by Marla Richart
17. February 2011 14:47
The book is an intimate profile of singer Karen Carpenter. She came from a modest upbringing and found her way to become a Southern California superstar along with her brother Richard. Karen was the lead singer for the Carpenters, a top-selling musical act in the 1970s. Karen velvety voice delivered great love songs that propelled the duo to worldwide stardom and record sales of more than 100 million. During their short musical career, the Carpenters won many awards and were touring more than 200 days a year.
Karen like many celebrities could not avoid sadness and tragedy. She had many heartbreaking struggles with her controlling mother, brother, and husband. She often disclosed this information to her closest friends. Karen loved to play the drums, something she started in high school, and was hoping for a solo singing career. Unfortunately, she found little support from her family, who always focused on Richard’s musical talents. The stress and emotional problems contributed to a battle with anorexia nervosa. This was her way of having control over herself. She went through many treatments, but little was known about this eating disorder in the seventies. After she married her husband Tom Burris, she discovered he had lied to her and only had an interest in her money. They were to sign divorce papers on the day of her death February 4, 1983. Karen died at age 32 never able to have the stable love she deserved.
This biography is warm and sensitive as it explores Karen Carpenter’s life. Randy Schmidt interviewed her girlfriends, professional associates, childhood friends and lovers. Richard did not have any input on the book. I always loved to listen to this group’s music and learned many new facts about a great singer’s life.
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