Randy L. Schmidt

Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter

Published by Chicago Review Press

Sep 27, 2010 Web Exclusive By Alison Freeman Bookmark and Share


Little Girl Blue, the tragic story of Karen Carpenter's life, shows the heartache behind the wholesome, loving songs. Despite a frustrating lack of brother Richard's (and other key family members) participation, the book is a compelling, well-researched read that moves swiftly. One feels that Carpenter might have had a long, successful life had she been left joyously playing the drums, hidden from the audience, and making the music she loved. Instead, her amazing vocal talents pushed her out in front, and her life rapidly unraveled. In the '70s, anorexia nervosa was not commonly recognized, and, in the case of Carpenter's parents, never acknowledged. Carpenter wasted away in front of the people she loved, despite attempted interventions and her own desire to get the house/marriage/children she longed for so desperately. Sad, bitter family anecdotes are revealed, and despite the occasional upswings in her health and relationships, we all know how the story ends. (www.chicagoreviewpress.com)

Author rating: 7/10

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