Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Broken Horses
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, producer, and five-time Grammy winner opens up about a life shaped by music in this candid, heartfelt, and intimate story. Brandi Carlile was born into a musically gifted, impoverished family on the outskirts of Seattle and grew up in a constant state of change, moving from house to house, trailer to trailer, fourteen times in as many years. Though imperfect in every way, her dysfunctional childhood was as beautiful as it was strange, and as nurturing as it was difficult. At the age of five, Brandi contracted bacterial meningitis, which almost took her life, leaving an indelible mark on her formative years and altering her journey into young adulthood. As an openly gay teenager, Brandi grappled with the tension between her sexuality and her faith when her pastor publicly refused to baptize her on the day of the ceremony. Shockingly, her small town rallied around Brandi in support and set her on a path to salvation where the rest of the misfits and rejects find it: through twisted, joyful, weird, and wonderful music. In Broken Horses, Brandi Carlile takes readers through the events of her life that shaped her very raw artfrom her start at a local singing competition where she performed Elton Johns Honky Cat in a bedazzled white polyester suit, to her first break opening for Dave Matthews Band, to many sleepless tours over fifteen years and six studio albums, all while raising two children with her wife, Catherine Shepherd. This hard-won success led her to collaborations with personal heroes like Elton John, Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Pearl Jam, Tanya Tucker, and Joni Mitchell, as well as her peers in the supergroup The Highwomen, and ultimately to the Grammy stage, where she converted millions of viewers into instant fans. Evocative and piercingly honest, Broken Horses is at once an examination of faith through the eyes of a person rejected by the churchs basic tenets and a meditation on the moments and lyrics that have shaped the life of a creative mind, a brilliant artist, and a genuine empath on a mission to give back.
LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
quote
IndoorDame
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

“I'm in bed with my wife, Catherine, and
our two little girls with their sweet-smelling heads snuggled between us.” #firstlinefridays @ShyBookOwl

JamieArc I just finished this one 😊 7d
Suet624 I really enjoyed the audiobook. 6d
40 likes2 comments
review
JamieArc
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

It‘s well time I began my BC education since we got bucket list tickets to her concert at Red Rocks. I really enjoyed getting to know her and some of the stories behind her music. I‘m also a bit jealous of her. She worked hard for it, but she‘s totally living the dream. Bonus for the audiobook is the addition of her singing between chapters, and the entire last hour and a half. 🎶🎵

sarahbarnes You are in for such a treat! I live in CO and it‘s hard to beat that venue for any show. And I love BC so much. ♥️ Enjoy!! 1w
TieDyeDude That would be an amazing show. I love her! I especially love seeing her alongside Joni Mitchell recently. 1w
JamieArc @sarahbarnes I‘m sure I am in for a treat. Really excited. Thanks ❤️ 1w
JamieArc @TieDyeDude She talked about Joni Mitchell in this book a lot. They were great stories and glimpses into JM! 1w
51 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
Addison_Reads
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

I have loved Carlile's music for a long time. This was a beautifully written look into the artist's life.

Bonus: I had no clue that she sang on the audiobook!

#NonfictionNovember

review
KathyWheeler
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

After the disaster that was Hitler‘s Girl, it was a pleasure to finish Brandi Carlile‘s lovely memoir. Virginia Grohl seems to be correct — the education system does not know how to handle creative people. Brandi‘s story is that of another musician who did not do well in school. Listen to this book — do not read it! Brandi sings throughout and there is a bonus musical chapter. The top right picture is my empty office; I‘m now retired. #audiowalk

Ruthiella Congratulations on your retirement! 😃 11mo
KathyWheeler @Ruthiella Thank you! I‘m happy about it, but it was a little weird cleaning out my office and giving up my keys after more than 25 years. 11mo
britt_brooke Congrats, Kathy!! 11mo
See All 10 Comments
Tamra Yay for you!!! I‘m envious! 🥳🎉 11mo
KathyWheeler @Tamra Thank you! It came a lot quicker than I thought it would. 11mo
Suet624 Congrats! While I haven‘t completely retired I notice it‘s a bit disorienting sometimes not to do my old job. Also, you may know that Dave Grohl and Brandi are two of my faves. Dave lost both his band mate (brother from another mother) Taylor Hawkins and his mother within a few months of each other. 💔 11mo
KathyWheeler @Suet624 I still feel a bit like I‘m just on vacation. Brandi‘s and Dave‘s books are two of my favorite memoirs. I knew about Taylor Hawkins. His death happened while I was listening to The Storyteller, and my heart just broke for Dave. I didn‘t know about his mother though. 11mo
jlhammar Congratulations!! 11mo
KathyWheeler @jlhammar Thanks! 11mo
36 likes10 comments
review
MallenNC
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

It‘s Grammy night so it seems like a good time to review this. I really enjoyed listening to Brandi Carlisle‘s story. My favorite part was about when she was first trying to make it in music. The audiobook is the way to go bc she sings at the end of each chapter. Some are her songs but most are covers.

Chelsea.Poole I agree—this was a great audiobook! 1y
33 likes1 comment
review
LeftyDv
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

When I get a new Brandi Carlile record, I listen to it on repeat and let her lyrics and music consume me. The book did this over the course of today. I‘m biased, but this memoir was incredible… living in a compound with your friends and bandmates almost seems normal now.

review
LeaKell
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

Thank you Brandi for your story and your advice. I love your songs and their honesty, I cry every time I see you live and this book was impossible to put down.

review
staci.reads
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

I became a fan of Brandi Carlile when I heard "The Story" on an episode of Grey's Anatomy and had to find out who it was. I've been hooked on her music ever since. This memoir follows her musical journey, including origin stories for many of her songs. It also explores her unique childhood and the relationships that have formed her since. She's a reflective, spiritual soul. I really enjoyed her writing. It was my June #Bookspin. @TheAromaofBooks

TNbookworm My daughter loved this book, it's on my TBR; hopefully I can read it before we see her in July. I love her music, she is so talented. And not book related but I love your yellow porch🙂 2y
Clare-Dragonfly I‘m not a big memoir reader but I adore Brandi Carlile! I‘ll have to pick this one up! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
staci.reads @TNbookworm We are seeing her in July as well! I'm excited! And thank you 😊 2y
57 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
Bekkers
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
Pickpick

Book 31 for 2022 done. I LOVED this book. I knew absolutely nothing about Brandi before buying this audio book, I had just read about it on a bunch of different lists for best audio book for 2021. I bought it last year and promptly forgot about it. It is AMAZING! I wish I had read it sooner. I am now a huge fan of hers. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

review
Juliev
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

So fantastic on audible!

review
Erin.Elizabeth10
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

I have only heard The Story and The Joke, so I went into this memoir barely knowing Brandi Carlile‘s music. But I knew this was supposed to be a good memoir, and it did not disappoint! A very beautiful story of growing up and finding identity. In the audiobook she interspersed songs, so it was really pleasant to listen to.

review
Bookzombie
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

I heard “The Story” when it came out in 2007, but I didn‘t really become aware of Brandi Carlile until I saw her perform “The Joke” on the 2019 Grammys. Since then her music has been played regularly at our house. I really enjoyed listening to Brandi‘s story so far and the stories behind many of her songs. As others have stated, audio is the best way to go as she performs the songs acoustically at the end of each chapter. Also, please see ⬇️

Bookzombie @suet624 ‘s review as she is absolutely right about hearing Brandi and the twins perform together. #doublespin #nonfiction November Review (edited) 2y
Suet624 💕💕 2y
Chelsea.Poole Loved this audiobook! 2y
28 likes3 comments
review
Suet624
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

I listened to the audio version & I have only one complaint. While the songs she sings on the audio are nice, they are nothing like listening to the twins & the band singing & playing along with her. I think it‘s really important that you check out her videos on YouTube. This version is a stunner and I heard her sing it live at a Bernie Sanders campaign event just as beautifully. https://youtu.be/KJqL1yIm9e0.

I‘m so glad she wrote this book.

SamAnne She is so good. 3y
sarahbarnes Love her. Just saw her in concert last week and she was 🔥 as always. 3y
Suet624 @sarahbarnes she gives it her all every time. So glad you were able to see her. 3y
See All 7 Comments
Suet624 @SamAnne ❤️❤️ 3y
kspenmoll Thanks for your advice! I received the book in a swap from @WanderingBookaneer & I am just started it. Now I will listen to utube! 💕 3y
WanderingBookaneer So glad you liked it! I actually enjoyed the stripped down versions. She‘s going to be in SNL this season. (edited) 3y
Suet624 @wanderingbookaneer I was fine with the quieter version of her songs but if you‘ve never heard the band version it just doesn‘t compare. And yes, SNL! (edited) 3y
49 likes1 stack add7 comments
blurb
kspenmoll
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

#fffs
What a wonderful box full of books, crafts, warm socks, bookmarks- Thank you so much for your generosity! @WanderingBookaneer I am so excited! 🤍💜💕

WanderingBookaneer I hope you like the books. I ordered 3 more through Amazon and they should arrive later this week. 3y
kspenmoll I am thrilled with all the books! Dante is one of our book groups pick (9th grade) & I started Broken Horses when I got home from work! You are more than generous! @WanderingBookaneer (edited) 3y
LeahBergen Oh, cute socks! 3y
See All 7 Comments
Hazel2019 Pumpkin cookie cutter! 🎃 3y
Avanders 😍😍🍁🍂🧡 3y
Cathythoughts Really lovely ❤️ 3y
Suet624 What a wonderful collection! 3y
68 likes7 comments
review
Chelsea.Poole
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

#theyearofthememoir
Brandi Carlile‘s song “The Story” transports me back to my early days in college and feelings at the time. I love that song but haven‘t kept up much with her since. Turns out she‘s got quite an interesting life story (so far) and I loved hearing her perform the songs following each chapter of the audiobook. Audio is certainly the way to go, but I was lucky enough to get to read the physical book as well—there‘s lots of photos!

Suet624 She is a wonderful and caring person.
3y
84 likes4 stack adds1 comment
review
MelKelsey
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

Book 77 I wasn't familiar with her music, and I'm not a country music fan, but I enjoyed this book.She's is authentic, not ostentatious, and much wiser than her age. She speaks about her nomadic childhood, her experiences with religion as a gay person, her drive to make a place for women in her field, and everything in between.She sings throughout, which initially felt awkward, but it was neat to hear her music after learning her stories.4⭐s

review
Lindy
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

Other Littens have said it and I agree: the #audiobook edition is a great way to experience Brandi Carlile‘s memoir. She not only reads her words, but sings songs between chapters. The acoustic music is also compiled like an album at the end of the book. Carlile‘s ability to see grace even in her most difficult times is impressive and inspiring. #LGBTQ

quote
Lindy
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

Singing and vocalizing in general create X-ray levels of emotional exposure.

quote
Lindy
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

When you're told your whole life that it's wrong for two women or men to marry, when your homeland agrees, and when you realize that you believe it too, deep within your primitive senses, a reckoning is imperative. It's a process, but it's mandatory, whether you're LGBTQ or not. A person's self-worth is dictated by what inalienable rights are allowed to them. The right to not live your life alone is a big one.

Leftcoastzen Nice! 3y
37 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
WanderingBookaneer
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

I have been a fan of Carlile‘s music for years and I loved everything about the book. I was especially drawn to the passages where Carlile tries to reconcile with her faith. I highly recommend the audiobook in which Carlile sings some of the songs featured in the book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TheKidUpstairs She's got such a beautiful voice, and it's a wonderful storyteller in her songs so I'm not surprised that she'd write a great book! 3y
Kimberlone I really want to read this one! I saw her perform years ago when I was in college. 3y
Copwithabook Agreed! The audiobook was outstanding 3y
Christine Agree with all of this! 3y
78 likes2 stack adds4 comments
quote
WanderingBookaneer
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

SamAnne I have this on hold from the library=both print and audio-and can‘t wait. 3y
WanderingBookaneer @SamAnne : I‘m listening to the audio (phenomenal) as I read the book. 3y
48 likes2 comments
quote
WanderingBookaneer
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

CaffeineAndCandy ❤️❤️❤️ 3y
61 likes1 comment
quote
WanderingBookaneer
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

quote
WanderingBookaneer
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

Same, Brandi Carlile. Same.

SamAnne I love this photo! (edited) 3y
Copwithabook She is so beautiful! 3y
sprainedbrain ❤️ 3y
WanderingBookaneer @Copwithabook The book is filled with pictures of Carlile at various stages in her life. Unlike many biographies where the photos are all clustered in the middle, these are peppered at the end of each chapter. It was one of my favorite things. 3y
56 likes4 comments
review
ReadingEnvy
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

This is a must-listen memoir with songs between chapters and at the end. Brandi Carlile is one of my favorite singers but there is so much I didn't know, and she has experienced some incredible moments of fate or destiny or something that really make for an incredible story. I also my liked the discovery of the stories behind so many of these songs and albums. The story goes all the way up through covid times.

Christine Agreed! This was brilliant. 3y
sarahbarnes Love her!! ❤️ 3y
49 likes2 comments
review
Copwithabook
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

Holy shit that was a good book. Here‘s what I love about memoirs: they are written by the living, therefore, because the end is not set in stone yet, they are almost always hopeful. I have loved Brandi Carlile since I was a confused queer college kid (who could not yet embrace being queer). Turns out her music still moves me to tears. Do yourself a favor and get the audiobook!

Addison_Reads Great review! I can't wait to read this one. I love her music. 3y
AmyG I will have to get in line for the audiobook at the library. I love her music, too. (edited) 3y
Copwithabook @Addison_Reads and @AmyG if you like her music then definitely do audio. She sings throughout the audio. I honestly cannot imagine reading it; the book was so obviously meant to be heard!! 3y
SamAnne Waiting for my library hold to come in! 3y
45 likes2 stack adds4 comments
review
rebbyj
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
Pickpick

❤️❤️❤️

quote
StarryBrained
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile

The first thing I remember about the day I woke from my coma is something about a sunrise. I've been fascinated with them for most of my life. Not enough to wake up early to enjoy them, but on those few occasions when I have, I've been reminded what a miracle it is that they happen every day, regardless of the one before.

review
SMH86
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

Barely knew of this musician but listened to it after a tough semester of grad courses and loved it. Highly recommend the audio version, with the artist reading her own book and singing selected songs between chapters, this made it special, more personal and more real.

review
Christine
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

This is one of my favorite memoir listening experiences ever. Really deep and emotional but also funny and full of cool details about her songs and career. I got chills or choked up many, many times, during both her narration and her gorgeous acoustic versions of SO many songs. She‘s just a very beautiful and open-hearted person, and we‘re lucky to have her and her artistry.

48 likes1 stack add
review
Twocougs
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image
Pickpick

Brandi lives on the other side of the town we live in. She‘s one of those down to earth people that you bump into at the grocery store or the nursery. It‘s been a great ride to watch the local girl make it big. Her memoir doesn‘t disappoint and makes you love her more with her honesty and authenticity.

Suet624 An amazing singer. I'm happy she's written about her life. 3y
Professional_Book_Dragon She did a fantastic interview with Brene Browns podcast Unlocking Us! If you haven‘t listened I would recommend! 😍 3y
Christine Lucky you! I loved the audio version and plan to reread in print. 3y
34 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
Christine
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

🚨 Attention fellow Brandi lovers: there are song performances on this audiobook! So many of them! Covers and originals! Seemingly new versions! I‘m only 20% in but LOVING every second so far. 😍

LauraBrook Ooh, thanks for letting us know! Will def do the audio version now. 🪕 3y
SamAnne Thanks for the reminder to stack! 3y
Christine @LauraBrook @SamAnne It‘s exceeding my high expectations. :) 3y
48 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
SamHeartCoffee
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

I am overcome. And it‘s SIGNED. *swoon*

MoonWitch94 NICE!!!! 3y
CBee 😍😍😍😍 3y
Palimpsest Awesome! 3y
See All 7 Comments
AmyG Oh wow! 3y
Bookzombie Nice!! 3y
Recklesslove So jealous! 3y
Avanders Oooh. I‘ve heard this audiobook is also fantastic... with her singing her music! 3y
55 likes7 comments
blurb
WanderingBookaneer
Broken Horses: A Memoir | Brandi Carlile
post image

I love her music!

Release date: April 6, 2021

vivastory She's wonderful! 3y
MallenNC I love her. I bet her book will be great. 3y
CBee LOVE her so much ♥️♥️ 3y
See All 9 Comments
Palimpsest ❤️❤️ 3y
AmyG She is awesome! 3y
Christine What??! Can‘t stack fast enough, she is amazing. ❤️ 3y
marleed She is one of the few artists - maybe the only - that I vividly recall hearing for the first time - exactly the voice my emotions needed in that moment. 3y
staci.reads I love her! 3y
mariaku21 Thank you!!! I had no idea she was even writing a memoir 😲 3y
68 likes9 stack adds9 comments