Lucky Jim

I read this honest, eloquent and beautiful memoir in one sitting, deep into the night. Jim Hart has many gifts, not the least of which are the ability to love deeply, to forgive, to help the stricken and to bless the commonplace with poetic observation and a spiritual aura. He was married to Carly Simon for 20 years, some of them quite fraught, and he brings this powerful and sometimes emotionally fragile woman to beautiful life. Hart's struggles with a violent childhood, a beloved and severely disabled only child and acceptance of his homosexuality coupled with his with deep love for the two remarkable women he married is woven through a narrative that sparkles with wit and astute observation of the elegant world of wealth and fame he shared with a funny, charming, generous and kind Simon. He is a born storyteller. His true friends included Mike Nichols and Diane Sawyer, Jackie Kennedy, the Clintons, Carl Bernstein, William Kennedy, the Styrons and many others unknown and well known. He is no name dropper, however, and while he gives up many secrets, he shields those he loves from negative judgement or invasion of their privacy. Nevertheless, he offers an outsider's experience of how the rich, talented and famous live, which is quite well. He appears to be beloved of them as well. Hart is hardest always on himself and with years of alcohol and drug abuse under his belt, he has much to be sorry for. He paints a joyous and sorrowful portrait of his late son and acknowledges that he more or less abandoned his care to his first wife and her family, who sound like saints. His confessional descriptions of his life in the drunken underbelly of Troy, NY are so gritty and honest that you can smell the scroungy bars, basement rentals and denizens with whom he drank, drugged and lived. Hart is stepfather to several kids and remains close to them as well as to his women. There is so much in the book that I cannot do justice to the waves of pain, loss and forgiveness that course through its pages. A marvelous accomplishment and I thank him.

Jim Hart has noted that in crafting this stunning, wide-ranging memoir, he found it most difficult to write about his beloved late son, Eamon and their often beleaguered relationship. This may sound astonishing to some, since long after his first divorce and long after Eamon was born, Hart married again - to Carly Simon. They had their own extended and ultimately broken coupling, as unbalanced as it was passionate. Hard material to write, as well. But…Eamon had a seizure disorder and considerable communications challenges and, as it should be, he comes across as a vivid force. Indeed, the book is dedicated to him.As the mother of a 29-year-old son with severe autism – and as someone who has never been married to a rock star (my husband may differ) –I feel compelled to expand on this.Hart writes there were times he could not accept Eamon's disability. He has many regrets. There is at least one notably dreadful incident. But he also found himself “coming around again,” as Carly Simon might say. I know this kind of trajectory as well as I know anything. This memoir could have been written without Eamon's story. But it would not have been any good. A child with such challenges is often the lever from which all stories past and present flow. LUCKY JIM also reveals so much else about the nature of abuse, addiction (alcohol and drugs), sexual identity confusion, familial relationships, friendships, religion and, of course, celebrity. It is beautifully written. Poetry-in-prose befitting a poet like Hart. LUCKY JIM introduced me to the warmth, kindness, brilliance, imagination and troubles of a Carly Simon I know only from her music. And then there is, of course, Alannah, Eamon’s mother, whose own courage and rage is equally familiar to those of us who have raised disabled children. Add in Jacqueline Kennedy and Mike Nichols, who are among those the reader also comes to know so much better and to love, and this memoir has it all. And yet, "all," is meshed well. It feels like one story. It is.

I took great comfort in this book and your stories. I found the last 25% the most interesting and curious as this is where the deeper dive took place. Reading the pages as it all unraveled was truly enlightening. Anyone that finds relevancy in their own lives to you, your pain, any of your stories or the people closest to you, will find this book helpful and meaningful. You explained things and feelings that many other men (and women) in similar situations struggle with, but won't or don't verbalize or share. I found the clarity extremely helpful, almost as if pieces of a puzzle were handed to me. I realize every person and situation is completely different, but hearing and learning your perspective was beneficial. Your authenticity is admirable and I believe this book can and will help others work through their own personal demons.On the lighter side, it's a also a great multi faceted celebrity story chock full of interesting anecdotes and details for the reader. Good luck and congratulations on your continued success and happiness! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

I’m not sure how they find voice/readers, but in this case they did not do an exhaustive search for a voice and skill to convey the needed nuance for this memoir. “Foyerrrrr”.

I bought the book because I knew Hart was married to Carly Simon, her second husband. After reading Carly's book, Boys in the Trees, I wanted to know what happened next. Would she find a happier relationship with Hart than with Taylor? I glad to report Hart does not skimp on the juicy details. I knew from a book review that he had been a recovering alcoholic when he met her. Carly, I thought, what are you doing? Another drug addict? Anyway, I found this a very entertaining book with some very serious issues discussed. I can't say I liked or disliked Mr. Hart. But he does tell quite a long sometimes complicated tale well.

James Hart has a romantic style of writing about his three demons in his life. I have been a Carly fan for over 50 years.

An amazing glimpse into the life of a spouse dealing with a famous partner. Jim is beautifully honest and forthcoming with his own failings, and writes as though you are having a candid conversation with a close friend. Amazing!

Well written, ineresting, the author was married to Carly Simon so he has plenty to say about show business and a lot of famous people. I really enjoyed the book.

What was it like to be married to the world superstar Carly Simon, living the gilded life of the rich and famous? What happens when old demons appear and crack the smooth glittering surface? This tortured soul was oppressed and sickened by his homosexuality, drug and alcohol abuse and terrified for the future of his severely disabled son. I would defy you not to admire and like the decency of his soul.