Review: I Am Ozzy
Whether you’re a fan of his or not, you have to admit that Ozzy Osbourne has led a fascinating life. In his new memoir, I Am Ozzy, he tells of his childhood, finding his way into the music industry, of his marriages and his addictions. He celebrates his successes and admits his mistakes and is honest about his regrets.
Carl and I listened to the abridged audio version of this book and we both enjoyed it. The audio is read by Frank Skinner, a well-known British comic, and he does a great job. The audio lasts approximately four hours and there is an interview with Ozzy himself at the end, after the book. This book works very well in the audio format because it’s written in a very conversational tone – it’s almost as if Ozzy is sitting there talking to you. Having said that, I Am Ozzy is not for the whole family because Ozzy does not censor his language and he is very creative with curse words.
We found ourselves laughing at some of Ozzy’s early antics and cringing at some of his later ones. (If you’re an Ozzy fan, I’m sure you know which ones I’m talking about. If you’re not, I don’t want to spoil it for you.) We are Ozzy fans in this house, but learned lots of new things about him as we listened to I Am Ozzy. I never realized just how lucky Ozzy is to be alive until I listened to this book.
You won’t mistake this for great literature, but you will enjoy it, like we did, if you’re a fan of Ozzy, music, or memoirs. You’ll be in the mood for some Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne music after you read this one:
Challenges: Memorable Memoir Challenge
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I’m fairly neutral about Ozzy, but glad to know the audio worked for you. I don’t generally listen to abridgments, but maybe four hours would be about right for this one.
Ozzy created the music of our youth, much to my parents dismay. And no, he has never been one to censor himself! Haha! When you said you had received this audio, I knew it would be an easy, entertaining four hours. All aboard!!!!
I admit that this is one book that I definitely want to read. I was telling my husband that we should listen to it, but then I remembered that we always have kiddos with us and Ozzie probably isn’t appropriate for them!
Not sure if I’ll read this one but I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I’m not an Ozzy fan, but I have heard of a few outrageous incidents in his life, and I think that his life would make for really interesting reading. Four hours sounds pretty good.
I’m not really into Ozzy, so I’ll pass this. But good review!!
I must say you know how to write great reviews. Nice.
I was never a fan of Black Sabbath but did watch the reality show at times. And have been wondering if this should go on my TBR list…and after your review…it is. Just curious since you did the audio. Was it hard to understand him because I know I have difficulty with his “mumbles’?
CMashLovesToRead
I had enough of Ozzy watching his MTV show once.
I LOVE OZZY! And yes, he has come very close to death a number of times. This is one Memoir I would love to get my hands on. Great review. I’m going to have to check out the audio since my hubby loves OZZY too!
Ozzy rocks!! This sounds like a very entertaining book. And “Crazy Train” is one of my favorites!
With so many books out there I want to read I have to say I’ll probably never get around to this, but at the same time I’m sure he has some interesting stories to tell.
The Osbourne I most respect is Sharon. How does she keep her gentle, sweet spirit among such craziness?
Kathy, you’re an Ozzie fan? You rock, girl! I think I’ll have to look for this on audio; thank heavens Ozzie didn’t do the narration!
At least the whole thing isn’t read by him, or I’m sure I’d never understand it. 🙂 I’m not a big Ozzy fan, but it sounds like he’s had an interesting life.
Well this one certainly sounds like a memorable memoir. I guess you got that part right.
Ozzy definitely is a character. My uncle would probably enjoy this book quite a bit. I’m making a note to recommend it to him.
I’m trying to imagine how it would go…mumble, mumble, bleep, mumble, bleep bleep bleep, mumble mumble.
I don’t read many music bios, but this is one I would try (or listen to!).
For those who have commented about not being able to understand Ozzy, the review here does say the unabridged version is narrated by someone other than Ozzy. That said, I would prefer to hear Ozzy read the audio book — I’ve never had much difficultly understanding him, and I generally do prefer for autobiographies to be read by the person they’re about (assuming that person is alive).
I’m glad you reviewed this book. I had read his recent “10 Questions” interview in Time magazine and, at that time, thought to myself I should look for his book . . . then promptly forgot to put it on my TBR list. But now it’s on there!
My older sister liked the music of Black Sabbath, so I heard Iron Man and other songs at an impressionable age. The book sounds fascinating. As you say, it’s not great literature, but it’s interesting. I’ve seen the Osbourne’s reality show on TV which is also rather engaging.
Great review, Kathy! 🙂
My husband just listened to this and wrote a review. He was a fan in his younger years and enjoyed listening to this as well. Ozzy is definitely an interesting guy!
Okay. You have just recreated yourself in my mind’s eye. As in, Oh my gosh. She’s up on Ozzy, too.
oh, this sounds good. I just finished reading and reviewing the Motley Crue memoir and Ozzie is mentioned in it 🙂
I wouldn’t have had you pegged as a Black Sabbath fan, Kathy! Not me, though I have to admit to a certain fascination with Ozzy. I tend to hate celebrity memoirs, so I’ll probably give this one a miss.
I like memoirs in audio – even though I normally stay away from abridgments, this one sounds like it might be a fun listen.
I love memoirs and I should try them in audio. I like the idea that this one sounds like a conversation.
It’s fun to find out that you are a Black Sabbath fan, Kathy! I was never into them and didn’t watch that MTV show about their lives, but I loved watching his daughter on Dancing with the Stars last season 🙂
I’m hoping to get around to this one. I do love Ozzy.
I just never pegged you as an Ozzy fan. My husband and I did enjoy his MTV show for one or two seasons when it started … he does have a kind of quirky odd charm. I’m glad to hear he didn’t narrate the book … it would be hard to understand!
When this came up for review I really didnt think I would enjoy it so I passed. Now I am reading what fun you had with it and am I sorry I passed on it. You make it sound interesting and you are right – he has had a fascinating life!
Wow kathy I didnt think that you would ever read anything about ozzy but maybe for once I was wrong!
I’m not a huge fan of Ozzy but from your review this one seems like something I would love to read. Thanks!
So funny! ‘Crazy Train’ gets stuck in my head all the time because I can seriously rock it on Rock Band! I must say, it’s usually one of my best performances! hehe.
But I can say that I do not quite rock the full-on leotard like that dude does! *sigh*
I’ve been wanting to give audiobooks another try and this one seems perfect. I know I will enjoy it…salty language and all!
I have to admit I never pictured you an Ozzy fan! I love it 🙂
This sounds like a really entertaining and fun read. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
i recently saw this book on the kindle page and wanted to download it. the synopsis alone made me giggle.
as a kid, i remember being petrified of ozzy–he made a comeback in the early 80s and rumors of him killing puppies struck fear into my heart.
now, having seen him on his tv show a few times, i know that he’s much more of a kitten than tiger. i am going to give this a go because the guy is such a crackup! glad you guys enjoyed it.
I really like Ozzy and think this would make an interesting read for me. I think he is a really naturally funny person, and some of the stories of his life are really unpredictable and strange. I am putting this one on my list. Thanks!
I like Ozzie, thanks for the review.