Boys in the Trees cover art

Boys in the Trees

A Memoir

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About this listen

Simon's memoir reveals her remarkable life, beginning with her storied childhood as the third daughter of Richard L. Simon, the co-founder of publishing giant Simon & Schuster, her musical debut as half of The Simon Sisters performing folk songs with her sister Lucy in Greenwich Village, to a meteoric solo career that would result in 13 top 40 hits, including the #1 song "You're So Vain."

She was the first artist in history to win a Grammy Award, an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, for her song "Let the River Run" from the movie Working Girl.

The memoir recalls a childhood enriched by music and culture, but also one shrouded in secrets that would eventually tear her family apart. Simon brilliantly captures moments of creative inspiration, the sparks of songs, and the stories behind writing "Anticipation" and "We Have No Secrets" among many others. Romantic entanglements with some of the most famous men of the day fueled her confessional lyrics, as well as the unraveling of her storybook marriage to James Taylor.

Includes original music composed especially for the program by Carly Simon and Teese Gohl, plus a previously unreleased bonus song from Carly Simon.

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Critic Reviews

Occasionally (some might argue often) an audio comes along that is better than the print version—and this title definitely qualifies.--<i>Starred Booklist Review</i>
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I knew and enjoyed Carly Simon's early albums pretty well and after a friend's recommendation, looked forward to this. But she's a songwriter not an author and it shows - some good lines but not good sustained writing.

It's interesting enough if you already have an interest. Despite her singing sometimes as part of the audio, it did not grab me.

Songwriter's story

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What did you like most about Boys in the Trees?

any author reading their biography is always special. The nuances, the emphasis's and the emotions show through. Carly has a wonderful singing voice (of course!) but she has a wonderful reading voice too.

What other book might you compare Boys in the Trees to, and why?

Mike Fleetwood, similar era music wise (and behaviour wise?)

Which character – as performed by Carly Simon – was your favourite?

Carly...

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, was hard to leave!! sad when it finished. Can't wait for next installment!

Any additional comments?

lovely book, well produced, having the musical interludes was a great bonus. Best book I have ever listened too!

a delight

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This is one of the best audiobooks I've listened to for years. Carly reads her book perfectly, peppering the audiobook with her own music, adding to the emotion and stories.

Carly's life, growing up in the 50s and the trials of her life beyond are fascinating, and her seemingly balanced portrayal of James Taylor left me slightly heartbroken.

This really made me appreciate Carly's massive back catalogue and the meaning behind both the hits and wealth of hidden gems therein. The book was over 14 hours long but still had me aching for more. I listened to the final chapter twice, which is a first for me. Highly recommended, and for the whole experience I recommend having a serious listen to her autobiographical songs outside the book, between sessions!

Honest and massively enjoyable

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What a beautiful book. I had already read the book but this was so much better, it is told straight from the heart and so honest. What a life you have had so far.
What is wrong with James Taylor ? What is wrong with just saying hello?

Oh Carly

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