Face It

A Memoir

By: Debbie Harry

Narrated by: Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Clem Burke, Alannah Currie, Gary Valentine

An audiobook edition of Face It, the much-anticipated autobiography from rock icon and lead singer of Blondie Debbie Harry.

Face It is performed by Debbie Harry with vocal guest appearances from Chris Stein, Clem Burke, Alannah Currie, and Gary Valentine with original music by Chris Stein.

Filled with never-before-seen photos and art throughout, the much-anticipated autobiography from rock icon and lead singer of Blondie Debbie Harry.

Brave, beautiful, and born to be punk

Musician, actor, activist, and the iconic face of New York City cool, Debbie Harry is the front woman of Blondie, a band that forged a new sound that brought together the worlds of rock, punk, disco, reggae, and hip-hop to create some of the most beloved pop songs of all time. As a muse, she collaborated with some of the boldest artists of the past four decades. The scope of Debbie Harry’s impact on our culture has been matched only by her reticence to reveal her rich inner life - until now.

In an arresting mix of visceral, soulful storytelling and stunning visuals, Face It upends the standard music memoir while delivering a truly prismatic portrait. With all the grit, grime, and glory recounted in intimate detail, Face It recreates the downtown scene of 1970s New York City, where Blondie played alongside the Ramones, Television, Talking Heads, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie. Aesthetically dazzling, and including never-before-seen photographs, bespoke illustrations, and fan art installations, Face It brings Debbie Harry’s world and artistic sensibilities to life.

Following her path from glorious commercial success to heroin addiction, the near-death of partner Chris Stein, a heart-wrenching bankruptcy, and Blondie’s breakup as a band to her multifaceted acting career in more than 30 films, a stunning solo career and the triumphant return of her band, and her tireless advocacy for the environment and LGBTQ rights, Face It is a cinematic story of a woman who made her own path and set the standard for a generation of artists who followed in her footsteps - a memoir as dynamic as its subject.

"I was saying things in songs that female singers didn’t really say back then. I wasn’t submissive or begging him to come back, I was kicking his ass, kicking him out, kicking my own ass too. My Blondie character was an inflatable doll but with a dark, provocative, aggressive side. I was playing it up yet I was very serious." (From Face It)

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Debbie Harry (P)2019 HarperAudio

Heart Of Class

This book and reading made me laugh, brought a tear to my eye, and fascinated me. It’s so easy to hear the word ‘Blondie’ and think of Deborah Harry’s ethereal beauty, hear Heart Of Glass in your head and move on but there is so much more. The brilliance of Debbie, Chris, and the myriad of talent they have played with over the years is woven into a touching tapestry with The Queen of Cool guiding you through every stitch.

Nobody Tells The Whole Truth About Themself

This would serve as an excellent companion to an unauthorized biography of Debbie Harry's life and work. Blithely glossing over years of heroin and cocaine addiction as just one example--Chris Stein's "recovering" in a private hospital room while Debbie's out each day copping "H" for him. (How did that slip by the medical staff, by the way?) And other enormous omissions--make for a sort of poetic take on a punk rock life lived with gusto. Perhaps due to her editor's suggestion, she disclaims all these fibs in the final paragraphs, "I didn't tell you EVERYTHING. Who would?!"
This leaves the listener wondering what actually happened in this artist's tumultuous life. Between the lines, if you will.
Debbie Harry's amazing East Coast drawl, though, is what makes this a gem. I recommend it highly to any casual punk rock historian. Just don't expect to come away knowing anything for sure. It's a good read.

Intriguing

Really interesting story. Deborah Harry is a singer/actress, so it took me a bit to get adjusted to her narration. I love when authors read their work, it's such a personal experience. What a life she's had, and how delightful for her to share.

Good Rock Memoir

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would because Debbie Harry has lived a more interesting life than I realized. Glad I took the time to listen.

A must for Blondie and Debbie Harry fans

I loved the no nonsense presentation and delivery. very punk rock. I very much recommend this book

Thumbelina Punk

“Face it,“ I didn’t know what to expect from Deborah Harry’s autobiography. I wasn’t a punker, and didn’t understand the term. I was in the Army during Vietnam when she began her punk journey. I liked her songs, I enjoyed dancing to them later in disco’s and on the radio. I bought a Blondie album. And now at 72, I so enjoyed hearing her relate her life journey, I feel like I can better understand her struggles and her music. Coming to grips with the past and present while growing into wisdom is not a picnic. Deborah is able to face what was and is - in a straight forward story of her life in an often humorous and painful interplay of people, her thoughts, and her heart. Readers will feel special hearing her voice and develop an endearing personal (although one-sided), friendship with her truths. I recommend everyone to “get to know her.” Bravo!

Talk about honesty

What an interesting life. So glad she decided to write this. Been a fan since she came on the scene & loved her ever since. She's lucky to be alive, with a couple of these twists & turns. Very enjoyable to listen to. Thank you for the music, Debbie!

Thoroughly enjoyed the memoirs of the first female punk

In the late 70s Deborah Harry was my hero. In fact on New Year’s Eve 1979 I celebrated at midnight by dancing around my apartment to Blondie feeling empowered, sexual, and self reliant. 1980 became a pivotal year in my life and Blondie was my soundtrack. Thanks Debbie for reminding me how cool that time was. (And how cool you are.)

Who knew?

Growing up in the 70s and 80s as a Blondie and then Deborah Harry fan I found this memoir to be insightful, funny and extremely interesting. A lover of music and art myself without possessing any of those gifts, this book gave a peek at what it’s like to have those talents. The absolute queen of cool who always persevered. Looking forward to checking out CHRIS Stein’s book Negative as well.

A guided tour through the life of a true NYC punk!

Debbie Harry really does a fantastic job of telling her own story and the story of the rise of punk in New York City. She really puts the reader there at the heart of it. I found all of her personal stories intesting and the stories of those around her were great as well. The book is very well written and flows nicely. I'm very glad she narrated it herself, she dies a great job. My only complaint is this...I didn't want it to end!!!