From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir

I'm not an Elvis fan, really- don't know too much about him, so I went into this pretty blind to his life, outside of his huge impact in music as well as some of the circumstances of his death. Well, and the many rumors that he's still alive. I certainly didn't know much about his family at all.
I will say, I think the 'Elvis is alive' conspiracy is debunked here, personally. I mean, tons of people saw his body during the viewing and sat with it for days, so unless they're all lying, or it was an amazing job by Madame Tussaud, I just don't see how this conspiracy could be factual.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this, despite not knowing very much going into it. Julia Roberts narrating for Lisa Marie was a great touch, she did a nice job and show more has such a calming voice. Riley Keough also has a great voice for audiobooks, and I admire her dedication to telling the truth as closely as she could. Let's just say that Lisa Marie is kind of an unreliable narrator, and there are parts of this in her words that make you question their validity. Even her own daughter says at parts that she doesn't remember things happening in quite that way. But, I don't think that takes away from who she was as a person, and it certainly doesn't negate the great suffering she has experienced from not only the death of a father she was so close to, but also her son, by suicide, many, many years later. Not to mention the strained relationship with her mother from childhood, well into adulthood. Her mother sucks tbh.

What a legacy Elvis has left behind, not only through his music and the cultural impact, but through his lineage. His daughter had many wonderful kids, and it's clear in this book how smart, talented, and down to earth they all were and are. I really admire Lisa Marie's dedication to following her instincts, and keeping herself open to the spiritual world. Those parts of this memoir I 100% believe, though a skeptic may not enjoy this book at all.

This ended up making me feel very sad for Lisa Marie, especially once her son died. It's like her grief came full circle from her father to her son. I also found it so impactful how addiction didn't force it's way in until much later in her life. It really shows how addiction can be so different, while also being exactly the same. It's inspiring she was able to get clean, with the help of her kids. Support is so important, we all need community to keep us from slipping into darkness.

I really enjoyed this look into the Presley family, it really pulled my heartstrings but also made me feel a kindred spirit with Lisa Marie and even Riley. Such a strong bloodline, and I hope that strength continues into their next generations. show less

What a heartbreaking listen. This memoir is a blend of Lisa Marie’s recorded interviews, written passages read by Julia Roberts, and deeply personal sections from Riley, read by her. It’s a raw and emotional reflection on growing up in Graceland, a life full of privilege, love, and overwhelming pain. The grief feels immediate and unfiltered, especially in the wake of son and brother Ben’s tragic passing in 2020. There’s no attempt to tie things up neatly. It feels like an open wound, unfinished and deeply human. It’s not overedited, which is both a strength and a weakness. It doesn’t offer closure, but it feels achingly true. Give it a listen, but it’s a guarded recommendation. It’s brave, unflinching, and not an easy show more experience. show less

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keogh is a 2024 Random House Publication.

The structure of this memoir is very classy. The presentation and flow are well-balanced, and it will probably have a profound effect on most readers.

Though Lisa Marie was only a few years younger than me, I felt like I saw her grow -up. Often, I shook my head, knowing without really knowing that much about her personally, that her life was far from charmed. Yes, there were good times, but I never got a sense that she was truly happy. One rarely saw her smile, and her career frustrations were palpable.

This book only confirmed that for me. It is an emotional memoir, very sad. I feel this book gives us a raw and personal look at what show more really went on behind closed doors. We sometimes must read between the lines, though. Riley takes the high road, telling the truth, but without an inflammatory tone. It’s insightful, cautionary, and ultimately…. No offense to the presentation of the book at all… it was depressing… and not to be overly dramatic… but tragic, really.

I’m glad I read the book, though. It has stayed with me, as I reflect on fame, money, the self-absorption of many people, living in their own bubbles, with their own agendas, and the impact that has on someone who didn’t seem to stand a chance right from the start. I agree with Riley. I felt the fight just left her, and it was very hard to see her life slip away like that.

For the mere curiosity seekers, to be honest, there isn't anything all that shocking- scientology, a little mysticism, and her decisions after the death of her son, were a little 'out there', but mainly it was just the story of a woman who was born in a bubble she could never fully escape from. Eventually, that suffocating reality seemed to drain her will to live.

Overall, this is an interesting memoir, a deeply insightful view of Lisa Marie’s life and her legacy that will live on through Riley.

*Content notes: There are a LOT of F-bombs in the book. This comes from tapes and actual quotes used by those featured in the book. While listening to portions of it through my home speakers, I was not fond of that language blaring through my house… but it was contextual and was never gratuitous. show less

I have to admit, I came very close to bailing on this book about halfway through. I listened to the audio version which featured Riley Keough narrating her mother’s, Lisa Marie Presley, life. Julia Roberts read Lisa Marie’s part which was put together from a series of recorded interviews that were being planned for the book before Lisa Marie died of a heart attack at age 54 after a life filled with alcohol, drugs, and misery. My irritation with “From Here to the Great Unknown” was the constant privilege that this family enjoyed across generations. Their biggest challenges in life revolved around whether to spend a holiday is Hawaii or England. The dysfunction was almost unbearable. The more I listened, however, the more insight show more and sensitivity I heard in Riley’s voice as she told her mother’s story through her own eyes. She had obviously broken the Presley generational privilege curse and has managed carve a successful life for herself, something her brother Ben, unfortunately never realized. He took his own life at age 27. I’m not sure what the audience is for this book, but I certainly don’t think I’m part of it. Readers who are big Elvis fans and those who love Inside Hollywood drama might enjoy it. The rest of us would do better by searching further for something to read. show less

This is a memoir of Lisa Marie Presley's life as told in her own words and completed by her daughter Riley Keough after her death. I have the feeling that after being raised the way she was and the unsupervised way that she was allowed to live her life from an early age onward meant that she never stood a chance. It's an incredibly sad story.

I live near Tupelo and have heard of Elvis all my life--not to say I'd call myself an Elvis fan. He's ok but not a "god" like he evidently was in Lisa Marie's mind.

This is an interesting book. Interesting, sad, depressing, outrageous. Money really doesn't buy happiness. It's sad Lisa Marie's dad died when she was so young (Heck! When he was so young!); she just never seemed to do anything with her own life. Drugs (one would think that she would have learned that lesson early), rebellion, living off her father's fame. From the book, it doesn't sound like she ever worked a day in her life, just spent the money from her father's estate and indulged herself however she pleased.

She did seem to love her children, and obviously her daughter show more loves her very much. The relationship with her ex-Danny was strange. Great that they could be friends and parent their children together as well as get along well for the children. He seems like a nice guy and appears to really have loved her. Can't blame the guy for packing his stuff and leaving when she comes home an announces that MJ wants her to leave Danny, marry him and have his children. Really????? You would go home and say this to your husband/father of your children who you basically trapped into marrying you??? Yet Danny was the one who was always there for her throughout her life.

Not something I'll likely ever read again, but interesting to read once. show less

Growing up, my parents were Elvis Presley fans. His albums played on the record player, and his movies were on the television. I was really young when Elvis died in 1977, but I knew how much he meant to music and my parents’ generation. It wasn’t until later that I found out about his struggles with drug addiction, which sadly led to his death.

I’ve always been familiar with Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ only child, and I’ve kept up with her significant life updates through grocery store magazines. Like, when she married Michael Jackson?! I purchased her first album, To Whom in May Concern, back in 2003. I thought it was pretty cool that she released an album, and I was really impressed with her voice and lyrics. I remember show more watching the music video for ‘Lights Out’ on MTV — back when MTV was all about music videos. The lyrics for that song sparked my curiosity about her life growing up with Elvis and then losing him at such a young age. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like.

I remember feeling shocked and sad when I learned of Lisa Marie’s passing in early 2023. When I found out about her memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, I immediately placed a hold on the audiobook with my local library through the Libby app. I love that her eldest daughter, Riley Keough, finished her mom’s memoir — it definitely adds to the emotional depth of this book. The intro of the book immediately had me tearful as Riley explained that Lisa worked on this memoir for years and had such difficulty writing about herself that she asked Riley to help her finish the memoir. Tragically, Lisa died one month later. Riley talks about the tough journey of picking up where her mom left off with this book.

I absolutely adored this book! Lisa shared stories about growing up in Graceland, and even her returns to Graceland as an adult. Her relationship with her dad was amazing. This memoir covers everything from her adolescent struggles, the relationship with her mom, marriages, children, addiction, and her son’s tragic suicide. Lisa’s own death is also detailed in the book.

As Riley assessed, Lisa was working through her traumas while writing this book. Her stories mostly consist of the struggles she experienced. Riley does a fantastic job balancing the stories by ensuring that the happy moments are included in Lisa’s memoir. I appreciate this family’s willingness to be vulnerable and share their utmost personal moments. Anyone who has experienced loss, or has been touched by addiction, can relate to these two women. This was a heavy read that also had my personal losses close in mind and heart.

I’m so glad I listened to the audiobook! Julia Roberts narrates Lisa’s story, and Riley narrates from her perspective, filling in the gaps that Lisa didn’t cover. Lisa recorded stories while working on the book, and some of those recordings are included in the audiobook. It was so moving to hear Lisa’s voice.

After finishing the book, I decided to listen to some of Lisa Marie’s music. It was nice to revisit her first album. Hearing her sing ‘Lights Out’ now feels different, especially since she’s gone. On my blog, I’ve included the official music video below to wrap up my review. Rest In Peace, Lisa Marie Presley.

I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog show less