. Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple's cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . . For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.
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Suet624
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

If you thought your family was dysfunctional you might want to compare it to this one. I credit Harry‘s ghostwriter, J.R. Moehringer, as well as Harry‘s voice for making this as interesting as it was. It‘s amazing what little a royal knows about the real world once they are pushed out of the clan (even though he seemed to know a lot about how to get by in the military). I‘m glad he wrote this - I‘m glad he could finally tell his side of things.

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BiblioBoyd
Spare | Prince Harry
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“If journalists could use the mighty powers vested in them for evil, then democracy was in sorry shape.”

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BiblioBoyd
Spare | Prince Harry
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Mehso-so

There were parts of this book that made me feel empathy and sorrow. There were parts of this book that affirmed for me the disconnect between the rich and the rest of us. While he tried to express acknowledgment of his privilege, I‘m not sure he fully understands the depths of it. That being said, I would never wish his lifelong experience and spotlight from the paparazzi and the gossip rags on anyone.

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Cosmos_Moon_River
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this. Surprisingly to me, Prince Harry is very relatable, has done amazing work and seems like a down to earth person. I empathized with his struggles of losing his mother, the strife it caused him throughout his life and terror he‘s felt from the paparazzi. I don‘t think anyone could handle the harassment he and Meghan have faced. Fame and royalty are not for the faint of heart-I had no idea the imposition on privacy was so extreme.

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Bzosche
Spare | Prince Harry
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“I love my Mother Country, and I love my family, and I always will. I just wish, at the second-darkest moment of my life, they'd been there for me too…
And I believe they'll look back one day and wish they had too.”

1 like1 stack add
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Kshakal
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

An intriguing book with many eye opening moments! I enjoyed listening to Prince Harry tell his own story and I hope in him being able to do so helps him find peace.

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Kshakal
Spare | Prince Harry
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I am super excited to dive into listening to this one!!

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TheHeartlandBookFairy
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

2 thumbs up, 5 stars, best read of 2024, and it will be hard to beat! Disclaimer: I've never been overly interested in the royals, never really followed what was going on outside of what made I headines. I didn't listen to this book when it first came out, there was so much talk about it that I didn't want it to influence my thoughts and again, I was just never that overly interested. Several people personally recommended this(cont in comments)...

TheHeartlandBookFairy book so I thought I would give it a chance. I'm so glad I did! Harry often speaks about not feeling normal. News flash, IMO, he's the most normal royal there is! He has a wonderful sense of humor, a kind and compassionate heart, & easily speaks about and shows his feelings and emotions. Not traits the Brits are commonly known for but traits that made him more endearing to me, more normal, more human. I know there are 2 sides to every story. And in this book we hear Harry's side. The other side, the rest of the Royals,
has been given to us through carefully curated press releases and sound bites that never seem real and authentic to me. I personally enjoyed listening to this audio book far more than I ever expected & I would highly recommend listening to Harry himself read the audio version. I will miss listening to harry's voice on my commute each day...
8mo
26 likes1 stack add1 comment
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peaKnit
Spare | Prince Harry
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1. My middle name is my aunt‘s name.
2. Tagged only because I assume Prince Harry is named after someone, this question was hard ☺️
Thanks for the tag @TheSpineView Tagging @JenReadsAlot @Kshakal @BethM #Two4tuesday

TheSpineView Thanks for playing. Happy Tuesday 8mo
21 likes1 comment
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SarahBookInterrupted
Spare | Prince Harry
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Ravenpuff
Spare | Prince Harry
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Mehso-so

Prince Harry‘s memoir goes from his earliest memories to his grandfather‘s funeral in 2021. He discusses his love and grief of his mother. Meeting, falling in love, and having a family w/ Megan. He also includes leaving the crown.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This one had its boring moments & crazy mind-blowing moments. It was interesting some of the interactions he included. He definitely had a character arc. It was also a bit repetitive.

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SomedayAlmost
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

Audiobook narrated with emotion by Prince Harry himself was enjoyable. The passages about his many travels and nonprofit work in Africa were the strongest. Some passages meant to explain small controversies flamed by the tabloids (a teen, gasp, smoking weed!) seem less connected to the overall narrative. Loved the moving passages about losing his wonderful mother so young.

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MsLeah8417
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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TheHeartlandBookFairy
Spare | Prince Harry
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Just started listening to this one, hooked already!

Cupcake12 I‘ve just finished this and found it really interesting! 9mo
31 likes2 comments
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Cupcake12
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

I saw this at the library and I‘m glad that I picked it up. Interesting to see and hear from Harry‘s POV. (There are always two sides to every story, I know). He explores his childhood, from losing his mother at such a young age, his schooling, army career, charity and conservation work. He details the relationship with the Royal family and his relationship with Megan. He is brutally honest in parts, a great read for any royal family fans 🇬🇧👑

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Cupcake12
Spare | Prince Harry
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Picked up my library hold today. Let‘s see what all the fuss is about…

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fredthemoose
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

I did not expect to like this very much—I felt like I‘d seen/heard far too much about the royal family for this to be new or interesting, but I was thoroughly charmed by Prince Harry in this book. @Andrew65 #12Booksof2023

Andrew65 I just wonder how much damage with his family his done with this book, with all the personal family stuff he revealed. 10mo
38 likes1 comment
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Evita
Spare | Prince Harry
Pickpick

4 out of 5.

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CBee
Spare | Prince Harry
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A March 2023 favorite ♥️ #12Booksof2023 @Andrew65

Andrew65 Wondered if this book might figure. Ido wonder if he has regretted publishing this as seems to have possibly made things worse between him and his family. All very tragic. 11mo
CBee @Andrew65 I wonder the same. I‘m sure it was freeing for him, but I can‘t imagine he wouldn‘t feel a bit of regret about it too 🤷‍♀️ 11mo
Andrew65 @CBee It‘s also about trust, as well I imagine, be difficult for some of his family to be around him for fear of anything they say or do being in a future book. 11mo
CBee @Andrew65 yes! Absolutely true. Who knows if things will ever be the same between them 🙁 11mo
41 likes4 comments
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Twainy
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

He narrates! He has a close relationship & speaks fondly of time in the army. Not the war but the friendships. He has a close friendship with a girl that didn‘t work. His relationship with Megan has been haunted by his connection to the royal family. He had a checkered past & has learned from it. He seems to love his wife. Family strife & mentions of his mom‘s tragedy pepper the book. Loved it when I didn‘t expect to! Nice surprise!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Victoriahoperose
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

This was really interesting to learn about Prince Harry‘s life and what he went through as a child up through his adult life. The first hand account of the tumultuous past and present was very eye opening and brave for someone in his position to share. It was a bit long, but overall very interesting.

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IMASLOWREADER
Spare | Prince Harry
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my first DNF this year…and i gave it lots of chances on to the next adventure…#readinggoal #audiophile

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readswellwithothers
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

This was excellent. I would love to never hear another word about Harry and Meg and their family; may they live happily, quietly ever after.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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AvidReader25
Spare | Prince Harry
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Mehso-so

It was heartbreaking to read about his life of scrutiny & persecution by the paparazzi. The lack of anonymity is my worst nightmare. There's also an air of petulance that may be unavoidable if you're treated like a child who can't make decisions. It's a bit meta to write a memoir where the main theme is how you don't want the public to have access to your life. But I understand the desire to set the record straight after so much manipulation.

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RaeLovesToRead
Spare | Prince Harry
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Mehso-so

My overriding feeling on finishing Spare is one of sadness that Prince Harry & his brother didn't reconcile 💔

Spare paints a damning portrait of the media & what it's like to be hounded, stalked, harassed & monstered. I felt a lot more sympathy for Prince Harry than I expected to.

Having said that, in writing about his family so intimately, he has in turn violated their privacy too.

Complex mixed feelings. See GR for more thoughts.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ruthiella He‘s young. There‘s still time to reconcile with William. 🤞 1y
Cinfhen You raise SUCH a good point!!! 1y
See All 11 Comments
Cortg Good review! I‘m still debating about picking this one up. It‘ll be audio if I do. 1y
RaeLovesToRead @Ruthiella I really hope so 😔 1y
RaeLovesToRead @Cinfhen He knows his family won't be able to respond or tell their side of the story too. Most of their beef seems to stem from their conflicting loyalties to the country, the crown and each other. Still, I hope they patch things up. 1y
RaeLovesToRead @Cortg It's definitely worth reading. It isn't very often we get a peek behind the curtain into royal life! 1y
RaeLovesToRead @Cortg Also, I wonder if he reads the audiobook himself? 🤔 I can imagine him doing the different voices of people in his family 😅 1y
Cortg @RaeLovesToRead Harry does read/narrate the audiobook! 1y
Cinfhen I loved the audiobook @Cortg and was really feeling Harry but it‘s true, he throws so much shade at William & Kate knowing they will remain tight lipped. It‘s very sad - 1y
RaeLovesToRead @Cinfhen I just hope in time they forgive each other. I was expecting some kind of compromise / understanding at the end, but it didn't come and I felt so sad for them all. I don't think he mentioned his family in the acknowledgements. 1y
79 likes11 comments
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ICantImReading
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As I scan through the mixed reviews of Prince Harry‘s book, I‘m wondering if I‘ve ever seen a memoir as polarizing! It‘s a microcosm of how divided our society can be, and I‘m disheartened at the vitriol in some people‘s words (mainly on Audible). ⬇️

ICantImReading Can someone actually read something this vulnerable and soulful and still come away without any empathy for their journey and respect for their humanity? I was riveted by every chapter and personally think he‘s leaving a legacy of authenticity, courage, and love. 🎧 1y
Suet624 Lovely review. 💕 1y
TheBookHippie 💯 agree. ♥️ 1y
TheBookHippie My review on IG I pretty much said anyone who has been through trauma -especially childhood trauma felt seen by his words and were so amazed at his bravery. 1y
37 likes5 comments
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fredthemoose
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I felt like I‘d seen so much Harry and Megan news in the past couple of years that I wasn‘t particularly excited for this one. Shows how little I know. I was thoroughly charmed. My impression was of vulnerability, self awareness, and growth, interspersed with great anecdotes and stories (like bargain hunting for Gap clothes at TK Maxx with his body guard). Seems like a great guy. Also kind and respectful in discussing girlfriends.

BooksNBowls Yeah I loved this and I don‘t know why they get so much hate. I haven‘t seen one credible story against them. They were royally screwed in the end literally 1y
fredthemoose @BooksNBowls I expected to be more ambivalent about it, but I loved it, too! 1y
48 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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RaeLovesToRead
Spare | Prince Harry

"I took great offence when Opal Fruits changed their name to Starburst. Pure heresy. Like Britain changing its name."

YES, Harry ?

The_Book_Ninja He needs to calm down and have a Marathon…er…a Snickers 1y
RaeLovesToRead @The_Book_Ninja As a millennial, I'm cool with Snickers 🤣🤣 (at least I would be if I liked peanuts) 1y
The_Book_Ninja @RaeLovesToRead I‘m showing my age then?😂 1y
42 likes3 comments
blurb
BethM
Spare | Prince Harry
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It‘s almost comical how bad I am at this 😂 at one point my background was on the top - so this is the best you all get 😂 I updated from June forward. This was hard as May, June, and April were all incredible reads. Ultimately I went with pumpkin everything bc of all the feels it gave me :) Have yet to beat Harry though. #readingbracket2023

Bklover I do love Harry. And I ended up with my chart in front too. And it‘s so hard to get the books all the same size. But I think yours looks uniquely beautiful! 1y
Bklover Plus it made me laugh. ❤️❤️❤️ 1y
LeeRHarry Thanks for the giggle Beth 😆 1y
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BookishPiper I‘m a total noob at this. Where would I be able to find the template for this? I searched pic collage, but had no luck. 1y
BethM @BookishPiper obviously I‘m hilariously bad at this. But if you search the hashtag you should be able to find a clean one near the beginning of the year. I can‘t remember who originally posted it though. 1y
BookishPiper @BethM Thank you. I found it! 1y
41 likes6 comments
review
kricheal
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

It just shows no matter how much money you have dysfunctional families come in all forms. So sad. #10 #2023

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Kris10H
Spare | Prince Harry
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Pickpick

Book #24
4/5
I grew up with a grandmother who was 100% loyal to the British monarchy, as her grandparents were from Great Britain. I remember many decorative plates, teacups, and other memorabilia with photos of the royals. I can remember looking through books and magazines about the royal family.. My grandmother even brought me a book about Diana and Charles' wedding, with pop-ups and tabs....

Kris10H My mother has a beautiful photograph of Princess Diana that she took during a royal tour that included a stop in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. I still remember where I was when I learned of her death, and it almost felt like losing a part of the family.
1y
Kris10H Other than that, I have never been invested much in the royal family. To put it into perspective... I didn't watch the weddings of William/Kate, or Harry/Meghan - though the media covered and replayed enough of it on news programs and on social media, that I feel as though I did.
1y
Kris10H I don't know what made me want to read Spare, except for maybe curiosity about a royal who has, seemingly successfully, broken free. Harry comes across as very self-aware and insightful. The death of his mother in 1997 was very clearly a defining moment in his life, and he continued, for many years after, to hold out hope that she might just be in hiding, and that she would someday come back. 1y
Kris10H It's really quite heartbreaking. Diana is very present in the autobiography, being what ties everything together. It really makes complete sense that he would end up taking the woman he loves, and leaving the UK. I think it was inevitable. The bits about the war were of no interest to me, other than to note that Harry is extremely serious about, and dedicated to, serving his country. 1y
Kris10H It's worth a read. I would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook (available online from your local library 😉) 1y
6 likes5 comments