A Little Thing Called Life

On Loving Elvis Presley, Bruce Jenner, and Songs in Between

By: Linda Thompson

Narrated by: Linda Thompson

Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning songwriter Linda Thompson breaks her silence, sharing the extraordinary story of her life, career, and epic romances with two of the most celebrated yet enigmatic modern American superstars - Elvis Presley and Bruce Jenner.

For the last 40 years, award-winning songwriter Linda Thompson has quietly led one of the most remarkable lives in show business. The longtime live-in love of Elvis Presley, Linda first emerged into the limelight during the 1970s, when the former beauty pageant queen caught the eye of the King. Their chance late-night encounter at a movie theater was the stuff of legend, and it marked the beginning of a whirlwind that would stretch across decades, leading to a marriage with Bruce Jenner, motherhood, and more drama than she ever could have imagined.

Now, for the first time, Linda opens up about it all, telling the full story of her life, loves, and everything in between. From her humble beginnings in Memphis to her nearly five-year relationship with Elvis, she offers an intimate window into their life together, describing how their Southern roots fueled and sustained Graceland's greatest romance. Going inside their wild stories and tender moments, she paints a portrait of life with the King, as raucous as it is refreshing. But despite the joy they shared, life with Elvis also had darkness, and her account also presents an unsparing look at Elvis' twin demons - drug abuse and infidelity, forces he battled throughout their time together that would eventually end their relationship just eight months before his untimely death.

It was in the difficult aftermath of Elvis' death that Linda found what she believed was her true home: the arms of Olympic gold medal-winner Bruce Jenner. Detailing her marriage to Bruce, Linda reveals the apparently perfect life that they built with their two young sons - Brandon and Brody - before Bruce changed everything with a secret he'd been carrying his entire life, a secret that Linda herself kept for nearly 30 years, a secret that Bruce's transition to Caitlyn Jenner has finally laid bare for the world. Providing a candid look inside one of the most challenging moments of her life, Linda uncovers the struggles she went through as a woman and a mother, coming to terms with the reality of Bruce's identity, and resolving to embrace him completely no matter what, even as it meant they could no longer be together.

And yet, despite her marriage unraveling, her search for love was not over, eventually leading her to the legendary music producer and musician David Foster, a relationship that lasted for 19 tumultuous years, resulting in a bond that spurred her songwriting career to new heights but also tested her like never before.

Filled with compelling and poignant stories, A Little Thing Called Life lovingly recounts Linda's incredible journey through the years, bringing unparalleled insight into three legendary figures.

©2016 Linda Thompson (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

A little thing called life

This is a good read. Linda seems like a true genuine person. Someone you would want as a friend. Check it out !!

A Little Pollyanna Goes A Long Way

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It seemed like there was always a glossy coating that covered every story. It didn't always seem sincere. Like her lyrics, this story seemed a little forced at times. Her song lyrics are good, but they seem very crafted for each occasion. This book felt like that.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It might have been nice to have someone else read the story instead of the author. I wish she could have been more honest when she described other people's bad behavior. There were some pretty awful situations that she dealt with, but she always put a spin on it to make it seem like she is a perfect and angelic figure who never gets angry. Maybe she is truly perfect and angelic, but it gets old in the narrative.

What about Linda Thompson’s performance did you like?

She reads well, but it sounded like she was reading a bedtime story to a child, rather than an adult reading her own story. It was a bit sugary at times.

Was A Little Thing Called Life worth the listening time?

Yes, but I wouldn't listen to it again. I even fast-forwarded through a few parts because the ending of each relationship always had the same tone---she said Elvis, or Bruce, or David did the best he/they could in every situation, etc etc etc. It just got old. Sometimes they didn't do the best they could. Sometimes they were just plain jerks.

Beautiful!

Very tasteful. Only I wish there was more on Elvis.. It was so refreshing to learn more about Caitlyn. Thank you Linda.

The author had me with "standing apart"

Good memoir - I admire when a person decides to place love, respect and empathy above making a quick buck, the spotlight and hurt feelings. Ms. Thompson takes the high road and taught a few lessons along the way.

amazing!!!!

what a lucky lifetime of priceless one of a kind memories with such relevant people

From the heart

Linda Thompson wrote a beautiful memoir, she sounds like such a sweet, caring person. The way she loved all of her men in her life is truly amazing. Thank you for sharing, I never knew all the beautiful songs she wrote. She is a very talented lady, everyone should read this book it is truly great

Amazing story

Truly an amazing story. Completely changed my
thinking not only in the Elvis story but about my own life. Weird to say but it’s true. Thank you for an amazing and inspiring life story!!!

Interesting story but one-sided

What an interesting life story; however, about half-way through I realized the author/narrator ALWAYS takes the high road in her opinion. She states she was always so nice, always doing the right thing, etc. After a bit into the story it just seemed like she was trying to defend her life in some way. She has had 2 failed marriages yet none her fault. Her spouses were not faithful yet when she met her second husband he was married. So much of the story seems like typical "Hollywood" not really the life we all live in. I've never written a book review but on this one, I couldn't resist. My favorite part of the book, which in the beginning I didn't think I would like at all, was her song lyrics and how they tied into her life experiences.

Wonderful

A story telling direct from the heart... what a life!!! What a woman!!!...my respect to her!!

Fell in Love with the Story and the Story Teller

If you could sum up A Little Thing Called Life in three words, what would they be?

Engaging Passionate Loving

Who was your favorite character and why?

Linda Thompson is an amazing women. She endured, prospered, and loved 3 type A individuals. She is definitely the hero of the book to persevere and have a wonderful outlook on love and life.

What about Linda Thompson’s performance did you like?

Linda's story is an amazing life journey. The highs the lows and how she was so patient and loving throughout. Linda is full of passion for life and especially family.

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

Yes, I listened to it in my car and found myself taking longer routes to finish a chapter. I didn't want it to end.

Any additional comments?

Her read is fabulous. For me it added so much to the book. She has excellent language skills with an underlying hint of that sexy southern accent. Her energy and enthusiasm is evident in the book and her read.