My Side of Life: The Autobiography

I wasn't familiar with Westlife, and it's unfortunate that they never released an album and never were successful in the United States. I think their music should be released in the country, and they should tour it. I remember hearing part of one of their songs when they first came out. Roughly 2 months ago I saw a video on YouTube. The group's name was familiar to me, but only vaguely. I watched more videos and I was hooked. Why weren't the videos broadcasted in the United States in the 1990's. I don't recall them ever being broadcasted except for Uptown Girl being broadcasted once.I read Shane's book. I wanted a hard cover or paperback version, but I don't have the money for it. So I read the ebook version. I like the book, but I wish there was more information in it. It feels like only 5 years go by in the story instead of 14. I wonder where the band members got their training to be such great performers. It's never mentioned. Other entertainers have mentioned where they have trained. I wish more of an explanation could be given as to what performing in an arena or a stadium feels like, what it's like to meet the fans, what it feels like to be on tour, what the tour bus rides are like, etc. I'm not saying too much information has to be given. Were there pranks between the band members? One reason why I read this book is because I read it is a tear jerker. I love reading sensitive stories. I love reading stories that make you cry. I did get a little emotional while reading this book, but I never cried. The last 2 chapters are what got to me the most. The last one got to me more. I didn't want Shane to file bankruptcy. I don't like how his hometown treated him at the end. He was trying to make a change and make things better for the town. The way I see it, he went through a massive waste of money trying to do better for his hometown. It's almost as though he were set up to fail, even though he admits to making his own decisions. I feel bad for him. Even though the book is emotional, it's not the most emotional story I have ever read. I have only read one book that has made me cry. This one didn't make me cry. I only became emotional while reading it. I wish this book was more emotional. I was looking forward to crying because of the book. It's not as emotional as I thought it was. I have wondered how he was able to get to each step. I'm wording that wrong. I don't know how to word it right now. I wish there were more information in it. I wish Brian was still in the band member's lives. After Westlife ended, I wish each member was still in each other's lives. If there were more information, I would give it more stars. It's not a bad book. Overall, I like the book. I will keep the book. I like that photos are included at the end, and I like that Brian is in them. He was part of the band. I wish the story were paced out more so the 14 years doesn't go by that fast. As I said, overall I like the book. I'm not focusing on writing this correctly, even though I can. I think Shane Filan should write another book. Have it as a continuation of the first book, or write one book as a continuation of the first, and another book of his own creativity.

I loved this book! I'm new to Westlife and Shane caught my eye right off. I had never heard of Westlife until You tube. I love their songs and their videos. I am have bought one of their cds off Amazon and plan to buy more especially Shane's solo cds.. I was so excited to see his book, I read it straight through and loved the pictures at the back. Reading it was a great way to get to know him better. I'm so glad he told his side of the story. I wish him much continued success!

Reading

I loved the book. It was very interesting to know what happened to him. I have been a huge fan of Westlife since 2002 but after they went separate ways there was a period of time when I did not know anything about them so when I knew all the trouble Shane went through I could not believe it. Reading this book made me realize that like any other human in this planet they had issues, difficult situations and just because they are pop stars does not mean they are perfect or have the perfect life. I admire what Shane wanted to do for his community. It sure went wrong but I think he was brave enough because he never tried to avoid his responsabilities. A very honest book. I like the way he tells the story and how much we loved and still loves Westlife and his relationship with his wife and kids, I think that played a huge part on how he survived to all those things. I cannot image how stressful it was for him to know he owned all that money and still had to go and work and smile for us his fans and everything. Its just amazing. For those who are fans and for those who are not, this book is a clear example of perserverance, hard work, family, love, and that even if we make mistakes in life, we all always have a second chance to make it right, to do it better.

Been a Westlife fan since day one, with Shane always being my favorite. So i obviously had to get the book. However, I did no expect it to grab me so hard as it did! It is packed with honesty, authenticity and all the feelings one can think of. Brought me to tears more than once! But mostly, this book is an inspiration - it reminded me that dreams do come true if you work hard enough, and that despite everything, sometimes life just gets you down, and it's up to you, and how you choose to look at things, to bring yourself back up!

I was glued to this book for three days. I read it at lunch breaks, while brushing my teeth, while sitting in the car in parking lots. Shane really spills his heart out in this book and it reads earnest and true. It ends with an emotional and uplifting image of hope that made me want to happy/sad cry. An unexpectedly fantastic read.

I love all the book, what a journey Shane had, he is the best! Love him so much. I hope he release another book

Great book if you’re into this group (Westlife)...easy reading and just wonderful story.

I'll start this review by saying I love Westlife, I've been a fan since 1998 and I loved this book as a result. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading this book as it was first published in 2014.I must admit despite being a fan I did wonder whether Shane would have enough content to fill an autobiography being still a relatively young age and knowing only his work with Westlife. I was very wrong, this book really is a rollercoaster ride, the momentum is fast from the beginning and it never lets off. It is well written but I understand that it is at least partially ghost written so it's to be expected. The book covers Westlife's rise to fame and their decision to split (later to be thankfully just a break) and his solo career set from mid-way through the book alongside Shane's decision to move in to the property market which sadly let to financial stresses and ultimately bankruptcy.I remember a lot of the very early days of Westlife very clearly, I was a teenager and they were my favourite band so it was interesting to read the events that I vividly remember being retold by Shane along with insights in to the behind the scenes of life in the band. As a fan it's always nice to know that your favourite band actually like each other and thankfully it is clear that Westlife have always been close, supportive friends. I also never realised just how quick their rise to fame was, they had only played 2/3 gigs before getting the support slot on a Backstreet Boys tour and the sections talking about how Louis Walsh came to know of Westlife were interesting. The sections on Shane's financial worries and bankruptcy were very emotional and I think most people would find themselves sympathising with him.If I had to find a criticism of the book it would be that because it is ghost-written Shane's voice fails to come through, there are glimpses of it but on the whole I think the book would have been better if Shane had written it himself.It was a genuinely enjoyable read and it was nice to read someone/a band that seem to really care about and appreciate their fans. I'd recommend this book to any fans of Westlife, Shane's Solo work or just fans of late 1990's/early 2000's boybands in general. It really was a rocket-blasting rise to fame they had.

Are you interested in the real stories, which the band never gossiped in their own book, which was published a few years ago, or many of their documentaries, then read this book! Mr Shane Filan revealed many juicy details, some of which are strangely enough my incentive to listen to this boyband's music, five years after they played their last concert in Dublin!Growing up in Sligo, he was a happy, chatty and loved lad. In the secondary school, he met among others Markus Feehily and Kian Egan. A few years later, he was the star, lead singer in one of the most popular boybands in the world, Westlife! Time passed by. Things happened! One day, they were not kids anymore and forged their own identities! Their own musical ambition and the commercial interest did not always coincide with each other. For the first time in my life, I am very impressed by Brian McFadden's decision. I also understand why all the four members never like to discuss any issue regarding the reunion!

This was a fantastic read and being a massive Weslife fan in the day I can't believe it's taken me that long to getting round to reading it!That aside Shane's story was so interesting it kept me gripped, think I read it in about 3 days. It completely changed my view on the troubles he got into and that you should NEVER believe what you read in the papers. He left nothing out, I found this book so so honest and you can tell that by the way he has told his story.The story takes you right from when he was a little boy, to the forming of the band, to meeting Gillian ("Behind every good man is a great woman"), his family, his troubles starting before the band actually split and how he got himself on his feet again. I was also delighted to read at the end that their dreams came true and they got their move back home where they belong. I suggest everyone in Sligo read this book, especially the people who have made their own decisions about Shane without the facts being known (I'm not from Sligo!!)It is a great book and if your interested in autobiography's at all this is a great read.

Ah Shane from Westlife finally telling his story and isn't it amazing how's he has become the most popular and successful member after everything that happened westlife wise.As a massive fan of the band and this man being my favourite I couldn't wait for the post to get me his book to me so I downloaded on kindle and can't put it down.Finally Shane tells us what really happened from the early days of Westlife (as Six as One) to his bankruptcy....I'm still reading this but so glad I didn't wait. This book has made me laugh, smile and yes I was in tears reading the bankruptcy scenes especially about Castledale, and I hope one day he can buy it back!!Now for the next chapter; the next part of the You and Me tour and a new album next year including the stunning Beautiful in White.

Used to be a Westlife fan, so was interested what this would be like. Quite pleasantly surprised, obviously starts off like a normal bio i.e. where he came from and his family, but all he wanted to do was sing after seeing Michael Jackson. With a bit of help from his mum, Louis Walsh turns him into a massive superstar with Westlife! Sad to hear what happened to him with his property business - people just being jealous taking advantage. Altogether a thoroughly interesting read.