Resistance: A Songwriter's Story of Hope, Change, and Courage

Tori Amos' new book Resistance is absolutely perfection. Even non Tori fans would enjoy it. It's beautifully written, empowering, moving, political, spiritual, magical, filled with tools we can use to navigate these strange times and so much more. I can't find the words to describe how amazing it is. My husband and I read it out loud the other night from cover to cover. There's an audio book version that she reads. I'll probably buy that too, it was that frigging good that I already want to hear her read it. 5 out of 5 stars!!!

Tori Amos' new book Resistance is absolutely perfection. Even non Tori fans would enjoy it. It's beautifully written, empowering, moving, political, spiritual, magical, filled with tools we can use to navigate these strange times and so much more. I can't find the words to describe how amazing it is. My husband and I read it out loud the other night from cover to cover. There's an audio book version that she reads. I'll probably buy that too, it was that frigging good that I already want to hear her read it. 5 out of 5 stars!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital ARC of Resistance by Tori Amos.

I grew up listening to Amos in my teen years and was thrilled to be able to read this book. Amos shares her process for song development and the experiences that shaped each song while the lyrics are provided at the end of the chapter. The book does not follow a chronological timeline, but rather a thematic approach. Amos shares her political views, her response to sexual assault, her response to 9/11 and her overall feminist views.

This is the book that I have been waiting for and Tori does not disappoint. I love how she lists specific songs, gives background into the origins of that song and successfully describes how the song relates to past and current events.

I do not know if I will buy any future books directly from Amazon though. Although the book cover seems to be made of material that Is hard to smudge, the book that I received had several smudges (possibly grease or wax) on it. When I requested an exchange, they were prompt in both their response and shipment of a replacement book, however, the replacement book that I received also had the same type of smudges as the first (with in fact more smudges).

While I haven’t listened to Tori Amos’ later albums as much as I did her first 10, those first 10 albums carried me through an up and down traumatic childhood, through tumultuous teenage years, and finally through my crazy 20’s. Tori’s lyrics have always pierced me through the heart, and there have been so many times that it felt like she had literally written a song for me personally. This is why I hold Resistance close to my heart: it is a written memoir depicting the birth and longevity of some of Tori’s songs, how they came to her, what they meant at the time, and what they still mean today. Each song comes at a certain point in Tori’s life where the personal narrative is closely woven with events in this country and the world, a personal call of resistance and uprising against everything that is wrong in this world.

I personally think that the best way to read this memoir is to read the lyrics of each song prefacing each chapter, to then listen to the song with one’s eyes closed, and then to read the chapter. I’m not sure that a person unfamiliar with Tori Amos’ work would appreciate it as much as a fan would, as the narrative is a little incohesive, and doesn’t exactly follow a precise timeline. The writing is also a little confusing at times, especially as the author uses a lot of metaphor and personal names for things (“Muses” for example for her own songwriting process). There were a few areas that I ended up skipping through rather fast as they took too long to reach a clear message, but there were also other areas that I loved. The way Tori talks about her family, about the causes that she holds so close to her heart, and about her activism. I also really enjoyed reading about her early piano bar life, I actually felt like I was standing next to her in the room as I read.
All in all I would say a 3-3.5 stars for this book.

Having been a great admirer and fan of Tori since the first time I heard her in 1992, I have gained great insight and strength from her words and actions. Her second book is an important expose on what was being thought and felt during a time when we all realized that the things we had long taken for granted were not at all assured. All people, men and women, liberal and conservative, should read this book and take the time to honestly examine what their values are and if those in power truly exemplify them.

One doesn't have to be an ardent fan to enjoy this generous, deeply insightful second book that somehow is more focused in subject matter(s) but also sprawling in its writerly ambitions/ruminations. For those of us who are a longtime loyal audience, however, it makes for even more rewarding experience, especially via the audio release (audible or CD). I elected to purchase both, as I think Tori's unmistakably unique voice perfectly heightens/illuminates her words, and yet for future reference to certain chapters/passages a book is far handier. If you can afford to get both forms, do yourself a big favor and go for it!

I really enjoyed this book by one of my favorite artists Tori Amos. Learning bits about where her songs came from and how they were created was very interesting. She’s much more in touch with her spiritual side than I ever knew and I found that fascinating. A must read for any fan or artist.

Resistance by Tori Amos

272bPages
Publisher: Atria Books
Release Date: May 5, 2020
ISBN: 9781982104153

Non-Fiction, Political Activism, Biography, Memoir

The story begins in Georgetown as Tori is a young girl going from place to place with her father with the hopes of her playing the piano. She describes her rebellious teenage years and moves on to adulthood. She includes lyrics and the background story behind the words. There is a moving section where she describes being in New York City when the Towers came down and emotions felt by everyone there.

She goes on to discuss Dr. Ford and Brett Kavanaugh outcome. Many women across the country shared their views with her and reminded her that women are stronger when they work together towards a common goal. She talks about the political hate that has become obvious since the Trump election. She discusses her mother, Mary and her debilitating stroke and the hole in her life after Mary’s death.

I have followed Tori’s music since her Little Earthquakes album. Before reading this book, I was unaware of the creative block she had in the twenties. Her work as a feminist and political activist is inspiring. She has an easy to read writing style which I enjoyed. If you enjoy her music, are a feminist or political activist, I recommend this book.

This book showed up in perfect condition. So as far as the product is concerned, it’s great!
The book itself has been an inspiration to read. I would highly recommend this to both Tori fans (EWFs) and to people who enjoy music/biographies. I am thrilled with this purchase and would absolutely consider getting the audio version, as well.