Spare

Locations
Call Number: 921 Harry,Prince, Duke of Sussex, 921 Harry,Prince, Duke of Sussex, Adult Book / Nonfiction / Biography / General / Harry, Prince, Duke of Sussex
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Westgate Branch

"It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother's coffin as the world watched in sorrow--and horror. As Diana, Princess of Wales, was laid to rest, billions wondered what the princes must be thinking and feeling--and how their lives would play out from that point on. For Harry, this is that story at last. With its raw, unflinching honesty, Spare is a landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief"-- Provided by publisher.

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Not as illuminating as he thought it would be submitted by kelleyc on February 13, 2023, 8:19am Don't get me wrong, this book certainly emphasizes many things I didn't realize about being a royal - mainly how truly and sinisterly invasive the press is towards this family. It's a recurring theme.

However, I don't think that the book is the tell-all that Harry thinks it is. Because at critical moments, times when we really just want to know what actually happened (the stupid bridesmaid dress argument, a fight between William and Harry, etc.) he still explains things as, "And then I realized that he FELT such-and-such a way." So it is still just his assumptions about others' feelings and motivations.

Overall it was an interesting book. It certainly led me to a lot of compassion for him in regards to just how vile the media is. But if you're looking for all the answers, this book won't have them.

Interesting insight submitted by JennJenn on June 11, 2023, 6:44am I enjoyed this book as Prince Harry shared his experience and perspective. It was sad to see how the media's portrayal of him as an adolescent played into his image as a bad boy and how the casting may not have been fair. After reading this I'm much more aware of talking everything I see about the royal family with more than a grain of salt.

Amazing book submitted by akbolon on June 12, 2023, 9:48pm The book is very interesting and a bit funny to read

Interesting submitted by jenduman on June 13, 2023, 4:47pm This was very eye opening as to how the royal family runs…

Not really a tell-all but interesting nonetheless submitted by tcramer318 on June 17, 2023, 5:29pm The emotions are raw and Prince Harry is super earnest. His writing skills leave something to be desired, but I guess that confirms that's the text is really in his voice. I agree with the first reviewer that this book isn't really a tell-all like we all may have thought earlier this year, it just seems like a dude who has some thoughts.

Informative submitted by gracekil on June 21, 2023, 8:58pm Sooo informative and interesting to see inside the world of the royal family. What a toxic environment! Prince Harry did well to escape that to protect his family, and this book explains it all. I was pleasantly surprised at what a mature and thoughtful and deep person Harry actually is, despite how the media portrays him.

Fairly Interesting submitted by denisemw on June 24, 2023, 1:21pm Interesting to hear a first person account of royal life, perspective, and personal feelings. Nothing shocking in this book as it seems the British Royal Family is what some might categorize as dysfunctional. Still, all families are unique and not perfect. I hope he is happy and finds a challenging, purpose-filled life..

Family Drama submitted by hiker15 on June 25, 2023, 5:56pm Interesting to read about Harry's service in the military. Sounds like he actually did alot of work. Also interesting how his Grandmother, his Dad and his brother all had their own communications department which seemed to be good at getting out negative press about him. Kind of sad for him, actually.

Listen to the audiobook version! submitted by Kitty4777 on July 19, 2023, 12:36am I listen to this and most other books as audio books, so I had Prince Harry read to me for 15ish hours. I think that’s the best way to experience this book, especially when he mimics others.

This was far better than it had any right to be. Yes, it was a royal history and personal journey, but it was an enthralling story, and very very very vivid and engaging.

This doesn’t feel like it was written by a ghost writer, based on how personal it all was- but even if that was the case,someone else putting into words the stories, (and it was- i just saw Goodreads list JR Moehringer listed as the ghost writer) it was exquisitely and beautifully completed.

Highly recommend moving up to the top of your to-read pile.

It made me like Prince Charles—- err… King Charles more, despite the current situation.

Insight into a toxic family submitted by yasioasasi on July 31, 2023, 1:10am Oof, what a heart wrenching account of royal life. While this book doesn’t clear up everything, it certainly offers a tragic window into the toxicity of life in the Royal Family and Palace. Easy, if heart wrenching read.

Spare submitted by SBNB on August 17, 2023, 10:28am I'm not sure what I expected this book to be. What it ended up being was a portrait of a young man traumatized by his mother's death and a scathing review of the paparazzi's behavior toward him and his family over the years. Also, when Meghan came into the picture during the last quarter or so of the book, there was some insight into the transactional relationship between the British press and the royal family. I guess I expected much more dirt on Harry's family, but I'm not at all disappointed with the book I read. I ended the book with a less favorable view of his brother and brother's wife and a slightly more favorable view of his dad (but this opinion of Charles came crashing down after I watched seasons 4 and 5 of The Crown and saw what an unbelievable jerk he was towards Diana).

All in all, it was a good book, an interesting book, and what I would assume to be an honest account of his perspective on the events of his life so far.

Spare book submitted by a2sue on August 22, 2023, 5:30am I've always liked Prince Harry and this book was quite the eye opener. Love him or hate him, he's just trying to live his life. Toxic families can exist anywhere!

1985 Britain PR machine submitted by Drew Woodrich on March 13, 2024, 12:32pm Every move she made, possibly in USA media. Diana Spencer at K Graham house (party invite during Clinton administration) mentioned in WPost (print).
SNL on tv, bad news out of Paris; several broken ribs.
Imagine being 16 and handling that luggage.
Chonology of his life easy to follow.
2007 NYC stage Ryan Shay from Traverse City area drops dead during most important race of his life.
2006 does not bring pleasant memory for Diana’s younger son - internet age spreads dirt quickly.
Don Henley, ‘dirty laundry’