She is one of the most recognizable women of our time. America knows Jane Fonda as an actress and an activist, a feminist and a wife, a workout guru and a role model. Now, in this extraordinary memoir, Fonda reveals that she is so much more. From her youth among Hollywood’s elite and her early film career to the challenges and triumphs of her life today, Jane Fonda reveals intimate details and universal truths that she hopes “can provide a lens through which others can see their lives and how they can live them a little differently.” Fonda divides her “life so far” into three “acts,” writing about her childhood, first films, and marriage to Roger Vadim in Act One. At once a picture emerges: a child born to the acting legend Henry Fonda and the glamorous society princess Frances Seymour. But these early years are also marked by profound sadness: her mother’s mental illness and suicide when Jane is twelve years old, her father’s emotional distance, and her personal struggle to find her way in the world as a young woman. By her second act, Fonda lays the foundation for her activism, even as her career takes flight. She highlights her struggle to live consciously and authentically while remaining in the public eye as she recounts her marriages to Tom Hayden and Ted Turner, and examines her controversial and defining involvement with the Vietnam War. As her film career grows, Fonda learns to incorporate her roles into a larger vision of what matters most in her life–and in the process she wins two Academy Awards, for Klute and for Coming Home. In Fonda’s third act, she is prepared to do the work of a lifetime–to begin living consciously in a way that might inspire others who can learn from her experiences. Surprising, candid, and wonderfully written, Jane Fonda’s My Life So Far is filled with universal insights into the personal struggles of women living full and engaged lives.
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"Surprisingly intimate look. It would be a mistake to define Jane Fonda as the sum total of the one-dimensional icons she embodied: daughter of, actress, sex symbol, wife of, activist, producer, fitness industry pioneer. When nearing 60 - which she calls the beginning of her third act - she began a Life Review of acts I & II. She began with a timeline of her life and journaling what happened. Then delving into how she felt at the time and what still resonated years later. She became aware of different themes in her life: connection to nature, disconnect from showing emotions, changing her identity to mirror the men in her life, her determination to create movies that bring light to an issue and give voice to the marginalized. I was surprised at her candor regarding the ex-husbands (she allowed Hayden and Turner to vet the chapters about themselves.) One juicy detail: Ted Turner had her replacement waiting in the airport hanger after he dropped off Jane who was flying to stay with her daughter after their decision to call it quits. Her seat was, literally, still warm!"
— Angeline (4 out of 5 stars)
" My Dad would HAAAAAATE this book because he will never forgive her for her Vietnam actions. Her chapter on that is interesting, and she defends her actions getting into a North Vietnamese fighter plane (or something) as an unintentional photo op. More interesting to me are her show biz stories, from her emotional pairing with her father in "On Golden Pond" to "Klute" to "Nine to Five" ... well, you know the filmography. "
— Doug, 2/20/2014" random find in a sale bin, and took a few tries to get me into it, but once I did, I was fascinated. Such a fan of her father, and troubled by the split between his on-screen personas and his true self. Interesting look at the person (both Jane and her father) behind the image; her fragility and frankness are both striking. My father may be spinning in his grave that I read this and enjoyed it, but there seems much more to her than the Hanoi Jane who irritated him so. "
— Nancy, 2/19/2014" She is a warrior. I love her strength and resilience. Her father was awful! But she doesn't ask for sympathy- she's stronger every single day. She's savvy and seasoned and pragmatic. "
— Alissa, 2/18/2014" I did like the long explanation Fonda gives for what led her to her controversial political views. To me her life was a confusion between living out traditional views and very liberal moral actions. Lack of intimacy in her relationships is the central theme in her life and she ends the book with the hopeful view that she has chosen to live for the close circle God has given her. Yes, she has come to realize that there is a God. "
— Gabriele, 1/28/2014" I really enjoyed the first half, she has had an interesting life. The second half got kind of boring. "
— Ali, 1/23/2014" I love Jane and admire her in all her various incarnations. She lives her life as work in progress and has a wonderful voice for telling her stories. Before reading this she was Barbarella, Hanoi Jane and my Mom's fitness instructor (on vinyl!)..... there is SO much more and I'm pretty much obsessed. What a cool, honest, class-act :) "
— Meghan, 1/3/2014" This book helped me through a lot of things after leaving school. It gave me the words to describe exactly what was happening to me and around me. It's always going to be something I keep close to my heart. "
— Dallas, 1/3/2014" Philosophical feminist with attitude. "
— Marie, 1/3/2014" Sad life in many ways. "
— Melanie, 1/2/2014" Much better than I anticipated. Explained a lot about her life and loves, about her Vietnam experiences, etc. "
— Jane, 12/23/2013" I am currently listening to this book on CD. I am enthralled by it. The reminders of the Vietnam War bring out the anger in me. It is so good to hear her side of the story. "
— Marisela, 12/23/2013" A big, long book about a fascinating person. "
— Chris, 12/10/2013" Love her! This manages to be both an important feminist work and a totally enjoyable celeb tell-all at the same time, which is pretty much perfect. "
— Amelia, 12/10/2013" It matters not how famous and rich you are. Life is hard and people are insecure and women get farther in the man's world when they are attached to a man. Dang. "
— Liann, 12/2/2013" what a great lady! what a great read! "
— Wendy, 11/16/2013" I enjoyed reading about the events in her life. Very entertaining. "
— Techno_kitty, 3/29/2013" Audio -- Jane is a very smart and controlling person. I have always liked her and did not realize the family's lack of bonding led to control issues from "Jane and her brother. good job Jane. I will listen or read your latest book "
— Irene, 3/7/2013" This book was inspirational and enthralling. Not your average celebrity biography. "
— Richard, 3/4/2013" BLAH....TOTAL BORE "
— Stephanie, 1/23/2013" jane is one smart cookie! an honest, frank account of her unbelievable life. loved it. "
— Chris, 12/13/2012" It's hard to believe that gorgeous, smart, talented Jane has all of the same issues the rest of us have. "
— Delight, 12/5/2012" Way too long and self involved. There's a way to write an auto-biography that isn't. "
— Karen, 11/13/2012" I loved Jane's story and the way in which she wrote it. It kept me completely immersed until the end. In fact, when I finished it I was wishing she kept on going. Reading her writing is like sitting with a friend and sharing. I found her to be inspiring. "
— Diane, 9/9/2012" One of the two best books I have ever read about a woman's journey of growing into her own and best self. The other is "Lessons In Becoming Myself", by the actress Ellen Burstyn. I give both my highest recommendation. "
— Sheryl, 4/4/2012" Very interesting to start. Got stuck in the middle. She does tend to carry on endlessly, it seems. Overall, very interesting. "
— Brandy, 11/5/2011" I didn't know very much about Jane Fonda before I read this book. I borrowed my mother's book, and it was quite interesting to read about her childhood and her career and everything. "
— Sanna, 8/8/2011" a well written story from a woman who has lived nine lives and then some. she goes deeper and rawer than most celebrities would or could in their memoir, and as a woman in my own process of growing up i was deeply grateful for her honesty. "
— Jessica, 6/27/2011" Wow! This book just goes to show the 2x Oscar winner can write as well as she can act. Loved it! "
— Summisse, 5/1/2011" Interesting to hear her point of view since her life has been dragged through the media. Very eye opening; very accomplished woman. Good read "
— Robin, 4/22/2011" Listened to it on CD. Amazing because she read it to me. She admits to making bad decisions but has tried her best. It seemed very honest and motivating. "
— Andrea, 4/16/2011" Great autobiography. Plenty to learn from her experiences. "
— James, 1/19/2011" Lots of politics and excuses - wouldn't recommend it! "
— Angie, 1/16/2011" I really enjoyed the first half, she has had an interesting life. The second half got kind of boring. "
— Ali, 11/9/2010" I loved Jane's story and the way in which she wrote it. It kept me completely immersed until the end. In fact, when I finished it I was wishing she kept on going. Reading her writing is like sitting with a friend and sharing. I found her to be inspiring. "
— Diane, 11/5/2010" I have always liked her and enjoyed the work she has done. This felt candid and sincere.<br/> "
— Ginger, 10/20/2010" Very interesting memoir. Focus is on the personal side of her life, not the Hollywood side. Her movement form Barbarella to activism - the story behind Hanoi Jane - her three marriages - the story behind many of her choices and actions. Really enjoyed it. "
— Gail, 9/12/2010" The writing in this book is so-so, but it's pretty interesting. Jane Fonda is much more complex than you may think she is. She's fairly honest in discussing her personal relationships, past history, and her politics (at least, as far as you can tell). "
— Kristina, 9/10/2010" My father always criticized Jane when I was growing up so naturally I was intrigued by her. I bought her autobiography as a complete skeptic, but after reading it discovered how much I loved her and her honesty. I had a hard time putting this book down. Jane is a mover, shaker, innovator! "
— cassie, 7/2/2010Jane Fonda, the Oscar and Emmy Award–winning actor, is the founder of the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential and the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health at the Emory University School of Medicine. Though she is also a highly successful producer and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Fonda’s passion lies in advocating for young people’s health. A former UN Goodwill Ambassador, she is a frequent speaker on youth development, child sexual abuse, eating disorders, adolescent reproductive health, and more. She lives in Los Angeles.