An honest account of a life in the public eye. (Upfront and Personal: The Autobiography - Coleen Nolan)

Member Name: Densiegirl

Product:	Upfront and Personal: The Autobiography - Coleen Nolan
Date:	15/05/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A refreshingly frank biography.

Disadvantages: I can't think of any.

I have enjoyed watching Coleen over the years and was looked forward to hearing her story in her words.

It was fascinating to hear Coleen's view of her sisters careers prior to her joining them and to realise that she really did not have a lot of choice in her becoming part of the group due to missing so much school as the priority in her family was to play the clubs etc and earn a living.

I thought it was interesting to hear more on her fear of arguments, as she has spoken of on 'Loose Women', as she describes very well her father's drinking and how it changed his personality and the terror she felt waiting for him to come home. It was touching also to hear that despite this, and the allegations of abuse by her sister Anne, that she loved her father very much but she did struggle with guilt about loving him knowing he was not perfect.

There is a lot in the book about Shane Ritchie, her first husband and the father of her sons. I thought that she achieved a good balance of speaking about the good and bad times, without being too bitter towards him, in fact she was very honest about her behaviour during their time together. I did feel that this book will have allowed her to leave this relationship in the past once and for all.

It is lovely to hear her speak of finding so much happiness with her present husband Ray Fensom and their daughter Ciara.

The book takes her life right up until the end of 'Dancing on Ice' and gives an insight why she kept on despite her injuries.

I thought this was a well written, honest account of her life. Colleen makes no attempt to paint herself perfect and admits to making mistakes. It is clear how important family is to her and how much she values family, her career just seems to have happened by accident.

Summary: If you enjoy Colleen on 'Loose Women', I think you will enjoy this book.