A Paper Life Audiobook By Tatum O'Neal cover art

A Paper Life

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A Paper Life

By: Tatum O'Neal
Narrated by: Tatum O'Neal
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Filled with stunning revelations, here is the sensational memoir of one of Hollywood's most talented and troubled stars - an inspirational true tale of survival and triumph against all odds

Though she has shunned the media spotlight, Academy Award-winning actress Tatum O'Neal at last goes on the record to tell her story - a tale of personal turmoil and ultimate triumph that is part Hollywood tell-all, part Greek tragedy, and part Shakespearean drama.

In her trademark no-holds-barred style, she names names as she chronicles the ups and downs of being Hollywood royalty, including:

  • her nearly fatal addiction to drugs
  • her destructive relationships with mother, the late actress Joanna Moore; her famously overbearing and flamboyant father, Ryan O'Neal and his former longtime live-in love, Farrah Fawcett; and her wildly explosive ex-husband, international tennis pro John McEnroe
  • her early years - a time of tubulence, loneliness, and abuse - as a virtual orphan forced to raise herself and her "Irish twin", younger brother, Griffin
  • her explosive, untold stories of the top figures in pop culture and sports

Ultimately, we see the emergence of an extremely gifted, spirited, and intelligent woman - the ultimate survivor who is a role model to all women.

©2004 Tatum O'Neal (P)2004 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. Entertainment & Celebrities Women Celebrity Sports Heartfelt Celebrity Bio

Critic reviews

"In this honest, disturbing memoir, O'Neal...reveals the behind-the-scenes story of her lonely, chaotic life." (Publishers Weekly)
Candid Memoir • Riveting Storytelling • Authentic Voice • Introspective Insights • Compelling Life Journey
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Compelling life story filled with highs and lows, tragedy and loneliness. Left me wanting to listen more.

Compelling life story

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This was my first audible and wasn't sure if I would enjoy the concept but thought I would try this book first. What I enjoyed most about it was actually hearing Tatum's voice as she told her thoughts and feelings of events in her life. I felt them as she said them and visualized it more than if someone else read it out loud or if I read the book myself..

Tatum

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I really enjoyed this. I found Tatum’s voice to be extremely soothing. She showed us her vulnerable side. She showed passion, humor and regret. How can anybody fault that? Her relationship with her father is definitely a rocky one. I read his book 1st, and then I read this one because I wanted to hear the different sides. There are three sides to every story and somewhere lies the truth. From reading her book and Ryan’s book it left me thinking.

Good read

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I Loved her Book & Have Loved All of her Movies, What a Amazing Soul Tatum Is 🫶

Survival of Childhood Abuse

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The story is moving in every way imaginable. as a child dealing with parental dismissal having to take care of a sibling who's nearly the same age. Repeatedly being abused by her parents and then her husband. It's no wonder she chose drugs to escape. Hitting rock bottom and nearly losing everything. hoping she can surround herself with beautiful-hearted people like herself who have the best interest in mind for her future.

How strong and aware she is and being so young.

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Well written and well read, I was surprised to find the story so introspective and insightful with a surprising lack of anger or bitterness. After decades of reading about the childish temper tantrums and antics of her father and her husband I was curious about Tatum's life at this point. Her honesty about her drug addiction and efforts to overcome it impressed me. I hope life keeps getting better for her.

Better than expected.

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Interesting and honest look into the life of Tatum. Her struggles and pain are hard to listen to at times. Having so much in the way of fame, but really having so little

Very good book.

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You always hear about a young child, actor or actress having a very tortured existence. It’s wonderful when there is a good outcome,

A great listen

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was a good listen. This girl's life was hard from the time she was three. You feel for her, trying to escape her "genetic" short comings. The abuse is shocking.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tatum. Mostly from her child aged movies.

What three words best describe Tatum O'Neal’s voice?

Smokey sass

Poor Tatum

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She will, if sober long enough, overcome her Liberalism. That takes defeating VICTIMHOOD. Good Start.

Sobriety: to transcend PERCEIVED disapproval

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