| Barry White is not a man who does things half-heartedly. When he loves, he loves with his whole being; when he makes music, he pulls out all the stops; and when he writes his autobiography, he packs it full of life lessons, explanations of the inspiration behind his songs, and meditations on the nature of Love. Though he authored this book with writing partner Marc Eliot, fans of White's lyrics will not be disappointed by Love Unlimited's prose style. "The power in my music comes from the way I try to deliver what I believe is the power of love," White explains, "All of my songs essentially give out the same message, from me to you--I am, you are, and it is." Though Love Unlimited covers White's gangbanger youth and brief stint in juvenile detention, his essential, positive outlook keeps him from dwelling too long on the bad times--he's much more effusive about his lifelong affair with Lady Music. It is in regard to White's human affairs that the book delivers its real surprises--a man who has earned the nickname "Guru of Love" and who routinely has house keys mailed to him by adoring fans might be justified in a few racy escapades, but White portrays himself as a family man and even a bit of a homebody, preferring to devote himself to one special lady at a time. Overall, White comes off as an immensely likable, stand-up guy who just happens to have a god-given ability to talk to women. (Even as a teen, he played Cyrano for his brother's phone calls to young women and counseled neighborhood couples in trouble.) You too may benefit from the deeply romantic, common-sense advice White sprinkles throughout the book. So run yourself as bubble bath, light some scented candles, put on your favorite Barry White album, and sink in to Love Unlimited. --Ali Davis |