The First Time (memoir)

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The First Time
The First Time - Cher, Jeff Copplon.jpg
Authors Cher, Jeff Coplon
LanguageEnglish
Genre Memoir
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Publication date
November 17, 1998
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (Hardcover)
Pages272
ISBN 0-684-80900-1
OCLC 231783374

The First Time is a memoir by American entertainer Cher, co-written with Jeff Coplon. [1] It was released on November 17, 1998 by Simon & Schuster.

Contents

Background

Following Sonny Bono's death in a skiing accident in 1998, Cher delivered a tearful eulogy at his funeral, calling him "the most unforgettable character" she had met. [2] Later that year, she published The First Time, a collection of autobiographical essays of "first-time" events in her life. The manuscript was nearly complete when Sonny died, and Cher was initially reluctant to include his death, concerned it might appear exploitative. She told Rolling Stone , "I might have [ignored it] if I cared more about what people think than what I know is right for me." [3]

Reception

The First Time received mostly positive reviews. Carol Wright of The Manhattan Mercury wrote, "Cher has written a wonderful memoir ... What amazes me about Cher is how she can make light out of some drastic situations." [4] Deborah Wilker of the Sun Sentinel called it "classy" despite its blunt language, adding, "There is a wistful, almost melancholy tone to much of the book." [5] Booth Moore of the Los Angeles Times found it "frank", highlighting that "Cher has never been known for her modesty." [6]

Hank Stuever of the Austin American-Statesman described it as "a book about the certainty and survivability of Cherhood, Cherness, Cher Ever After", stating, "the one-named icon reveals all the details you probably already know about her life". [7] In a negative review, Patricia Ryan of The New York Times wrote, "Coming from someone who is so adept at cutting through corniness, it is a shame that Cher's memoir ... is so banal", adding, "There is probably just enough material here for an illustrated calendar on Cher's career." [8]

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Literary sources

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