It sounds like he needs a part two ... after a number of more years of reflection.

I read it and liked it. Having just finished it tonight. I decided to pick it up after seeing an interview where he discussed processing trauma. I agree with your assessment that he does seem to set up and then not fully develop certain themes. How the book has been reviewed really just reinforces a lot about what he says about the press. Much of what is in the book has been wildly taken out of context in the reporting of it. It was funnier than I expected. I thought it was also far more loving . It really read like he genuinely loved and missed his family.

Tbh I wasn't sure about picking this up, but viewing it in the child memoir does make the book sound more interesting. I will say J.R. Moehringer (the ghostwriter) is pretty well thought of so I definitely could see the book being well written. Honestly I worry this is a little bit of a therapy memoir of someone who has unpacked some trauma but hasn't, as you mentioned with Jeanette McCurdy, realized "hey this is bad, my mom was bad".

I’m not planning to read Spare. I’m glad he wrote it and I’m glad he is in the process of possibly deconstructing the structural issues in addition to an enormously complex personal history. For me though, I’m actually interested in his next book. I just think he needs time and more space away from the family business. Age and additional time to process may well, as you suggested, make for a fascinating second book. He’s still awfully young to truly have a grasp on all he has experienced. I wish him well.

Wow! I really admire the way you set your thoughts and reflection of the book! Terrific! 😍😘😘😘👍👍👍

I have the audiobook, but after the Netflix series and the interviews, I was in two minds on whether I wanted to read it. Your more objective review has made me decide to read it after all because the point was getting his side of the story. I guess I got to a point where the whole thing just felt really bitter and unprocessed, and I would ideally want a memoir that had some more processed thoughts and feelings...maybe he writes one in the future. But I'm less put off now, so thanks for your review.

It was a great breakdown of the book. Love your insight and explanation of your thoughts!! And I totally agree to what he doesn’t accomplish in his book. I can understand this is a whole new life for him now that he isn’t living under the pressure of everyday duties and the press and the monarchy! So I say go, live and keep reflecting and come back and do a part 2!!!

I'm currently listening to the Audiobook. I'll save this video so that I can come back when I'm done, and see what's going on with the discussion. Thanks for your thoughts on this one!

I really appreciated this review! It feels very well rounded. You’re one of my favorite reviewers 🥳

Thank You, Maura for reviewing this book. I have not read it, but I have been listening to many who have. You touched upon many topics that I was curious to see your take on, and I am still in the same headspace as you are. I may or may not pick this one up, but I do like to see the pros and cons from BookTubers that I have high regard for.

I didn’t want to listen to any reviews until I read the book and I just finished this morning. I loved it and the main reason is it felt truthful (good, bad, and ugly), and because Harry is so honestly and often unknowingly imperfect. The topics and conversations this book opens up are so vast and important, and Harry has a platform that could actually nudge cultural shifts. Five stars from me. ❤

Princess Weekes, a fantastic black video essayist, is also planning on making a video about Spare soon. Her work is always incredibly thoughtful and entertaining so I'd keep my eyes out for that if your interested As someone from Botswana who has no interest in engaging in the white savior-y/pro-monarchy vibes Harry gives off I'm not sure I'll be reading Spare so thank you for the great review, Mara.

Thank you for an open and honest review of a book that I'm thinking of reading. ❤

I'm definitely will be reading this book I already have my copy from the library 🙂

Great, concise, and thoughtful review ❤

Great review as always! I am not a royalty watcher either, and don't read many memoirs (or nonfiction in general)

Great review. I agree with your conclusions. I think he has come a long way and is still on his journey. Overall, I really enjoyed the book.

Great review!

I’m not, generally speaking, a fan of memoirs, as they more often than not feel like cathartic moments for the authors but don’t lend much more credence on a greater scale. After watching your review of Spare, this seems to be something more worthwhile, seeing as it has global implications (and not just a blip on the NYT bestseller radar). Sadly, there’s a 6mo wait at my library for the audio version, so I’m currently in purgatory…. Thanks, as always, for your eloquent insight 💛

Sounds interesting, but I know I don't have the patience to read something like this! 😂

Not interested in reading the book but as one of the comments said, interested in other peoples reviews and opinions. No doubt there will be a follow up book because isn’t that what publishers do, push in the interest of more $! Thanks for your review.

Is it really worth reading? I wasn't interested but people have so much to say about it.

It seems he is coming to terms with what sounds like a very neglectful and abusive upbringing, and (as someone who has done this) he probably has many, many years left of this process. I feel for him and his wife.

Going to read it as soon as I can I’m I will read it and I haven’t seen their Netflix or watch the Anderson Cooper interview but I would like to you know I thought of another title for the book I am not the one that would’ve been a good child what you think

As a fan of Moehringer, Open > Spare. I will say that by cutting off Harry's security the RF lost any leverage they may have had and forced his hand into writing this book. Not smart at all. The book started and ended very strongly and movingly, but the middle was a bit of a slog. RF comes off as awful as (even more than?) we knew them to be. Well worth the read.

One of my main takeaways was that Kate really needs to get over herself. Geesh.

My interest in the book is zero but I find the nature of how reviews develop and change over on Goodreads as soon as a book is added truly fascinating and this one was wild to follow. I am a little surprised by how many people expected this book to be a takedown of the monarchy and like a call to revolution or something when it's feels very clear to me that those aspects would not be the focus.

Love your review and after reading it myself I agree with most everything you said, minus the Charles view. I thought he came off much more loving and fatherly than I ever thought he was. On another note, I love the finish of your foundation. What kind do you wear? They stopped making my brand and I've been looking for something new that I like!

Great review. Thanks for spotlighting Black reviewers! I looked them up and will watch/read theirs too. Thanks.

Thank you for this very well thought out book review of Spare. I am at the mid-point of the book where Harry shares some rather intimate details about a frostbite incident and was on the fence about finishing the book (surprising details, but rather anti-climactic so far). I will give the rest of this book a try. Thanks again!

i was secretly hoping you would make a video about this. i always love your perspective on these sorts of cultural moments i'm really not planning on reading this book after seeing other reviewers (like Loc'D booktician's video) but loving all the talk around this. excited for the podcast eventually with you and Jess

I love your videos and I like the start for the video. You really put in place the direction of book. I do not totally agree with Harry being a reliable narrator at times I feel he is still working issues from his past and some of his perceptions are his but may not accurately depict to what reality is. I hope he can move forwarded with his life and family. Thank you for your opinion. I took away some good insights 🥰

hi mara, i just rewatched your review of „spare“ after finishing it this morning. first off, without your review i don‘t think i‘d have read it. too much hype. but, your approach of looking at it as a sort of „child star/celebrity memoir“ and then the tone of the review over all changed my mind. and, it „only“ took 4 months (!) waiting to get a copy of the audiobook from my local library in tiny town austria. i‘m really glad i read/listened to it, because it was ultimately very interesting. i lived in england for a while and am german, so my… „relationship“ (for lack of a better word) with the british royals might be a bit more… „involved“ (again, not the perfect word) than yours. however, i came to the same conclusions as you in terms of missed opportunities in regards to imperialism. there was also a blatant lack of accountability on his mom‘s side and her twisted relationship with the british press that doesn‘t sit well with me. but i think, whenever he wrote about his mum (she‘s everywhere and all over the book) it wasn‘t the adult writing, it was the 12 year old whose mum had died and whom nobody held after breaking the childhood ending news to him. so, you know, i let that slide. i shan‘t rehash anything you‘ve already said (so much more eloquently than i ever could!) about SPARE. just this: i think for anyone interested in the book at all the audio is a really nice way to go about. harry reads well, has a pleasant voice and for me it often adds to the material to have the author read her/his own work. far from being a take down of the monarchy - which i very much doubt harry‘d even support himself - it is a truly personal memoir with juuust enough salaciousness. some of which („todger“ - need i say more?) i could‘ve truly done without. 😉

I am super interested in this based on some stuff I've seen! Like others have said, it seems like he's just deeply flawed and working through that. Someone mentioned there will be a second book, perhaps we'll see more growth there 🤔

Who is the ghostwriter who wrote Harry’s book?

Loved this review! Maybe he will come up with Part 2 and after years of therapy he will make the connections and come to more reflective conclutions.

Very interesting to compare two blockbuster memoirs! Thoughtful review!

Fantastic book. Worth audio book to form your own opinion.

Great video, Mara!!!

As someone who will Not be reading this book 📙 I do; however, enjoy your reviews so here I am. I was exactly 0% surprised when the country who excelled in imperialism and colonialism for centuries was still racist. Pretty much on brand. It's really the Royal 👑 Family Inc. They're all about the packaging and the money 💵. They treated Diana awfully. Spoiler Alert: still awful

I‘m not extremely into the whole „Royal drama“ more the historical side of royalty to understand history better. But I find it weirdly fascinating to watch how the outside reacts to this book and royalty in general. Like the whole discourses, pro and contra Monarchie and so on. It‘s interesting to experience from a sociological(?) point. So I’m interested to find out what your option on this book is 😊

The thing about William and Harry asking Charles not to marry Camilla happened when they were kids though … like; months after Diana and with a very childlike outlook of black and white, they asked Charles not to do it. But then were fine with it when he did announce their wedding.

Mara how dare you I'm not done yet so I can't watch your video yet :P :P :P *placeholder comment until my inevitable return*

a little nugget for thought -- i don't think anyone can expect him say "Monarchy is bad" when the book isn't written by a person with a surname [which i know he formally doesn't have but like, he used some during other times and he is technically a Windsor] but a "PRINCE Harry". you know. let a man get to point where he wants to have a name first and not be called a prince. not saying i fully agree with the position of "let's abolish monarchy", but just pointing out that it's that's an angle we want to go with maybe we should think about that

On an unrelated note: I used to find Prince Harry unattractive, but man, he has gotten so handsome the older he's gotten, wow! Anyone else feel that way?

I placed the audiobook on hold at my library. I am 398th in line. But I think it said they have like 20 copies, so it will likely only be a few months. I appreciated your review. I have mixed feelings about the royals as I lived in England, but I am very American.

I just finished this - one of my most anticipated books of the month - and if I rated memoirs I'd rate it a 2* I am so sad I didnt enjoy it

That was an intriguing review, from someone who has actually read the book. Interesting the comparison with Jennette McCurdy's book. I saw the Goodreads ratings the day before the book came out 44% five star, 50% one star, with less than 6% two, three or four star, clearly ratings not based on the quality of the book but just the raters' particular prejudices- it was a similar distribution when Hilary Clinton's autobiography came out. I identify three "teams" with regard to the book Team Camilla, Team Meghan and Team Republic (Abolish the Monarchy), few look at the book objectively as you have done.

Read prince Harry spare all day

Definitely a book worth reading!

So iInteresting to hear a proper, thoughtful review of this book! I have no interest in reading it as I'm generally not into memoirs unless they're discussing something I'm interested in and I couldn't care less about the royal family, but being British I most definitely have an awareness of the drama its created! I have heard that he has a multiple book deal (don't know if it's true because it came via the nefarious British media!) but I wonder if this is setting the ground and more of what you were hoping for is to come??

Cool thought about comparing African politics to his own struggle. Maybe he didn't think of it the way you did. :)

I wasn't planning on reading this as i don't really like memoirs. After watching this video though, i'm kinda intrigued. Maybe i'll get it from the library or something. Also, i know that this is not the focus of the video, but you said that Americans got rid of their monarchy centuries ago. Did you really though?

No plans on reading it but loving all the reviews!

As a canadian I grew up always knowing about the royals and watching those boy princes grow up. I knew about the royals even before Dianna died. It's much different for brits and canadians I think, I can't wait to read this and I feel like Harry and Meagan are a breath of fresh air in a very stuffy dusty institution. I wish Harry was the first son, he and Meagan couldve done so much good in the world had they not been treated so poorly and bullied out of the Uk.

I understand book 2 is Megan and Harry , might be addressed in the next book

📕📕😍📚📚🏳️‍🌈😍👌🏾👍🥰

Firstly, the one thing I found most disturbing was a 40ish year old man calling his mum mummy, it icks me out. The one thing I found missing in this book is that he takes no real responsibility for anything and it’s all someone else’s fault. I know he had a very structured upbringing but it can’t always be everyone else in the wrong, some times you have to accept that some of it was you. Also re the press, there is a far greater level of respect for the royal family with the press in Britain, partly as a result of what happened to his mother. You can even see how much more respectful they were to Megan versus Kate pre marriage 10-20 years ago. They were so invasive and she wasn’t given any protection (which I believe they both should have had - just because they weren’t married into the family the press was a result of the RF). Racism might have played a part in Megan’s portrayal but it’s also no one is good enough for the Princes, it’s taken Kate nearly 20 years and 3 kids to reach the level of comfort and acceptance she has. Also, Harry started counselling in 2013 at the assistance of his brother because of how he appeared affected both by the war and also still by his mothers loss.

Goodbye

Harry is a Royal. He too is jockeying for position. With this book…he has won.

Will be interesting to see the book return rate for Spare. Fastest selling book might also become fastest return book. Most stores will have 15 - 20 days for a refund. Is Spare a memoir or autofiction? The Prince claimed his memory is flawed. How can you get so many historical facts wrong.

This feels like the BooksLikeWhoa version of “We interrupt this program…”

I know many people don’t like that like you and I’m a much older person I will tell you from my study of history and I like history all forms of government have issues even democracy created genocide yes United States of America genocide the worst slavery that’s ever existed right here where were supposed to be for the people my opinion of monarchy and their Britain is not the only monarchy left Britain has the longest running form of government were talking about close to 1000 years of a government and if yes there’s been up on the lack of SevilleThe war of the tutors and the roses and all of that and yet they’re government has maintained with the benefit of another king queen composition with the parliament that we have to look at that and and appreciate it for what it is whether we would wanna live under that kind of government or not we could look at it and say that that’s really interesting but that still exists what happens in families I always wanted to believe that love should reign supreme and families that eventually no matter what would happen if there could be love but as an older person who has had a great number of children I know sometimes among your children they’re their children you some of your chili not get along and living out of the pressureLet’s just talk about hearing his brother lived under we can understand the issues not even about who’s gonna be the rain in Monarch and Aldi time so I look at that with empathy from from a mother who has a good number of children and I know that sometimes my children don’t get along and I don’t like my children to talk about each other I wanna you know let’s all sing Kumbaya but that’s not the way it is because people have their feelings and when it comes down to the nitty-gritty family is still individuals and persons who have their own opinions and sometimes varying beliefs about how they want to live in what they wanna do and under the pressure cooker of Harry in Williams life we got it must understand how difficult it been Courage that it took to say I’m coming to write a book about this after everything that’s happened in their family it’s not easy on the surface on the face value and he would’ve sound up and now it’s not easy to put pen and paper and even if it was just a presentation of a situation it’s not easy to sit down and write and know that people are gonna read it in assume what’s true and what’s not true and what kind of really saying what may I not say that reveal so what you may see is as he gets older it’s probably not as last book where he could go back to the first book and sit and know that maybe when he spoke about symbolically he would one day I wanna reveal

I'm French, so I don't care about the Royals (we killed them 200 years ago, here). And, franckly, I think (watching it from an outsider point of view) this all "Meghan" drama is partly a culture shock; Americans and English are not the same after all even if they speak English. I cannot imagine how Meghan could fit in the family, even if she was white. As you said the PRESS, and mostly the TABLOIDS are really to blame here. But I find it so, so, so sad. Let's not forget we are talking of a family, including children.

I preordered an ebook of it and I felt it was worth the money. The press (obviously) only shows a small part of what actually takes place during his life and skews it so badly that I was left shaking my head. I feel for him and Meghan and the kids even more so now. What a crazy life, one that you don't ask for-- you are born into it for better or worse-- and he was wise to cut ties with them. I'm American, so what do I know, but the royals come off looking like weak, selfish people.

Coming at this from slightly different angle. To me I saw this at tragic example of placing work before everything before people before emotions and how costly it was to the family. Its very important to understand as well the Old Grey Men who actually run the entire show run the family and truly cause most serious issues. Courtiers are always the troublemakers throughout history as well as current royal hierarchical families. Can easily see how Camilla and her Team would gladly tear down or redirect press attention towards H&M to save herself because she is actually pretty terrible person. She carried on an extramarital affair for years basically against an immature unsophisticated young DIana.. Camilla and CHarles were blatant and cruel. When CHarles children actually requested him to avoid brining her around because it hurt their mother. It would have cost Camilla nothing. SHe had already won. Believe Harry when he says she played the long game. It would be delightful if during the COronation she was NOT PERMITTED to wear that GIANT Indian diamond that was taken under suspicious means. Do not believe history will view Camilla in any positive light and also agree that William and Kate have no excuse. They chose to not be welcoming. They chose to not defend H&M. They will continue to keep that rift active and believe they will also turn their children against their cousins from a combination of shame guilt and embarassment.

Sounds like a plant of a book 2

Being British AND anti-Royal, I have no interest nor intention of giving Harry any of my money. (When we were on an overseas holiday in the days immediately after the death of the Queen,we had numerous people coming up to us offering sympathy - presumably because they thought "A British couple! Ah - they must be in mourning"; when,in actual fact,we couldn't have cared less.) He can state whatever fine things he wants to about how much he happens to love Africa; dislikes Camilla; misses his Mum etc etc - but he's only stating these because he (and/or his ghostwriter) know that this is what Americans want to read/hear,and he VERY MUCH needs your money!

I appreciate this review, it's very thoughtful. However, I have absolutely no interest in reading this memoir. I don't get the obsession with the royals nor the vitriol against Meghan.

I liked your review but, am I the only one to find this book plain disrespectful?

I didn't have interest in reading the memoir and its because I didn't think he would have been made to do the work where it was necessary. If there was a particular editor or if his memoir was in interview style where the interviewer would have pushed Harry to address some of the subject matter you mentioned maybe I would read it.

Meh.

Takes I've seen about this book (which I don't plan to read) so far: The 40 something white passing Indian woman with a family fortune, super fan of Princess Di, that ended up apologizing to Megan because Harry is , in her words, a "dum dum" The Gen Z girl boss that's part of the commonwealth whomst we stan The millenial southern (Mara, do you count as a Southern Belle?) woman that doesn't care about the monarchy It's different aspects in which each of you choose to focus is truly fascinating, I guess I'll see Bre's video next!

I think comparing Harry to a child star is inaccurate and misses the complexity of the cultural and historical role of the monarchy. Royals are basically indentured servants (yes they are rich and own castles and swans, but they also have no choice but to live the life they are born into). Also there is a relationship between the British press and the monarchy that is not comparable to American celebrities and the press. Because the monarch is publicly funded there is a sense of entitlement to the Royals and their lives that many older Brits (and members of the Commonweath) feel. I think presenting it without this context misses a lot of the nuance of his story.

Yes I’ve read the book, yes I’m British and no, I’m not impressed. Wow, is a memoir a lovely story that allows you tell lies wrapped in a pretty setting? A fact checker could easily have modified a large number of the stories. I was looking for a thread that would allow me to see growth, accountability and understanding of this man, who is now a husband and father, it wasn’t there. The monarchy clearly isn’t for him and his wife, I hope they can now find their peace.

Ghost written, it's a marketing product.

I apologize I normally do not write negative = but you do know that this was ghost written and Harry has no ambition to be a author or writer. This was all about the money and marketing.

I do NOT support Harry and Meghan, I have been a U.K. royalist for years, in fact most of my life. I will be reading the book, I have the book and will go in to it not thinking about Harry as a married man, I will review it as following his family from the birth of his brother and himself and how their lives have played out over the years. I will look at it from all angles and keep my opinions on certain things to myself. My review though after reading will be completely honest in every way and I will cover it from as many angles as I can. My bookstagram handle is the same as my name here.

I appreciated your review until the end when you discredited Goodreads reviewers. I think you should be respectful of others opinions. A variety of people will read this highly publicized book at different levels, some casually. it doesn’t mean they haven’t read it. Also, there are multiple sides to every story and this is only one side. My advice, for what it’s worth, is to be more open minded especially on social issues such as racism and The British, their press and Meghan and Harry and examine multiple sides so your statements will hold up to scrutiny.

I will not read it and I will not watch the Netflix show. I have lost respect for Harry and as for her......