Fans who think they know Florence Henderson because they watched her on The Brady Bunch might be surprised by the truth as she shares a very different behind-the-scenes story in this book.
For millions around the world, Carol Brady is synonymous with motherhood but growing up the youngest of 10 in rural Indiana in the aftermath of the Great Depression, Florence lived a life quite different from that of the quintessential TV mom she played on tv. Her father was a dirt-poor tobacco tenant farmer who was nearly 50 when he married Florence's 25-year-old mother and was nearly 70 when she was born. Her childhood was one of abuse and abandonment. Her father was an alcoholic and their home home rarely had electricity or running water. When she was 12 her mother left the family to work and never returned. Florence opens up about her childhood, as well as the challenges she's faced as an adult, inc.stage fright, postpartum depression, extramarital affairs and divorce and her hearing loss and heart problems. She writes with honesty and wisdom of how her faith and ability to survive has brought her through rough times to a life of profound joy and purpose. She notes that this memoir 'is written as a natural consequence of forgiveness and compassion, not only for those who harmed me but most importantly, for myself.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
Fans who think they know Florence Henderson because they watched her on The Brady Bunch might be surprised by the truth as she shares a very different behind-the-scenes story in this book.
For millions around the world, Carol Brady is synonymous with motherhood but growing up the youngest of 10 in rural Indiana in the aftermath of the Great Depression, Florence lived a life quite different from that of the quintessential TV mom she played on tv. Her father was a dirt-poor tobacco tenant farmer who was nearly 50 when he married Florence's 25-year-old mother and was nearly 70 when she was born. Her childhood was one of abuse and abandonment. Her father was an alcoholic and their home home rarely had electricity or running water. When she was 12 her mother left the family to work and never returned. Florence opens up about her childhood, as well as the challenges she's faced as an adult, inc.stage fright, postpartum depression, extramarital affairs and divorce and her hearing loss and heart problems. She writes with honesty and wisdom of how her faith and ability to survive has brought her through rough times to a life of profound joy and purpose. She notes that this memoir 'is written as a natural consequence of forgiveness and compassion, not only for those who harmed me but most importantly, for myself.
Description
Carol Brady, the character Florence Henderson played on the perennially popular sitcom the Brady Bunch was the perfect mother, but Henderson's background growing up in the aftermath of the Great Depression was a sharp contrast to that innocent suburban idyll. And though Mrs. Brady is the character she's most associated with, Henderson's talents have taken her career far beyond the scope of one TV sitcom.
From The Tonight Show, to Broadway with Rodgers and Hammerstein, to her more recent appearance on Dancing With the Stars, Florence opens up about her life in and out of the spotlight. From her challenging childhood, to her extramarital affairs and divorce, Florence writes with honesty and wisdom in this inspiring memoir.
Critic Reviews
“"The teenaged Florence Henderson only needed a one-way ticket to Broadway when she left her hometown in Southern Indiana. The great Rodgers and Hammerstein quickly recognized in her what the rest of us would also soon discover -a big talent matched with an even bigger human spirit."'e" Bill Cosby”
"If you think you know Florence Henderson-think again. Her journey is both inspirational and jaw dropping. She is one gutsy lady."--"Judge Judy" Sheindlin "The teenaged Florence Henderson only needed a one-way ticket to Broadway when she left her hometown in Southern Indiana. The great Rodgers and Hammerstein quickly recognized in her what the rest of us would also soon discover -a big talent matched with an even bigger human spirit."--Bill Cosby "I count Florence as one of my dearest friends. Now I count her as one of my favorite story tellers. I have always loved the way she looks at life with humor and inspiration. This book proves that-in spades!"--Carol Burnett
About the Author
Florence Henderson is most well-known for her role as Carol Brady on TV's The Brady Bunch, but she started her career on the stage, in musicals such as Oklahoma! and South Pacific. She starred on Broadway in the long-running musical Fanny, and in 1962, she became the first woman to guest host The Tonight Show. Her talent for skit comedy also allowed her to make frequent appearances on Dean Martin's variety show. In 1968, she was cast as Carol Brady on the popular TV sitcom, which ran from 1968 to 1974, and is still on air today.
Joel Brokaw coauthored Tyler Perry's #1 New York Times bestseller Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings.
Carol Brady, the character Florence Henderson played on the perennially popular sitcom the Brady Bunch was the perfect mother, but Henderson's background growing up in the aftermath of the Great Depression was a sharp contrast to that innocent suburban idyll. And though Mrs. Brady is the character she's most associated with, Henderson's talents have taken her career far beyond the scope of one TV sitcom.From The Tonight Show, to Broadway with Rodgers and Hammerstein, to her more recent appearance on Dancing With the Stars, Florence opens up about her life in and out of the spotlight. From her challenging childhood, to her extramarital affairs and divorce, Florence writes with honesty and wisdom in this inspiring memoir.
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