Face It

A Memoir

By: Debbie Harry

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

A vinyl edition of Face It, the much-anticipated autobiography from rock icon and lead singer of Blondie, Debbie Harry. Face It Vinyl 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. Face It Vinyl features two records filled with highlights from the audiobook, beautifully packaged with never-before-seen photos and art. Each purchase also includes a full-length digital download of the audiobook.

BRAVE, BEAUTIFUL AND BORN TO BE PUNK

Musician, actor, activist, and the iconic face of New York City cool, Debbie Harry is the frontwoman 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 re-creates 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 thirty 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

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