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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"Jane Fonda seems very earnest. She's had a fascinating life, done a lot of interesting things, and met a lot of amazing people. I admire her accomplishments and her ability to reflect upon her past, her choices, her mistakes, and her failures. At times, her earnestness grew just a tiny bit tiresome and I started to feel like I was being lectured, by a very sincere, thoughtful person--but still, a lecture. But I ended up feeling a lot of respect for her."
— Katherine (4 out of 5 stars)
" great, i was told to read it, i new it got a good review, was not planning on reading it, was very happy i did, she has lived a great life "
— Roland, 2/20/2014" This lady is fearless and knows what she wanted in her life, loved this book "
— Katharine, 2/16/2014" It was okay ... interesting to learn she found her faith in Jesus ... and didn't tell Ted ... which led to their divorce. She's had quite a life. "
— Karen, 2/9/2014" Incredible. You get to learn so much that it leaves you awed. "
— Emma, 2/6/2014" 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, 2/4/2014" I was surprised how much I enjoyed this autobiography. She really does attempt to understand her life and decisions, and traces her route to a position where she appears now at peace. I also identified with many parts of it. "
— Anna, 1/30/2014" I've been intrigued by Jane Fonda for quite some time now. In this autobiography, which feels like it was a good bit of therapy for Jane Fonda, she looks back at the circumstances and events that shaped her life so far. It's almost a coming of age book, except she's 60 when she feels like she's come into her own. Still a fan. "
— Emily, 1/27/2014" I found this book to be unexpected. True, it is a biography and Jane tells it like it is. I also found it inspiring. She talks about Hollywood, the Vietnam War, her philanthropic work, being married to Ted Turner. As biographies good, I would recommend it. "
— Audra, 1/20/2014" I guess age makes all of us wiser, including Jane Fonda. An apology of sorts as she reminisces through her good and bad experiences in the public eye. I felt that while writing, Jane was trying to examine and work out some issues before moving on. Great read! "
— Lina, 1/15/2014" 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, 12/21/2013" Sad life in many ways. "
— Melanie, 12/10/2013" Surprisingly good. I only knew Fonda from workout videos or films like Barbarella, but this autobiography reveals a depth of feeling and reflection I would never have suspected. Also, I had no idea Ted Turner was such a jerk. Ugh! "
— Ibtisam, 11/28/2013" n interesting look into a very public figure - and the FBI was watching her LOL "
— Judith, 11/11/2013" Very interesting, talented person. Definitely had the wrong men in her life. "
— Ardy, 10/31/2013" This is now one of my favorites...very interesting, and somewhat inspiring at times. A great gift for any of your women friends. I think you will be surprised when you read it, it was not what I was expecting at all. "
— Andrea, 10/20/2013" 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, 9/24/2013" Enjoyed it but would have appreciated better writing/editing. Expected more. It's still good, and I'm glad I read it. "
— Carol, 8/23/2013" what a great lady! what a great read! "
— Wendy, 6/20/2013" For those who thought she just did jazzercise... "
— Tif, 4/3/2013" 18 discs!!! "
— Angela, 3/31/2013" Fascinating; The years with Ted Turner are the most poignant. Great, great read from the beginning to the end. "
— Meer, 1/25/2013" jane is one smart cookie! an honest, frank account of her unbelievable life. loved it. "
— Chris, 11/16/2012" BLAH....TOTAL BORE "
— Stephanie, 9/16/2012" What a life she's had! I listened to it on tape and loved it. "
— Arlene, 7/27/2012" Jane Fonda offers an insightful combination of humanity and inhumanity both within and outside of herself. "
— Wanda, 7/8/2012" I guess it's alright but I guess I really don't care! "
— Karen, 5/12/2012" 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, 2/20/2012" 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.