A royal read

image via Town & Country

Unlike almost everyone I know, I'm all for Prince Harry and Meghan putting themselves out there. I enjoyed watching H and M share their story in their Netflix special and I couldn't wait to read Prince Harry's memoir, Spare. The hardcover was flying off shelves; I made sure to have Elm Street Books save me a copy.

Spare is raw and unflinching. Harry spared (get it?) few details. He's getting a lot of backlash for airing the family's dirty laundry, but why should he hold back? Any memoirist has to shed light on dark moments, reveal hidden truths. The British press had been spewing lies about Harry his whole life, and then eviscerated his wife in the tabloids. I can understand why he'd want to set the record straight, tell his story in his own words. (With the help of a ghostwriter.)

I guess I was naive, I didn't assume most celebrities used ghostwriters. Then I read that the same scribe, J.R. Moehringer, who wrote Open and Shoe Dog had helped Harry. I loved the former two books. Moehringer is supremely talented. I suppose I should read his own memoir next.. But alas, I digress.

Does Spare divulge private details, put some family members in a less than positive light? Of course, it's a tell-all memoir, and people are flawed. Harry writes of his sibling rivalry with William ("Willy") and of deeper issues and hurt between the two brothers. Harry discusses his grief and trauma following his mother’s death. He also devotes much of the book to his army days. His work as an Apache Aircraft Commander is incredibly impressive. I didn't love reading about war, and Harry's fighter days take up much of the book, but I understand that was a significant part of his life. Harry does finally treat the reader to juicy parts of his courtship with Meghan, as well as info on previous romances. Prince Harry goes there.

Overall, he is a deeply feeling, bright soul. I'm sure his writing will help many. The tight lipped "never complain, never explain" stance of the royal family is antiquated, just like their institution. Harry is human (just like us!) and doesn’t deserve to be bashed because he was born into royalty. I'm sympathetic to him and appreciative of his candor. I support Harry telling his truth. I hope it sets him free.

AES

P.S. I'll never forget potty training Liv during the weekend of Harry and Meghan's wedding. It provided the perfect entertainment for a day stuck indoors with our little naked princess :)