By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Lionel Richie's memoir, "Truly," is a masterclass in self-indulgence, clocking in at a hefty 496 pages that could have been trimmed by half without losing any substance. ([harperacademic.com](https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780063253582/truly?utm_source=openai)) The book is a meandering journey through Richie's life, from his childhood in Tuskegee, Alabama, to his rise as a global music icon. While the narrative promises an intimate look into his experiences, it often devolves into a self-congratulatory monologue that tests the reader's patience.

Richie's recounting of his early years is marred by a lack of depth and introspection. He glosses over the complexities of growing up during the Civil Rights movement, offering instead a sanitized version of events that feels disingenuous. His tales of adventures with The Commodores and the culture shock of playing gigs on the French Riviera are presented with a sense of detached amusement, failing to engage the reader on a meaningful level. ([harperacademic.com](https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780063253582/truly?utm_source=openai))

The memoir's structure is haphazard at best, jumping between timelines and anecdotes with little regard for coherence. This disjointed approach makes it difficult to follow Richie's journey and diminishes the impact of his more poignant moments. The inclusion of three eight-page photo inserts feels like a desperate attempt to add visual interest to an otherwise tedious narrative. ([harperacademic.com](https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780063253582/truly?utm_source=openai))

Critics have been surprisingly generous in their assessments. Kirkus Reviews describes the book as "wildly entertaining" and "utterly charming," ([harperacademic.com](https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780063253582/truly?utm_source=openai)) while the New York Times calls it "satisfying... vulnerable and powerful." ([harperacademic.com](https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780063253582/truly?utm_source=openai)) One can't help but wonder if these reviewers read the same book, as the memoir comes across as anything but entertaining or powerful.

In conclusion, "Truly" is a bloated, self-indulgent memoir that fails to deliver on its promise of an intimate look into Lionel Richie's life. Readers seeking a compelling and insightful narrative would be better served looking elsewhere. Not recommended.

Recommendation: Not recommended.

written on: 10/9/2025