Cher: The Memoir. Part One (2024) by: Cher
It’s no secret that Cher has ‘lived a life’ and when I downloaded this audiobook I was not surprised that it was 16 hours long. But I was taken aback a bit when I saw the words in small print: “Part One”. All that to say, after 16 hours we only get to the onset of the 1980s and all 16 hours are full of relevant and riveting storytelling. This book includes generational trauma, survival, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, insecure attachment, enmeshed boundaries, under-the-table abortions, adultification, unmarred love and affection, loving those struggling with addiction, adventure, risk, reward, and a complicated relationship with Sonny Bono that (in the end) totally parallels a presentation on human trafficking that I sat in on last week (by local program My Friends Are Not For Sale). And while she regularly reflects on a lack of connection with a core sense of self (due to a lack of agency in many of her experiences), naivety, and emotional immaturity as she gains true autonomy entering into her 30s; Cher appears to remain a sense of groundedness and intuition that is striking. It reminds me of stories like Kelly Bishop and Dave Grohl, that despite adversity, there appears to be this clear connection with their destiny that keeps them on track, grounded, and calm. Cher often references intuitive gifts that are passed down her female family line, and I do not question it for a moment. To say that Cher’s story is one of resilience is an understatement. But I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge the magic in her story as well.
I am eager for “Part 2”…
How did I hear about this book: A friend told me about it
Would I recommend it to colleagues: Sure, if clinically appropriate
Would I recommend this to clients: Sure, if clinically appropriate
How do I apply this content to my work: While this book was full of anecdotes that exemplify many clinical concepts, I don’t have a clear idea of how I might apply it to my work. I suppose it could be helpful to read with clients (especially female clients) who have experienced complex trauma, who have trusted their livelihood to their husbands and been betrayed, and/or those who are having to cultivate their sense of self and/or rebuild their lives as an adult. This can be an incredibly trying and arduous process, and as someone who gets tired of hearing how “resilient” I am, it’s always comforting to witness how someone else went through it, coped with it in healthy and otherwise imperfect ways, and come out the other side. Cher’s story is certainly one of courage wherein she took risks, followed her intuition and her passions, made mistakes, failed, lost everything, had her heart broken, and also succeeded fiercely. And in the face of all of this, there is a comforting and co-regulating calm about her that is so warm and inviting. And maybe that is how it can be applied to support the work I do as I strive to maintain that kind of co-regulating role in the therapeutic relationship too.
If you need help healing from developmental trauma and are in the state of Washington, click here to contact me.
Disclaimers: These reviews are based on my own personal experience reading these books and do not reflect on the book’s author or publisher. I have not received any commissions or other incentives to promote my reviews. My reviews express my own unbiased opinions.
