A Little Thing Called Life: On Loving Elvis Presley, Bruce Jenner, and Songs in Between
Written by Linda Thompson
Narrated by Linda Thompson
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
Award-winning songwriter Linda Thompson breaks her silence, sharing the extraordinary story of her life, career, and epic romances with two of the most celebrated, yet enigmatic, modern American superstars—Elvis Presley and Bruce Jenner.
For the last forty years, award-winning songwriter Linda Thompson has quietly led one of the most remarkable lives in show business. The longtime live-in love of Elvis Presley, Linda first emerged into the limelight during the 1970s when the former beauty pageant queen caught the eye of the King. Their chance late-night encounter at a movie theater was the stuff of legend, and it marked the beginning of a whirlwind that would stretch across decades, leading to a marriage with Bruce Jenner, motherhood, and more drama than she ever could have imagined.
Now for the first time, Linda opens up about it all, telling the full story of her life, loves, and everything in between. From her humble beginnings in Memphis to her nearly five year relationship with Elvis, she offers an intimate window into their life together, describing how their Southern roots fueled and sustained Graceland’s greatest romance. Going inside their wild stories and tender moments, she paints a portrait of life with the King, as raucous as it is refreshing. But despite the joy they shared, life with Elvis also had darkness, and her account also presents an unsparing look at Elvis’s twin demons—drug abuse and infidelity—forces he battled throughout their time together that would eventually end their relationship just eight months before his untimely death.
It was in the difficult aftermath of Elvis’s death that Linda found what she believed was her true home: the arms of Olympic gold medal-winner Bruce Jenner. Detailing her marriage to Bruce, Linda reveals the apparently perfect life that they built with their two young sons—Brandon and Brody—before Bruce changed everything with a secret he’d been carrying his entire life, a secret that Linda herself kept for nearly thirty years, a secret that Bruce’s transition to Caitlyn Jenner has finally laid bare for the world. Providing a candid look inside one of the most challenging moments of her life, Linda uncovers the struggles she went through as a woman and a mother, coming to terms with the reality of Bruce’s identity and resolving to embrace him completely no matter what, even as it meant they could no longer be together,
And yet, despite her marriage unraveling, her search for love was not over, eventually leading her to the legendary music producer and musician David Foster, a relationship that lasted for 19 tumultuous years, resulting in a bond that spurred her songwriting career to new heights but also tested her like never before. Filled with compelling and poignant stories, A Little Thing Called Life lovingly recounts Linda’s incredible journey through the years, bringing unparalleled insight into three legendary figures.
Linda Thompson
Linda Thompson has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and won an Emmy Award for writing some of the most recognized songs of a generation. She starred on the long-running hit television series Hee Haw for fifteen years, as well as the reality show Princes of Malibu with her sons, Brandon and Brody Jenner. She lives in Malibu, California.
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Reviews for A Little Thing Called Life
43 ratings11 reviews
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5This a book about a privileged, lucky woman who basically spent her life mooching on rich and successful men. It's an attempt to embellish her experiences and make her look like moral, religious, humble,all things she never was. She's so delusional that she even whitewashes the behavior of her three selfish, narcissistic ex-husbands who gave her fame, wealth, trips around the world and the good life. In the end, the whole book reflects the world of lies, money, greed and connections of show business. Two generous stars given because, well, she was there, and among the constant self praise, some interesting details appear.
2 people found this helpful
- Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5There are moments when the book is entertaining, interesting, but mostly it comes across as preachy. I had a very hard time not being completely shut down by the "know it all" attitude the author seemed to project. I wanted to like the book, and forced myself to continue it, but it did not improve. It was a waste of time, thankfully it was included free in SCRIBD monthly cost.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I liked listening to it
I even listened at gym
Also though I love Elvis
Linda had bad taste in men lol
Awesome life story linda
Awesome book1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Well written and interesting really enjoyed it
Especially about Elvus - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5So inspirational in how she faces heartache and challenges with such grace
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This was a very nice book Linda is a great person and good mother I don't no her but she seems like an awesome lady to no kind doesn't say anything bad about anyone she's a good book writer honest raw I wish her happiness
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It is such a good book . I couldn’t wait everyday to listen to more of Linda Thompson life . She really went through a lot of hardship with the men in her life .
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5You are the only one who gave real insight into Elvis' life.
Finally it's not just a sugar coated fairy tail about a half god.
We all knew Elvis wasn't perfect and we love him with his faults.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Interesting and Linda Thompson sounded honest-enjoyed from start to finish
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It was a great listen. Each life’s story was so good. Thanks Steve
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Honest, and revealing. A long awaited explanation without capitalizing on the privacy of the innocent.