Perspective

Obviously, as an autobiography, the perspective is singular, that is, it is the story of Anita O'Day as told by Anita O'Day. The world of O'Day has been replete with success and musical innovation. She perfected a vocal style which catapulted her to national recognition, singing with top jazz bands and orchestras and producing top-selling recordings. As she clearly and honestly relates, however, her life was filled with poor choices, risky behaviors, and impulsivity. The honesty with which her tale is told, along with the ability to recall copious detail, allows the reader a truly intimate understanding of the chronological progression of her both the events of her life and her personal responses and reflections. Upon publication of the work, her embarrassment for being so candid caused a minor breakdown, as she recounts in the Epilogue. At the same time, however, the reader is certainly left with the...