Product Description

A memoir by the soul, gospel, and disco diva describes her terrible shyness as a child, the violent end of her parents' relationship when she was a teenager, and her eventual rise to the heights of stardom.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1008500 in Books
• Published on: 1996-10-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 305 pages

From Library Journal
In this revealing memoir, singer LaBelle tells of her rise to fame, describes how she overcame serious career setbacks, and speaks of her personal tragedies.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

The first book I have ever read cover to cover!
At age 34, 5 years ago, I read this book (hardcover) and it was the first book I have ever read cover to cover. Don't get me wrong, I can read - I just could not sit down long enough to finish a book (or retain anything for that matter). I have always loved Patti LaBelle but had no idea just exactly how inspirational she really was until I read this book. I couldn't put the darn thing down. I would lay in bed each night and lose track of time reading this book. It is an easy read as well as an insightful one. Her honesty and to-the-point message continues to inspire me - so much so that after I finished that book, I was so excited that I had actually finished a book, that I had to run out and buy another book. I have not stopped reading since. I can't find enough time in the day to do all the reading I want to do - and I have Patti LaBelle to thank for that. Patti girl, you have inspired me to read, taught me it's ok to be who I am and reminded me to love those around me because we never know how long we will have them in our lives. Thank you, thank you and thank you for opening another door in my world and showing me how not to block MY blessings!

Excellent, and intriguing
Don't Block the Blessings is an excellent book. When I began to read the first couple of words, I knew that this would be one book that I would not be able to put down. I often found myself reading the book while taking tests, taking a bath, while exercising, and sometimes while riding in the car. I think that the reason it caught my attention was because some of the issues that Mrs. LaBelle faced, I have gone through also. Although I am only sixteen years old, I have been in similar situations. Like Patti, I have often feared death, and I let that bother me for so long. I have lost an aunt, tragically, and me not being able to say to her what I needed to say still haunts me. After reading the book, I've learned to deal with my problems, as did Patti. I know Mrs. LaBelle will remain a true inspiration in my life because through her book, and through God, she has helped me to learn to never block the blessings. I believe that if America were to live by this motto, it would be a much better place. We need more people , like Mrs. Patti LaBelle, to speak out and help make this world a better haven. I commend her and may God continously bless her. I will remain her number one fan!!!

the diva's book keeps your attention by showcasing humor
I AM 23 YEAR OLD AFRO-AMERICAN.AND OF COURSE A DIE HARD PATTI FAN.I WOULD LOVE TO SAY I'M HER #1 FAN, BUT I KNOW EVERY LABELLE FAN FEELS THAT WAY. I REALY HATE TO ADMIT,BUT I DONT READ OFTEN AS I SHOULD,AND THAT'S BECAUSE MY MIND TENDS TO WONDER OFF IF THE BOOK FAILS TO CAST A SPELL ON ME.WELL PATTI FANS OUT THERE;THE HIGH PRIESTESS OF GOOD VIBRATIONS BOOK DID JUST THAT.I PURCHSED THE BOOK THE FIRST DAY I SAW THE DIVA ON OPRAH BACK IN OCT OF 96.THE DIVA IS SO HERSELF;FUNNY,HONEST,AND OPEN.I WOULD ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO READ THE DIVAS BOOK.IF YOU'RE LIKE ME AND HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BOOKS KEEPING YOUR ATTENTION; I PROMISE YOU PATTI IS SO FUNNY SHE'LL HAVE YOU LAUGHING OUT LOUD,ESPECIALY THE INSERT WHERE THE DIVA RECOUNTS SINGING SO HARD AT ONE OF HER SHOWS,THAT SHE WET HER SELF AND ON TOP OF THAT,THE DIVA EVEN TOLD THE AUDIENCE.THE AUDIENCE DIDN'T CARE,AS DEVOTED FANS TO THE DIVA WE'LL CONTINUE TO SEE PATTI WHEN SHE TURNS 100 AND STILL WATCH HER TRY TO ROLL ON THE STAGE(HA,HA) AND AS WE KNOW THE DIVA, SHE WILL TRY IT.I'M GLAD I WAS ABLE TO GIVE A REVIEW OF MY FAVORITE VOCALIST'S BOOK.IT IS A MUST BUY AS WELL AS HER COOK BOOK.GOD WILLING I WILL MAKE MY OWN MARK IN THE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD AS AN ACTOR;AND I WILL MEET THE DIVA,AND IT WILL BE AN HONOR TO TELL HER HOW MUCH I RESPECT HER TALENT,DEVOTIAN TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.AMERICANS OUT THERE THE DIVA PROVES THAT WHEN YOU BECOME A STAR,THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CHANGE WHO YOU ARE ON THE INSIDE;YOU CONTINUE TO HONOR GOD,LOVE YOURSELF,LOVE YOUR LOVEDONES,AND PASS ON LOVE TO EVERYONE THAT YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH.IF GOD WILLING THAT I MAKE IT AS AN ACTOR,I PROMISE TO BE A POSITVE ROLEMODEL AND AN INSPIRATIONAL LIGHT LIKE MRS LABELLE.TO THE DIVA HERSELF:IF YOU READ THIS REVIEW YOU ARE VERY WELL LOVED AROUND THE WORLD BY LEGIONS OF FANS,AND YOU ARE THE #1 DOWNHOME ELECTRICFYING,HAIR RAISING,GET OUT OF YOUR SEAT,SLAP YOUR MAMA DIVA!! AND IN CLOSING OF THIS REVIEW.TO VH1 YOU HAVE SHUNNED PATTI LABELLE FROM THE DIVAS LINE UP 2 YEARS IN A ROW,AS LOYAL FANS WE EXPECT TO SEE PATTI ON ONE OF THOSE DIVA FUNDRAISING CONCERT.(REMEMBER THE WORD DIVA WAS WRITTEN IN THE DICTIONARY WAS BECAUSE PATTI LABELLE WAS BORN).....................