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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Me summary
Elton John's Official Autobiography
19 mins
Brief summary
"Me" by Elton John is a raw and honest autobiography that explores his journey from a shy boy to a global superstar. It reflects on his relationships, struggles with addiction, and the ups and downs of fame.
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Me
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Elton John had an unhappy relationship with his parents.
Elton John has hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank. He’s also got a back catalogue that’s bulging with hit records. But before the fame and fortune, Elton was a regular, working-class boy. He was born in 1947, and raised in social housing in the London suburbs. And he didn’t have any adoring fans back then, either. In fact, Elton spent his early years without much love or affection.
The key message in this blink is: Elton John had an unhappy relationship with his parents.
When Elton was a kid, he spent most of his time trying to avoid a spanking.
His father, Stanley, punished him for everything. From the way he took off his school blazer to the way he ate celery, Elton could never get anything right. And he was terrified of his mum, Sheila, too. Not surprising, considering she potty trained him by beating him with a wire brush. She hit Elton until she drew blood. He was just two years old.
Stanley and Sheila fought with each other, too. They separated when Elton was eleven, but Elton believes they should have split up much sooner. But, in 1950s England, divorce was a dirty word.
After his parents split, Elton’s father remarried and had more children. Stanley was warm and loving toward his new family. But his cold, critical attitude toward Elton never changed. When Elton became successful, his dad never congratulated him. He never bothered to see him play live, either. When Stanley died in 1991, the two hadn’t spoken for years. Elton didn’t go to his funeral.
Elton did keep in touch with his mother, but she was controlling and volatile for the rest of her life.
Later in life, Sheila turned her temper on Elton’s household staff. She screamed at his cleaners and humiliated his housekeeper. She went through Elton’s receipts too, trying to find out what he was spending. Even though her son was a multi-millionaire, she berated him for buying gifts for his friends.
Sheila’s worst outburst happened in 2005, on the day Elton married his long-term boyfriend, David Furnish. His mother told the other wedding guests that she didn’t agree with same-sex marriage. Looking back, Elton believes her resentment didn’t stem from homophobia. She was just angry that David would now have more influence over her son’s life than she did.
Once he became famous, Elton could buy almost anything he wanted. But he could never purchase his parents’ approval.
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What is Me about?
Me (2019) is Elton John’s autobiography. These blinks reveal the singer’s troubled childhood and his struggles with addiction. They also explore his path to stardom, and the celebrity drama he’s encountered on the way.
Me Review
Me (2019) by Elton John takes readers on an intimate journey through the extraordinary life of the music legend. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With raw honesty, Elton shares personal stories of triumph and struggle, offering a rare glimpse into the glitz and glamour of fame.
- The book explores the complexities of identity and self-discovery, as Elton reflects on his journey of acceptance and finding his true self.
- Through vivid storytelling and an abundance of details, the book captures the essence of an era, taking readers back in time to experience the highs and lows of Elton's career.
Best quote from Me
I was just born with a good ear, the way some people are born with a photographic memory.
—Elton John
Who should read Me?
- Music buffs looking for fresh insights
- Fans of inspiring true stories
- Lovers of autobiographies
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Me FAQs
What is the main message of Me?
The main message of Me is the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
How long does it take to read Me?
The reading time for Me varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Me a good book? Is it worth reading?
Me is worth reading as it offers a captivating insight into the life of Elton John, filled with candid anecdotes, reflections, and valuable life lessons.
Who is the author of Me?
The author of Me is Elton John.
What to read after Me?
If you're wondering what to read next after Me, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Inside Out by Demi Moore
- Bedtime Biography: Frida by Hayden Herrera
- Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
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- Genius by James Gleick
- Why We Die by Venki Ramakrishnan
- Either/Or by Soren Kierkegaard
- The New Map by Daniel Yergin
- Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
- Who Will Cry When You Die? by Robin Sharma