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Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2020 2:36 pm
by Mike Joyce
Hi Cowpoke, Yes I would love a book on that aspect of Glen's musical achievements, but this book was never going to be that kind of thing, this was about going behind the scenes of Glen and Kim's personal ups and downs.
Going on from where I left off, Kim seemed to cover the good years fairly briefly before starting into the Alzheimer's section of their lives. I guess that was fair enough, as the struggle is always the most riveting aspect of any story. This final section was obviously the most heartbreaking as we all knew it was the beginning of the end. I think like others have mentioned Glen seemed to be immortal and almost like the Peter pan of music, always strong and forever young. I thought he would out live me.
The final chapters pretty well told the story as we saw from the film, and concluded with more details about his living and support period of Glen's final stages. I think Kim was very gracious to those who caused her so much distress during this most difficult of times. I felt very angry that Kim was put through that kind of abuse, especially by so called fans who have absolutely no business getting involved, unless it is to just offer messages of comfort and support. Human nature can be vile sometimes. I have been following the Trump/Biden election and I saw the very same attitudes on display every day even after the election was called.
I took a week to get round to reading the last chapter as I knew it would be a difficult read, however in the end it felt like a burden had been lifted for Kim, Glen and all his family and now at least they could cherish his memory and Glen could rest in peace. Having read Glen's, KIm's and Debbie's books, I felt Kim's was a wonderful insight into their marriage and also very poignant with a dash of humour thrown in for good measure. It also seemed to me Kim, fell for the man and learned about the icon later. That I think was what Glen wanted and needed. It never occurred to me how much Glen suffered from self doubt and a continuing sense of where he had come from and what he felt he deserved. His human frailty was something we as fans would never suspect when we saw him perform with full confidence on TV and on stages all around the world. We only saw the very talented and successful artist who was on top of the highest pedestal we could build.

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 1:34 pm
by Cowpoke
Hi Mike thanks for sharing your thoughts about the book. I agree with what you say about Kim’s faith. You don’t have to be an Christian to appreciate her side of the story. I missed more details about the music and the albums. Especially Glens last album Adios. I don’t believe it is even mentioned which is a bit strange. Overall an engaging read.

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 4:26 pm
by Mike Joyce
Hi Cowpoke, sorry for delay in getting back to you on my thoughts on Kim's book. No doubt,you have read your copy by now, so there won't be any spoilers.
Overall, I thought it was a well written book and although I not someone who has faith in God, I could appreciate Kim's strong belief and there is no doubt her faith carried her through some dark days. Her marriage to Glen seemed to be an Oreo biscuit relationship. It started with the dark years of Glen's drink and drugs abuse, a happy light period of several years when Glen, was clear of his addiction and then the dark closing chapter of Glen's Alzheimer's disease. That's not to say there were not some joyful moments through that period, especially in the early stages.
I can understand some may feel that Glen, was shown in a bad light, but I think a lot more could have been written which wasn't. Usually the publishers want the book to have something in it which is headline grabbing to encourage sales and interviews with Kim would always pick up on the most controversial revelations to spike buyer interest. That is the price of business I guess. The story of Glen pointing a gun at Kim, is one of those items. However I think Kim was using it as an illustration of how deeply Glen had fallen from the position of a loving caring husband and father. This would then be the low point and then the salvation would be an even greater miracle for them both.
Perhaps it just me, but I more upset by the story of Glen, smashing one of his Ovation guitars. (I am still wondering which one it was) Of course, I know the two don't compare and I can't begin to imagine the terror Kim felt and the dread she felt when she heard the gun go off outside.
It was uplifting to read Glen's acceptance of the state he was in and his understanding he needed help. I felt this period was a bit rushed and the good years were not delved into as much as I would have liked. I am sure you all remember Glen's transformation at this time, Glen's appearance and renewed musical creativity. It was like Glen had lost 20 years of age.
I will conclude here and post a part two later, which I think needs just as much comment

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2020 2:14 pm
by Mike Joyce
Hi Cowpoke, I am about two thirds through the book and should finish it off by the weekend. I will post my thoughts then and would be glad to discuss your opinions, as well as anyone else who has also read it. Talk soon,
Mike

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2020 12:55 am
by Cowpoke
Hi Mike, I am very curious to hear your thoughts about this book!

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:52 pm
by Mike Joyce
Glad you enjoyed the book Cowpoke. I have just received my copy and I am two chapters in. I will post my thoughts when I have read it all. So far though, I think Kim has done a good job.
Mike

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2020 1:56 am
by admin
I got the book... and read it right away. First impression... I really enjoyed reading the book. You get to know Kim and Glen on a more personal level. This book is not for fans who are mainly interested in Glen's music and career. The parts that speak about Glen's career are done in the form of a conversation between Glen and Kim. This sometimes feels a bit strange. The book is strongest when Kim shares her own personal history with Glen. She is a good storyteller, honest, moving and funny at the same time. She is also a spiritual, christian woman. Her faith in God is the source of everything she does.There are many bible quotes in this book. To me that only made me understand her better. Her faith in God is what told her to stay with Glen during his darkest years of alcoholism when common sense must have told her to let him go. It's what gave her the courage to follow through with The Goodbye Tour, which was a difficult thing to pull off but turned out to be a blessing to so many people around the world. So, I'm thankful for this book and thankful to Kim, for staying with Glen, as the book title says, in sickness and in health.

Cowpoke

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2020 11:01 am
by Cowpoke
I am glad to hear you are happy with the autographed book, Randy. I guess it’s a matter of personal opinion. I haven’t seen an autographed version myself so I actually don’t know if I would be happy or disappointed with it. In any case, the book will be released in two weeks over here. Can’t wait to read it!

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2020 1:52 am
by Randy
And not only Jay. Viper and Cowpoke I do not consider it disappointing and so I disagree with you also. Have your opinion, but just wanted to say mine also.

Re: Kim Campbell's Book - Gentle On My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell

Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2020 1:25 am
by Randy
I wasn't disappointed at all, so to be clear you are not speaking for me Jay, admin, whatever you like to be called.