Amy, My Daughter By Mitch Winehouse
In Amy, My Daughter, the intimate, inside story of the ultimately tragic life of multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse (“Rehab,” “Back to Black”) is told by the one person most able to tell it—Amy’s closest advisor, her inspiration, and best friend: her father, Mitch. Amy, My Daughter includes exclusive, never-before-seen photos and paints an open and honest portrait of one of the greatest musical talents of our time.
You can buy this book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also read my other reviews on Amy Winehouse books, including Loving Amy and Amy: The Life We Shared.
My Review on Amy, My Daughter
This book is simply but beautifully written. From page one, you can foresee that Amy is not a typical character. Even though her father is telling her story, she takes the wheel and drives us all the way to the end. Really you already know the ending, but you can’t help but cheer her on. Mitch shows us that even though Amy was the hitmaker we know and love, she was still human and wasn’t perfect. She had fears, weaknesses, and a passion for people that we could never imagine. She was unique and has always been since day one. He makes us understand her music better from a different perspective- although I still don’t know what some of her lyrics mean.
The worst part is some events in the book seem like a spin cycle, and they are; however, each time, you can’t help but feel your heart fill with hope that she’ll fight her battle and not relapse. It does get tiresome, though. I almost feel like I’m dealing with her.
The most valuable parts of Amy, My Daughter are the ones that Tyler James and Janis Winehouse can’t recreate in their books because they were either not there or they really didn’t know. My Amy: The Life We Shared, Loving Amy, and Amy, My Daughter coincide so beautifully that they fill each other’s holes. It reminds me of the first book of a trilogy (although it’s written about an actual person.)
Another powerful subject is, of course, the talk of drugs and alcohol. I enjoyed that Mitch doesn’t lecture his readers about the misuse of it. Hidden between the lines, although the story is about Amy, he shows us just how damaging it can be to the body, mind, and relationships surrounding you. Amy, my Daughter, is not only a memory of Amy but a lesson to all of us.
Other Reviews on Amy, My Daughter
Amazon 5 Stars:
Opportunity to learn about the triumph and tragedy that was Amy Winehouse’s life by her father who knew and loved her. Tearful ending as you begin to feel you know her, too. Family photos both poignant and joyful provide insight into the emotional roller coaster that was her life.
Another:
I had a lot of preconceptions before buying this book; none of them were true. I thought Mitch Winehouse must have been a neglectful parent, ignorant of his daughter’s addiction. I thought Amy Winehouse went on a downward spiral with little if any progress toward recovery. After reading the length to which Mitch Winehouse went, and the dedication he had time and time again to rehabilitate his struggling daughter, I must admit I was very wrong. The media painted a picture of someone that many like me believed. Amy Winehouse was not a doomed Goddess who fell from glory; she was human. Her circumstances could have been anyone’s. Yes, she had her problems, but she was at heart a generous woman with enormous talent, giving her money and time to anyone who needed it. I think many stars and celebrities could walk by someone struggling and put it out of their mind, but not Amy. Mitch tells a story of her seeing a sick man on vacation and not just giving him money or food but physically taking him to the hospital and paying his bill. That’s something almost unheard of anymore. We fear each other, say we’re busy and forget people struggle, but not Amy. This was not even the most incredible part of her journey: she did kick the drug addiction, contrary to popular belief. Amy Winehouse went three years without drugs. It was the alcohol that killed her. But, it is telling. Amy was not weak; she was strong. I only wish she had been strong enough.
On the whole, I find this book very significant. I recommend it highly. If you or someone you know is going through the hell of addiction Mitch Winehouse’s story will guide and comfort you. But, more importantly, the proceeds go to Charity. If you did not like Amy, the story is still worth learning from and you will help those struggling through the Amy Winehouse foundation with your purchase.
And Another:
Amy Winehouse was a truly gifted singer who apparently couldn’t handle the pressure of super stardom. I liked her music so of course I was interested to know more about her. This isn’t a deep psychological profile but a chronicle written of events leading to her burn out by her father. If you ever dismissed her for being a mess this book won’t change that but it will make her seem more human. Also, I would suggest watching the video of her singing with Tony Bennett and her obvious shyness at singing with a legend. She didn’t ever really get a grip on her problems and her husband is the scapegoat in a lot of the book. Although he appears to be a horrible person, I think if she could have “owned” her issues she would have had a chance to escape his influence. It’s well written and I’m glad that her father had an opportunity to have his say in the midst of all of the hounding she took from the paparazzi.
One Star:
How many ways can Mitch say, “Amy was drunk.” “Amy was doing drugs” or “Amy is hopefully clean.” I am fascinated with Amy Winehouse whom I knew little about until her death. Once I heard her voice, saw the video “Rehab” I knew she was a creative genius so I’ve read everything I could get my hands on. This book didn’t clue me into anything new other than her Dad downplaying scenes and seeing the past as he did the present…with blinders on which was probably part of her problem.
Another One:
It’s all about Mitch.
And Another:
Would not spend five cents on a book written by an absentee father who only showed up when she started making money, and talked her out of rehab when those that really cared for her tried to get her help. Disgusting.
Goodreads
Five-Star Reviews:
An emotional telling of Amy’s life; a thoroughly enjoyable insight
Another One:
Being a fan of Amy Winehouse, I really enjoyed reading this book and discovering what truly was going on during her life. There are a few moments where I question Mitch Winehouse’s discipline with Amy, but this is a review on his book, not his parenting skills. Overall this was a well written book that at points had me smiling, and crying. I recommend this to any Amy Winehouse fan, or someone interested in how families deal with addicts.
One-Star Reviews:
Repetitive and fairly boring, this story was very sad. But the poor writing and the story told by her father makes it sound more she was not only a victim of addiction but of the people that surrounded her and poor choices. I saw the movie about her and am a big fan of her voice and music so this poorly told story was a big disappointment.
Another One:
A tragic story of an angel. So sad her dad wanted to profit even after her death. Book doesn’t look honest and I can’t believe the author.
If you want more objective story, watch “Amy” by Asif Kapadia. Heartbreaking.
Is It Worth It?
I know… That’s a difficult decision after reading both sides of the argument, and it’s obvious what side I’m on. Let me just be honest. Yes, it is repetitive (like I said above) and covers much about himself. I saw it as a behind-the-scenes moment, but others obviously felt the intentions were totally different (for every right reason.)
From my perspective, the other two books wouldn’t coincide if the book were all that bad. Mitch did love his daughter and was in her famous circle. The facts he did give, he was able to prove (unlike some other sources), and his heart was in the right place. Although I can see how he was a bit blinded by fame. Ultimately, if it’s worth it, it is up to you.
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