Shattered Love: A Memoir

Throughout my life, I have, on occasion, settled my attention on one thing or another, digging into as much information as I could, learning, delving, until I exhausted the available information or my curiosity on a given subject. Some of things I have studied have been people, some cultures, sometimes historical events....curiously, this pattern of insatiable knowledge seeking began with a teen crush on Richard Chamberlain.In 1980, I was 15 years old when my Mother decided to watch Shogun. Since we had only one TV in the house, I could either watch or find something else to do. I watched. The story filled me with great wonder. Mr. Chamberlain's performance, captivated me and I admit, I developed quite a little celebrity crush - the fact that he was 30 years older than myself seemed not to matter at all. More endearing, however, I developed a desire to learn more about the world we live in, it's cultures, history, etc. Of course, much of this inspiration can be placed on the doorstep of James Clavell's beautiful story, but if Mr. Chamberlain's performance had not been captivating, the story would never have touched me.It was out of a sense of gratitude for that early inspiration, that I picked up this book. In this book, the author details his path to his own spiritual and intellectual growth. I was personally tickled to see that he had several profound realizations that came from such mundane things as watching an episode of TV or examining a character or even just a palm tree - just like me! I guess you never know what in life's mundane offerings will spark tinder and lead you toward a bonfire of worthwhile self discovery.If you are looking for a book filled with sexual or personal revelation, or Hollywood dirt, then this book probably isn't for you. It is a book of healing, self-discovery, and forgiveness - and most of all an examination of Love in all of it's varied forms. It is a beautiful insight into a deeply spiritual and sensitive man, who hid behind a public image created as a protection against revealing his own self-doubt. It is thought-provoking and beautifully written. Beautifully Written! It doesn't seem fair that one man should be so physically gifted, then also be granted such talents in acting, music, art, and now writing - to develop with such skill. The fact that he also has a beautiful and loving soul just makes reading his memoir so much more lovely. I particularly loved his definition of 'Shattered Love', I won't give it away, but it is a beautiful theory of what divinity is and how it affects everyone and everything.His spiritual beliefs may not suit everyone's taste. His beliefs have obviously been developed through his own purposeful study and extensive contemplation. But the depth of what he believes and the positive way in which it has brought him to a place of personal enlightenment and contented joy is what I found fascinating.Far from exhausting my interest in this beautiful man, I admit my crush is now stronger than ever. (My husband will understand.) Again, Mr. Chamberlain has given me much to contemplate and more subjects to research and study. I wish him not only well, but continued peace and much joy and add my love to his, and thank him for the gift of this - his very thoughtful memoir.

This book takes you into RC’s thoughts and pretty much his life story. This is a very good read.

I really liked this memoir at the beginning. He writes about a completely unexpected and inspiring mystic experience he had when he was a little boy and I love that stuff. I am of the same opinion in re: to most of his ideas re: what we're doing here on earth, etc. But he goes on too long philosophizing. I just wanted his personal experiences in life, not his weltanschauung. Also, I don't like it when someone speaks for me. He'll say "we" do this and do that and think this way and that way. I just don't like anyone defining my reality. Define your own and I'll decide if any part of that coincides with mine.The book is almost half about his life and half about his ideas about life. A lot of psychological stuff. I appreciate his enthusiasm and love for life and people. I really like the guy, but the book didn't completely work for me and I began skimming the New Age meandering and I'm totally a New Age type so....His editor should have taken out the excerpts from letters Chamberlain wrote long ago. It's not uncommon when a person is young to try and be clever in their letters, but it doesn't age well.I loved hearing about his experiences working with a lot of famous actors. Getting the inside dope is always fun. I identified with his anger at his alcoholic father. He had some really cool non-ordinary reality experiences after his father's death which helped him forgive him. I loved Richard Chamberlain's honesty.I didn't know anything about Richard Chamberlain except he was Dr. Kildare. He seems like a really good guy. There is much to enjoy in this book, but it needed better editing. I recommend it with these caveats.

Richard Chamberlain does a wonderful job of explaining the unexplainable -- living a conscious, loving life. I found his description of the process much more accessible and much more humble than many others I have read. I highly recommend this book.

Fascinating Reading! I found Mr. Chamberlain's memoir insightful and profound. His successful career achieved despite his struggles shows that his choices were good ones and he became a stronger man because of them.I'm reading this now because I've seen images of what Richard looks like now (age 84) and he is still a beautiful man. Handsome, debonair, charismatic and first class all the way!His spiritual path towards enlightenment certainly helped him with his choices. In this realm, I personally was a Wayne Dyer follower.I am an adoring fan of Richard Chamberlain. His movies, his mini-series', his songs (wonderful baritone voice) and of course the show that started it all - Dr. Kildare.Now, I'm off to watch the Thorn Birds again. Must grab my tissues first.Father Ralph and Richard seemed to share similar choice issues.He is a good writer. This book is easy to read . It drew me in quickly and kept me involved. I read it in one night.

Would recommend this book to others.

Personnel . Richard Chamberlain était un des mes acteurs/chanteurs préférés . Dommage que ce livre ne soit qu'en anglais. Il faut un certain temps pour le traduire.Je ne peux pas envoyer photo ou vidéo

This memoir was delightful and inspiring.This illustrious venerable actor allows us to view him as a very vulnerable self-effacing man. He is surprisingly shy and yet to this day,continues to challenge himself with roles on stage in front of audiences.Mr Chamberlain uses his superb command of English to guide us through his life journey up to the time when, at 68, he felt an angel sitting on his head permitting him to finally come out and "be himself".Along the way, there are little vignettes of encounters with famous actors and directors at times shocking,and funny. However, the greatest impact of this book on me was how completely guileless and open the author was about his own foibles and his description of the spiritual journey which finally led him to divine happiness and awareness.

A Great Book about love, fear,searching for inner peace and finally finding freedom. A great spiritual journey for everybody who knows that life is love.

loved this book very honest and open biography. product was delivered well within the time stated.

I never knew for sure that Richard Chamberlain was gay until someone recently told me he was. I wasn't surprised by the memoir - it's a spiritual memoir as well as an autobiographical one. What did however surprise me was Richard Chamberlain's brief description of his brilliant film The Music Lovers directed by Ken Russell as 'bizarre'. It's a brilliant film and Richard Chamberlain will be remembered more for his role in that film than for anything else he ever did. I first saw the film The Music Lovers back in 1971 when I was a young man of 23. In the film Richard Chamberlain courageously played the part of the homosexual music composer Tchaikovsky during an era when gay character screen portrayals could ruin an actor's career. I'm gay and I fell in love with Richard Chamberlain way back then. He was an extremely brave man to portray a gay character and he seems never to have been acknowledged for his pioneering role in The Music Lovers. To describe the film as bizarre shocked me. It was certainly considered shocking at the time. But the film influenced my life and helped me accept my own homosexuality. I've been in a same sex partnership with my friend since 1977. I want people to acknowledge Richard Chamberlain's bravery in playing Tchaikovsky. It's a marvellous film full of love and finally tragedy. All of Ken Russell's films are brilliant. The Music Lovers isn't a bizarre film. It's open and honest and gloriously shows Richard Chamberlain in the full flush of his beauty. Thank you for playing Tchaikovsky Richard. So courageous. And it was like a beacon in my young life back in the 1970's.