For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by the sheer force of nature that is Liza Minnelli. When her memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, was released, I couldn’t wait to dive into her story. I purchased an autographed copy signed by Liza herself. To preserve this treasured keepsake, I used an Audible credit to experience the memoir in a way that felt even more personal, with Liza’s extraordinary voice and spirit narrating her history.
Born into the dazzling yet daunting world of Hollywood royalty, she could have easily remained in the shadow of her legendary mother, Judy Garland, and visionary father, Vincente Minnelli. Instead, she carved out her own spectacular path, becoming a singular icon and a testament to resilience. This long-awaited memoir is a brilliant, breathtaking journey that explains why she remains one of the most beloved entertainers of our time.
What stands out most is how Liza approaches her complicated family legacy. She writes about her parents with deep love and respect but never hides from the darker truths of her childhood. With a mother battling serious personal demons, Liza was forced to grow up quickly and forge her own identity. When she says, "Sympathy is my mother’s business. I give people joy," you clearly see the protective armor she created just to survive. Her status as an EGOT winner came not from her famous name but from her extraordinary talent and unwavering work ethic.
If you’re looking for a glossy, PR-approved celebrity autobiography, this isn’t it. Liza bravely reveals her struggles — addiction, heartbreaks, miscarriages, and serious health issues — with striking vulnerability. Yet she never drifts into self-pity; even in her darkest admissions, her unstoppable, show-must-go-on spirit shines. She fully owns her choices, reclaims her truth from the tabloids, and delivers an unfiltered look at the true cost of living so much of her life in the spotlight.
Cowritten with her close friend and confidant Michael Feinstein, the memoir exudes an intimate charm, which made me feel as though I was sharing a late-night conversation on a velvet couch. Listening to Liza’s vibrant personality through her own voice added an unparalleled depth to the experience — her breathless excitement and signature throaty laugh bring the stories to life in a way that reading the text could never achieve. The narrative immersed me in the dazzling chaos of Studio 54, the iconic sets of films like Cabaret, and tender moments shared with legendary friends such as Halston, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and Princess Diana.
Beyond the glitz and gossip, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! reveals the depth of Liza's heart. The memoir devotes genuine attention to her fearless activism and her strong bond with the LGBTQIA+ community. At a time when acceptance was far from the norm, Liza stood courageously for what she believed in, giving and seeking love with remarkable passion.
Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! is a true triumph — not just a chronicle of a dazzling career but a bold celebration of resilience and survival. Liza Minnelli delivers a memoir every bit as strong, funny, and unapologetically honest as she is. Whether you’ve loved her for years or are just discovering her, this book is sure to move and inspire you.
You can buy this book on Amazon or visit her website at https://www.lizaminnelli.com.
Support the Seattle Gay News: Celebrate 52 Years with Us!
As the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ newspaper in the United States, the Seattle Gay News (SGN) has been a vital independent source of news and entertainment for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest since 1974.
As we celebrate our 52nd year, we need your support to continue our mission.
A monthly contribution will ensure that SGN remains a beacon of truth and a virtual gathering place for community dialogue.
Help us keep printing and providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ voices.
How you can donate!
Using this link: givebutter.com/6lZnDB
Text “SGN” to 53-555
Or Scan the QR code below!
