Broken Music: A Memoir by Sting
Grade: B-
I am a big fan of Sting’s music. As a child I was entranced by the song “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” During college I listened to his early solo albums so much that they’re like the soundtrack to that part of my life. My interest in Sting’s music led to an interest in his personal story. That’s why I decided to read his memoir, Broken Music, which traces his life from childhood, when his first job was helping his father deliver milk in his hometown in northern England, to his earliest success as a member of The Police.
As I read, I got the impression that Sting was an arrogant man and somewhat emotionally detached from the people in his life. I began to wonder if perhaps he wrote this memoir partly in an attempt to excuse or justify some of his past behavior. It was as if he had made a crack in the shell of his self-absorption (a character trait almost certainly necessary to become a music legend) and realized that he might have hurt some people along the way. He also seemed to be looking for self knowledge by reviewing his past, but by the end of the book I doubted he had found it. That impression saddened me and lessened my enjoyment of the book.
But whatever negatives might be spoken of Sting (rightly or wrongly), he worked hard to get to the top. He had an amazing perseverance and a willingness to risk everything for his dream. I enjoyed reading about his long and arduous road to success. It was in that respect a fascinating read. I would therefore recommend Broken Music primarily for those who want to know what it takes to become a rock star the old-fashioned way.