Life is Just What You Make It: My Story So Far

Great book! I learned alot about Donny from his book, very insightful. Hes a very humble and is just a regular guy thats human. Recommend this book if your an Osmond fan.

Loved reading about the ends and outs in his life. Very interesting, very honest. Loved it.

As I read this book, it was easy to see that this was a "therapy assignment." Writing it must have helped Donny explain a lot to himself, and release the pain that led up to his social anxiety.I was struck by how difficult it must have been to grow up as a teen idol. Millions of girls the world over kissed his poster good night and dreamed of him. Yet his life was so sheltered he couldn't even get out to meet girls! As he tells the stories that led up to his panic attacks, I wasn't surprised that he developed the condition. All his life, girls were ripping off his clothes, tearing his hair, mobbing his car, pulling him offstage, stalking him. Most people would have been terrified, but Donny said that he loved it. At least at he time. The social anxiety eventually told him the truth.My heart was broken when he told of writing to his mother on his first international tour. Was he 6 years old? He was tired, lonely, and he wanted to go home. He was punished severely for saying that, and told to never say it again. That, he says, is when he began to deny himself access to his own feelings. At a time when his biggest worry should have been "Where is my favorite Matchbox car?" and "Can I play at the park after my nap?", he was keeping a work schedule that would kill the normal grown man. Before I read this book, I never knew that Donny Osmond was an exploited child.And yet he succeeded admirably. Most importantly, as I see it, he kept his faith. In Hollywood!! How is that even possible? But he did it. While I didn't grow up famous I had a pretty rough childhood, and through the years I've looked to him as an example I could emulate. No, I didn't expect him to be perfect. I don't expect anybody to be perfect, just nice. But if he could hold onto his faith in adverse conditions, so could I. I wish he hadn't paid such a high price for somebody he'll never meet, but I'm glad he was there to show the way.I highly recommend this book. Fan or not, LDS or not, it will leave you with the same deep-down joy that his music does--chock-full of hope, encouragement, and most of all love.

LIFE IS JUST WHAT YOU MAKE IT: MY STORY SO FARas I read donny's book, i couldnt help but feel partly responsible for Donny's downfall from super stardom. I was devastated to learn of Donny's marriage to Debbie and felt so betrayed by him that i put my Osmond albums and posters away and turned my back on him for what I vowed would be forever. It made me sad to read how hard it was for him to go from being on top of the world to a has been at the age of 21. And a broke has been as well. At times through out the book, i felt Donny was feeling sorry for himself but then, thats understandable too. Something I was absolutely delighted to read about was the family home. I always pictured the Osmond clan all living in one big giant mansion. As each brother got married, he'd just move his wife in. Well that wasnt quite right. they bought an entire apartment building and knocked out some walls to accomadate them. I also was touched by the story Donny wrote about briefly about the relationship between his mother and Elvis Presley. I am glad i read this book. although i dont listen to or care for his music anymore, I do, from time to time see him on TV and will watch. I was very disappointed in him when i saw him insult Rosie Odonnel about her weight. Totally rude and uncalled for. He explains in his book that he thought her words of praise and love for him was her way of mocking him and he lashed out. I don't buy it. He said too it was a joke. Ask any fat person if they've ever heard a fat joke that was funny. I lost alot of respect for Donny that day. However i was amused at Rosie. She over exaggerated his comment and for weeks, every guest she had on her show, she'd ask them if they saw the show where donny called her a big fat pig. Guess he picked the wrong fat girl to pick on. I would definately recommend this book to Donny fans.

Still reading this book. The paperback print is so tiny. Puts a strain on the eyes. Interesting book though.

I'm not sure the title is accurate: 'Life is Just What You Make It'; perhaps more adequate is 'My Life So Far; Never Giving Up'.Donny's life as a child was humble, with loving parents who wanted to bring out the best in each child. As it skyrocked into something much bigger than what the family anticipated there were certain consequences for all of it; good and bad. Donny shared his heart, wisdom, humor, life (good and bad, thank you!)and his family with his readers. Also ever present was his steadfast faith that didn't sway in the midst of defeat or even success. This makes an extraordinary individual. I can identify with Donny and his siblings having to be put on a pedestal and have a happy face all the time. But, inside there's a gnawing to be 'normal' and able to show emotions, feelings and thoughts without being shushed or criticized. Donny's eventual panic attacks were the result of this. Kudos to you Donny, for a heartwarming book. Hopefully there will be a sequel update titled "Still Moving Forward...".

I loved the book. I learned more about Donny then I knew. The triumphs and downfall that he faced in his personal and professional life. I was a Donny Osmond fan from the time I was 10, until now. I met him personally 2 years ago which was a dream come true and in October will see one of his final Las Vegas shows. A true gentleman, father, husband and grandfather

This is a great book! If you grew up in the same era at the time of Donny Osmond you will understand the book quite well. I thought is was great in the fact that it tells about pretty much everything in his life. I really enjoyed it and I know you would to.

EXCELLENT BOOK. I VERY MUCH ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK. FOR A OSMOND FAN, THIS IS A MUST BUY BOOK. SJ