Secrets of a Sparrow
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I've only just recently seen the film "Shallow Hal", which is an American comedy about a guy who is hypnotised into only seeing people's inner beauty. The joke is that people around him see hideous women who to him appear like glamour models. There is no doubt in my mind that through this book Diana Ross is not only showing her physical glamour but is also trying to convince her audience that she possesses inner beauty as well. On the first count she is wholly successful as the book is heavily illustrated with photos of her looking her fabulous best. It was a campaign she really needn't have embarked upon because only a blind man could not be aware of how gorgeous she really is. On the second count however I am still far from convinced. The book begins with Diana recounting the events of a concert she gave in Central Park which was spoiled by the occurrence of a thunderstorm. Diana describes how she remained onstage trying to calm her panicking audience and how she refused to leave till all were safe. I have no doubt that it was a violent manifestation of nature, but it was not of tragic proportions. The over dramatisation brings to mind the captain of the Titanic going down with his ship to save the lives of his passengers. When I first acquired this book I expected to read Diana's reminiscences of early Motown, her experiences whilst on tour in the racist south, of her relationship with Berry Gordy and most importantly her view on what happened to Florence Ballard. In fairness she touches on each of these aspects, but only at the most superficial level. What I did not want to read were her homespun philosophies and opinions, her views on religion or family upbringing. Sadly there was far too much of this padding on the bare bones of what I suspect most people would want to know. Unquestionably the book contains items which are of interest, but they need to be picked out from much that isn't. All humans possess inner beauty, but they also possess uglier sides. The problem with this tome is that it is not balanced and whilst Diana is more than happy to share details of her caring side she is unprepared to share anything of her darker side. She writes with a childlike simplicity that is unbelievable for a woman who has climbed to the top of a very cut-throat profession. To give some flavour of the style in which the book is written let me quote the concluding paragraph. "I am well along in my personal quest of living my vision, of fulfilling my purpose on earth and learning to master life. My children are just beginning theirs. I want to share my life experience with them as much as possible. I would like them to become the best that they can be and to have a clear understanding of themselves. In this way, they may better understand the world" It is a style that is unlikely to appeal to many men. Probably worth reading, but concentrate between the lines.
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Why Not visit the Authors other Website, 'The Alternative Blackpool Website' at http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/bpool This Site Last Updated 18/05/05
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