Ok, now that people are getting the paperback book in the post, I'm going to share my review. Talitha sent me a draft PDF word document in August. As I read it I made notes. I was reading it with two parts of my brain, as a fan and friend of Talitha and as a proof reader. I have only read the full PDF that one time, I am waiting for the paperback to arrive to read it again.
Theses are some of notes I wrote as I read it. Bare in mind I was just writing to Talitha, so it might sound different than a regular review. Also some background, I have known Talitha since 1999 and shared a flat in Munich Germany with her 2002/2003. Over the years she shared so much of her times with Michael with me, but I always kept my connection to her very private. Her background, times with Michael, photos of her with Michael, they were not my stories to tell, so I didn't.
Chapter 1
It is Talitha’s story but it is our story. It is the secret thoughts and feelings of every fan, how we all feel but never dare tell anyone.
Everyone finally knows her story, and hopefully it will stop all the speculation. It will answer everyone's questions about how she got to places, how old she is , how she could travel. Everyone just knows her from the pap photos from Vegas onwards but now they will see how she got there.
For the first time people will see the grit and determination and the brutality of what it took to be at the concerts. People just watch the YouTube concerts and see the spectacular show, and the smiling faces. They do not know what it took to be one of those smiling faces, the bruises on the body and soul.
Chapter 2
Especially now in this Covid world, the descriptions of the concerts, of how to be in the front pit, of the crush of people will totally capture people. Even just the ticket process, which in this digital age is no more. People will be fascinated as it is a totally alien world, concerts are just not like that anymore.
People need to read this, the story of two ordinary girls taking off on an adventure, all of it, the follower fans, the summer of 97. They need to see that yes it was amazing, but things did go wrong. Its all so relatable, especially now, when that world is gone in more ways than one.
These stories brings back so many memories, of Talitha telling them to me in the early years. It is a record of something that most people do not know about. None of this is known, outside of those of us who know Talitha and the other follower fans. It will also be validation for so many, all the others following the tour that summer.
Chapter 4
This is like a window back to happier times. So many memories, such a magical time for all of us. I lived it second hand, sharing her stories when she came back to Munich and while I could not be there, just knowing the stories and sharing her adventures meant so much. It was such a secret bubble world and I treasure all the memories, all the late night chats in the living room of the flat we shared.
Chapter 5
Reading the verdict day and here come the tears, not just from her words but from the memories in my head. I remember that absolute terror, the sick in the stomach feeling, the day we wanted but dreaded at the same time.
What Talitha has done, its truly a work of love, I hear him, I see him, and I want that world back. Its just the most special, beautiful tribute to the most special beautiful man.