Always had been a huge fan but after reading her talk about her challenges in the recording industry and how hard she had to fight for her vision, I have nothing but the utmost respect for her. Honest without being gossipy, she keeps the focus on her experiences without intention of getting back at those who wronged her. It's a book I want to read again.

EDIT: And I have read it again. It's inspired me so much, especially when she talks about why she sings. I'm now working my way through her back catalog. ( )

I flew through this book! It's not long and drawn out like many other music biographies are, it's succinct, raw, honest, and straight to the point. Plus as far as rockers go, Pat has had a pretty tame life. No booze, drugs, scandals, or rehab have marred her reputation. She's straitlaced but still kicks ass and has a great time doing it. Pat chronicles her childhood, her rise to fame, marriage, motherhood, and making come backs. Before reading this I only knew the essential Pat Benatar songs, but now I have a whole new appreciation of her and the struggles she faced (namely music executives and record companies) trying to be a female rock singer in the eighties. ( )

I really enjoyed this one. Pat balances the aspects of her rock career, her relationship with Neil, and life as a mother with exactly the right attitude. She does not pull any punches either as she talks about what it took to get each album out and the tours to support them. If you are a rock fan, you owe it to yourself to give this one a read. ( )

My Review of “Between A Heart and A Rock Place” – Pat Benatar
November 13, 2012
By Jean Houser-Cantley

I think this book was amazing! I love the fact that no matter where Pat is in her career her family comes first. This book shows the strength of women trying to make it in a “man’s world”. She is a role model for women in music and really any other type of career. I have loved Pat’s music since the early 1980’s as she is among the women singers with the most amazing and strong voices that really speak to me; much like Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. These are women that really know how to rock. I can also relate to some personal issues that Pat faced that truly made her more of an iconic strong woman in my eyes. The beautiful enduring love that Pat and her husband/guitarist/producer/song writing partner, Neil “Spyder” Giraldo share is just inspiring that despite being in the music business you can have a long-term forever relationship. Their love is truly beautiful and it reminds me of the love that my husband and I share. Overall, this was a great book for any Pat fan!!
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I love the strong women of rock music. This autobiography is a frank account of Benatar's resolve to become a singer. While an original plan to get accepted at Juilliard was derailed, she was confident of her ability to sing and perform. Career highlights include a Grammy in 1980 and being one of the first performers on a new TV channel, MTV, in 1981. She finds the current MTV has changed so much it has little to do with music anymore. Nowadays she's happy singing Broadway tunes in the car on her way to pick up her daughter and friends.

Benatar makes an excellent role model: no bad news, just a girl who knew what she wanted. She has been married to Neil (Spyder) Giraldo since 1982. She may not have known how to get there, but - most of the time - she knew what to avoid. I have nothing but praise for her dedication and ethics - as well as her music of course. ( )