Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Forget the media's pronouncements about the book. It is a heart wrenching life story of a boy traumatized by his mother's death. As a mother (about the same age as Diana, and with two sons), his stories about misconduct and experimentation reflect today's reality. Most kids go through this. But for most, it is not a State Issue, covered by the press, and known by everyone you will meet throughout the rest of your life. Prince Harry takes us through the stages of his grief and trauma, and how it impacted him throughout his life. He shows how PTSD cares little for royal titles and privilege. His gut-wrenching description of anxiety attacks, if anything, understates the paralysis and physical pain. Reading about how he still tried to give speeches, during an attack, makes you appreciate his courage. He doesn't ask for appreciation, though. He tells the story self-deprecatingly, not asking for your sympathy. There are juicy tidbits to keep the reader's attention, but it's deeper meaning is not lost. Importantly, Prince Harry takes us through the journey from teenager to soldier. We are given us a unique insight into what nations ask their young people to do, on the state's behalf. Prince Harry describes the hundreds of hours of training, the transport into a war zone, the boredom broken up by life threatening attacks, and the difficult return home. Home, where his service is ignored for reminding tabloid readers about his youthful indiscretions. Finally, we get to see that the monarchy needs learn that racial injustice is everywhere, and everyone needs to do their part to overcome it. He shows the reader that the treatment of Meghan was NOT the same as other royals. The nastiness included a glaring and obvious racial component. Prince Harry educates the reader that racial insensitivity, and injustice, didn't just hurt HER, it hurts EVERYONE. It keeps the stereotypes alive and in circulation. Kudos to Prince Harry for recognizing his own insensitivity, and now taking the time to educate others. Prince Harry takes the blame for his own failings, but refuses to take the blame for everyone's failings. He describes how the Palace, through its backdoor dealings with the media, created a narrative about him, which he was forbidden to correct. The reader appreciates the delicate balance that tries to keep the monarchy relevant, protecting the heir at all costs, including the costs to the "Family." His is a story about a boy that wants a Family, and an Institution that cannot be "just a family." While he understands the media will create its own narrative, he gives the reader his blemished life ... his side ... without interruption. This book is well worth the read. You won't regret it.