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From the TBR shelf- finally reading this royal memoir

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.

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

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

I am super excited to dive into listening to this one!!

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)...

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

Kim from Book Interrupted recommends a prince on this weeks Manuscript Monday.

https://www.bookinterrupted.com/post/manuscript-monday-spare

#bookinterrupted #Spare #PrinceHarry #bookclub #BookRecommendations #bookstoread #ManuscriptMonday #theroyalfamily

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.

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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Just started listening to this one, hooked already!

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 🇬🇧👑

Picked up my library hold today. Let‘s see what all the fuss is about…

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

4 out of 5.

A March 2023 favorite ♥️ #12Booksof2023 @Andrew65

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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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.

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

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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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.

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.

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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). ⬇️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.

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

YES, Harry ?

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

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

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....