Girls Like Us

Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon & the Journey of a Generation

By: Sheila Weller

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon remain among the most enduring and important women in popular music. Each woman is distinct: King is the product of outer-borough, middle-class New York City; Mitchell is the granddaughter of Canadian farmers; and Simon is a child of the Manhattan intellectual upper crust.

Collectively, they represent, in their lives and their songs, a great swath of American girls who came of age in the late 1960s. Their stories trace the arc of the now-mythic generation known as "the 60s" - the female version - but in a bracingly specific and deeply recalled way, far from cliché.

The history of the women of that generation had never been written - until now - and it is told through the resonant lives and emblematic songs of Mitchell, Simon, and King.

Filled with the voices of dozens of these women's intimates, this alternating biography reads like a novel - except it's all true, and the heroines are famous and beloved. Sheila Weller captures the character of each woman and gives a balanced portrayal, enriched by a wealth of new information.

Girls Like Us is an epic treatment of midcentury women who dared to break tradition and become what none had been before them: confessors in song, rock superstars, and adventurers of heart and soul.

©2008 Kellwell Inc. (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An exhilarating look at three of the most creative talents of their era....Wonderfully detailed." ( The Boston Globe)

The story behind the soundtrack of our lives

Where does Girls Like Us rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book takes you behind the scene and into the real life stories of Joni, Carole & Carly.Their lives take us on their journey to make the music, which has become the soundtracks of our lives. The book reveals their stories of life, love and fame. It is also a historical look back on the times we grew up in. How the songs got written and more important, who the songs were about. I loved and learned a lot from this book.I have recommended to many girls like me.

What other book might you compare Girls Like Us to and why?

Not sure. It's very unique

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The book is well read. She took on each character. It was very enjoyable to listen to her read.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I savored it, and I was sad when I finished it.

Any additional comments?

A must read for any musical loving Boomer.

great stuff

It was chock full of info and details about each woman. Really enjoyed it. I think music lovers will like this book!

Took me back

Where does Girls Like Us rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very high. It was fun to learn more about singers I have listened to for most of my life

Have you listened to any of Susan Ericksen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no. The only thing about her reading that was challenging was when she quoted lines from a song. If I were reading it instead of listening, I would have heard the song in my head. Other than that I liked her performance.

Any additional comments?

I have been listening to Carly Simon constantly since I listened to this book. I loved Carly and Carole King though I didn't know Joni's work as well.

Long!

But so so worth the listen. Some amazing women, super talented empowered artist and all with such amazing backstories. Great lead. Lol

Interesting take on the times

An interesting way to weave these women together and shine light on a large part of my history, but the writer seems intent on impressing us with her vocabulary straining when simple words would work so well. Ms Erickssen has a lovely voice, but should do homework before recording and know how to pronounce names and the strained words of Ms Weller.