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  • A Better Me

  • This is Gary Barlow as honest, heartfelt and more open than ever before
  • By: Gary Barlow
  • Narrated by: Gary Barlow
  • Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,855 ratings)
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A Better Me

By: Gary Barlow
Narrated by: Gary Barlow
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Summary

Best-selling audiobook; shortlisted for the Specsavers National Book Awards 2018

Includes an additional new chapter.

Gary Barlow is one of the most successful British musicians and songwriters of all time, but 15 years ago, as he himself admits, he hit rock bottom - he was out of shape, out of work, depressed.

Food for him had become an addiction, a means not only of comfort but almost of self-medication as he grappled with the cruel twists of fate of musical stardom. In 2003, as he struggled with the disappointment of an underperforming solo career alongside the tireless media taunts; Gary turned to food. Relentlessly. In the space of nine years he had been on 20 diets in the hopes of a resolution to all his woes. After asking the doctor what the 'cure' for obesity was, it sunk in that he was the only one who could take control of his health. Gary describes this realisation and the task that lay ahead - 'it was like being at the foot of a massive mountain'.

So how did he go from an obese, out-of-work and depressed pop icon, to a superstar of music and TV and an accomplished musical songwriter and producer who is full of vitality, fitter, happier and more successful than ever before. What happened?

In his extraordinarily honest memoir A Better Me, Gary tells of his journey back to professional success and mental and physical health. From reforming Take That to critical and commercial acclaim and reigniting his own legendary songwriting career; to overcoming his weight problems and crippling obsession with food; to TV judging panel stardom on The X Factor and Let It Shine and at last finding balance in both his personal and professional life.

A Better Me is a remarkably frank memoir of Gary's life as he battled with weight, stress, fitness and depression, and staged one of the most thrilling professional comebacks in years. In his warm, witty and authentic voice, he recounts his story with compelling insight, captivating honesty and a human side that people rarely see. Here is one of the UK's most beloved pop stars open, honest and raw and as we've never seen him before.

©2018 Gary Barlow (P)2018 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

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Inspiring and enjoyable

I didn’t know much about Gary Barlow or even Take That before I listened to this audio book. Heard of them of course, seen Gary on tv and in the media and remember loving Back for Good when it first came out. That is it ... never followed them (sorry Gary). This book came up on offer and I was intrigued with the theme of health. Always interested in books about health and living well and other people’s stories of determination and passion to achieve their goals so have it a go. Really enjoyed it right from start to finish. It is a book about honesty, human struggles and overcoming them. It is a book about not giving up, about mistakes, choices and a willingness to recognise ones own character traits, warts and all. It is a book about acknowledging what we are good at, what we want in life and working hard to achieve those things and better ourselves. It is a book about maturing as a person and heeding life’s lessons (or not). It is about tragedy and joy and the things that are important. It is about music. Parts of this book seemed to be speaking directly to me ... I felt my own loss through his loss of his daughter. It is also entertaining and funny. It is told by one man through his own voice (excellent narration) but it speaks to all of us as we make sense of this world. I found the whole listen uplifting, comforting and motivating with some tears, nodding off head in agreement in some parts and plenty of big grins and laughter. And I have started exploring the music too which forms the back bone of this story. Thanks Gary .. I know who you are now. You have given me plenty to think about.

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WOW what a book

What a great book. Inspirational. Once started listening I couldn't put it down. It's brilliant.

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surprisingly honest...

surprisingly honest... love it! never knew what happened behind the scenes... scary...sad...we always loved his music ... congratulations Gary Barlow!!!

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Absolutely Brilliant!

I don’t normally write reviews but this book was too good not mention.

Listening to Gary narrate his book was the icing on the cake. I couldn’t stop Listening! It’s full of laughter, tears, heartfelt words that are expressed with his super talented songwriter essence shining through.

This will undoubtedly have you connecting to Gary as he continually shows that at the end of the day he is just a normal human-being like you and I who’s not perfect. His life journey has astounded me with his continuing self-development and determination which is truly applaudable. An incredibly honest and open insight to a mans life which at the end of the day is truly fascinating to the general pubic. Well done Gary - and thanks for educating us, as undoubtedly this book will help many people who have suffered the same difficulties.

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A good holiday read!

Very interesting listen to Gary's struggles and his life. Listened till the very end! Yoga!

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Insightful story

This life story has many facets; fame came as a result of hard work but arrived on the back of exploitation and Gary and his band mates just weren't equipped to deal with it. Why do we do that? It just reinforces my view that we are teaching all children the wrong skills at school. Gary has done things other performers can only dream of, and the revival of Take That is a triumph. He also seems to have solid family support which he has needed to see him through his highs and lows. I loved hearing about his diet battles, it is unbelievable what rubbish advice he got, some bits made me cringe but at least I know it's not just me! Fame and fortune was no shield from family tragedy. I am so truly sorry for the loss of your daughter Poppy. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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A special man

Delighted to have read this. A clear picture of a very simple and ordinary, yet at the same time brilliant, quirky and obsessive, human. I related to him in many ways as I too am obsessed with my craft, and we have much in common in that way. The food thing struck me as being as sad as I think Gary thinks of it too. Such a shame that a gift like that is seen as a problem, and is a problem, if you make it so. The story made me count my blessings. It drove home what we all know - that wealth doesn't buy happiness, no matter how much easier it can make things appear.
Stunning performance but by the end I realised that's because Gary is incredibly good at what he does.
Recommended!

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Wow

This is a superb book. The audio is amazing and could not put it down. What an honest account with so many tough stories to tell. Thank you Gary for sharing a very private account.

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outstanding

humble honesty took over. fantastic .major respect for Gary and the BAND after this

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I understand now....

I loved this book especially with Mr Barlow reading it. I never liked TT the first time around and now I understand why and I'm so glad they chose to be themselves this time around. I'm rethinking my eating which I could see myself in so much of what he said ❤️

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