Shattered Love: A Memoir

I have admired Richard Chamberlain since I was 13 and have always kept an eye on his career. I was so excited to learn that he had written an autobiography and expected that it would be well-written and interesting. Of course, once I read the book, I saw it was much more than that. It was enlightening, thoughtful, spirtual, and extremely honest. As a writer myself, I know how difficult the writing process is--and to open yourself up and write the truth is quite a feat. I chuckled when I read the part about Richard's admiration for Noel Coward and his feelings when actually meeting him, because it reminded me so much of myself thinking that "celebrities" are any different than anyone else. This book was just so wonderful. Richard truly shared his revelations and awakenings that took place over the course of his career. He is still learning and growing and looking at life in such a positive light, even though his childhood and relationship with his father was less than desirable. I think his descriptions of how he was constantly perpetuating the "image" of the "perfect Richard" while secretly falling apart inside is so true for so many people. To read how he overcame this and was able to be successful was totally inspiring.The book did touch on his homesexuality and his long-term relationship with Martin, but that wasn't the focus, just part of it. The media advertised this book as his "coming out," memoir, but really, that is such an insignificant part of this book and means absolutely nothing. The book is simply an honest memoir written by a man who is experiencing his life journey just like everyone else.

Richard Chamberlain's "Shattered Love" is one of the finest, most tastefully written autobiographies I have ever read. Richard Chamberlain has always been a favorite actor of mine. Watching him on TV in all those swashbuckling films as well as dramas such as "The Thorn Birds," he served as an artistic inspiration to me when I was younger. This book did so much more than tell me about the life of one of my favorite actors, but really made me think about how to deal with life and how to find beauty in people and in all things. What Richard Chamberlain has learned over the years can serve as a great lesson and really open one's eyes. His is a touching story, is interesting from cover to cover, and extremely well written. I highly recommend it to any reader.

Richard Chamberlain tells in this book of his poignant struggles of growing up in an alcoholic home, dealing with fame (and when it deals with him), as well as his spiritual search to live an authentic and truthful life.Many, I imagine will pick up this book with an eye for sensationalism and gossip over the revelation of his sexual preference. Yet they will be sorely disappointed that there is neither sensational and illicit tales, nor gossip to titillate. No, what the reader will find here is a book about a very thoughtful and spiritual man, who happened to act for a living, trying to navigate his way toward love and finding his true and openhearted self. Though, given the sometimes glossed over and fast-forwarded events in his life that take place in the book, one can't help but wonder if there is another book in the offing or if much was edited out of this one. Yet the spiritual and philosophical ponderings were delightful to read and filled the heart. I am glad that Mr. Chamberlain wrote it and allowed himself to be so vulnerable and open.On a personal note, I applaud Mr. Chamberlain's courage to write the truths revealed in the book but also wish to add that it makes no difference to me one way or another and it shouldn't to anyone who reads this book. He simply is what he is and approval is not required when reading. Acceptance however, is a bridge to understanding. You could learn a lot about not only Richard Chamberlain in this book, but yourself as well.Cheers to the years together, Martin and Richard!