The women of the iconic eighties band the Go-Go’s will always be remembered as they appeared on the back of their debut record: sunny, smiling, each soaking in her own private bubble bath with chocolates and champagne. The photo is a perfect tribute to the fun, irreverent brand of pop music that the Go-Go’s created, but it also conceals the trials and secret demons that the group—and, in particular, Belinda Carlisle—struggled with. Leaving her unstable childhood home at the age of eighteen, Belinda battled serious weight issues and grappled with her confusion about being deserted by her biological father. This talented but misguided teen found solace in the punk rock world that so openly welcomed misfits—even though acceptance had its price. Not long after forming, the Go-Go’s became queens of the L.A. punk scene. With a chart-topping debut album, Belinda found herself launched to international superstardom—and with that fame came more access to A-list parties, and even more alcohol and drugs to fuel Go-Go’s mania. Inevitably, Belinda began to self-destruct. This spellbinding and shocking look at her rise, fall, and eventual rebirth as a wife, mother, and sober artist will leave you wistfully fantasizing about the eighties decadence she epitomized, but also cringing at the dark despair hidden behind her charming smile. Lips Unsealed is ultimately a love letter to music and the story of a life that, though deeply flawed, was, and is still, fully lived.
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"Wow, what a story. Hard to believe that she weathered so many dangers without incident. This is a truly fascinating glimpse into Carlisle's life and is especially interesting to learn what was happening in her own life as her music became the soundtrack of my teen years."
— Yancy (4 out of 5 stars)
" Belinda Carlisle may not be the best writer, however she does have an interesting story to tell. "
— Jill, 2/9/2014" There is only so much I can read about drug and alcohol abuse before it gets boring. I don't think I like her any better, although I enjoyed her music. Honestly, I don't see how she is alive. "
— Cara, 2/5/2014" The only other musician I've read who had a worse drug problem than Belinda Carlisle was John Phillips. The repeated recollections of her drug use made me weary and depressed. But I'm glad she recovered. Despite the redundancy of the book, it was an intriguing read. "
— Travis, 12/22/2013" I love the Go-Go's and solo Belinda Carlisle. I cannot wait to start this book. The book was exactly what I expected, full of partying and drug use. I felt like I needed a shower and a workout after reading this book, to feel clean and healthy. I was surprised how much of an addict Ms. Carlisle was and for how long. "
— Jen, 12/18/2013" Correct me if I'm wrong but, after finishing this book, I get the impression that Belinda liked to use coke... "
— Jennifer, 12/10/2013" one of the first purchases for my new Kindle. it's good thus far "
— Wendy, 11/24/2013" My main takeaway from this book is that Belinda Carlisle sure could do a hell of a lot of cocaine. Like, seriously huge amounts. "
— Chriso, 6/11/2013" Meh. I love the Go-Gos and, judging by the title, I assumed it would be sort of a snap-shot of her life with the band. But it wasn't. "
— Brett, 5/14/2013" Best part was the view on the L.A. punk scene in late 70's early 80's. The rest you'll enjoy if you're a fan. "
— Kathy, 11/29/2012" I could never tell if she was cold, or just had way too much therapy. Maybe both? "
— Gina, 8/9/2012" Loved the Go-Go's....the book by the lead singer...not so much. She adds nothing to the story that has been told over and over again. She really has no introspection and is a bore. Check out the Patti Smith book, Just Kids instead. You will not regret it. "
— Peg, 5/23/2012" the beginning of the book was good, where she wrote about her early years. but i think she glossed over too much of the 'on the road' antics. and she doesnt even bring up any of the plastic surgery she had. the book could have been so much more. "
— Karen, 4/18/2012" Not well-written, but pretty typical compared to the other celeb bios I've read. Loved reading about the early days of the Go-Go's and her time in the Valley. Also, the drugs!! Yikes! Surprised that she kept it going so long. "
— April, 2/8/2012" Meh. I had no idea she was such a cokehead! I'm glad she finally sobered up. But the book was just... okay. "
— Laila, 7/15/2011" I love celebrity memoirs, and this is no exception. Belinda shows many unflattering sides of herself, and I think I love her more for it. "
— Ann, 6/29/2011" First half interesting but second half was a little too "I was bad and everyone else in my life are saints to put up with me". Less self blame & more juicy details please! "
— Kelly, 4/23/2011" Riveting! Back in the 80's wild stories were rampant about bands. Her story was almost impossible to put down. I saw her on The View talking very frankly about her past. Congratulations to her! "
— Janelle, 4/6/2011" Devoured, with much guilty pleasure. But no payoff in the end; she's still adrift. One great thing: She thinks her music is just as mediocre as discerning listeners do. When do celebs ever admit THAT? For more of my ummm, thoughts, visit my web site and search for One-Man Book Club. "
— Hank, 3/27/2011" Frankly, the book is a bit boring. I should have set it aside and read something else. "
— Patti, 3/27/2011" It was a quick easy read, but I fealt like it was the "Cliff Notes" version of her life. Like she just glossed over significant events in her life and didn't get really in depth. "
— Helen, 3/26/2011" Who knew that rock and roll could be so dull. "
— Megan, 2/23/2011" Meh. I love the Go-Gos and, judging by the title, I assumed it would be sort of a snap-shot of her life with the band. But it wasn't. "
— Brett, 2/9/2011" Talked a lot about drugs, didnt really mention relationships with the other band members "
— Deadbeatgrandpajoe, 1/28/2011" Interesting read, with quite a few great stories from the early days of punk. "
— Jack, 12/1/2010