📖 Overview
Linda Thompson is an American actress, lyricist, and songwriter who gained prominence in the 1970s both for her high-profile relationship with Elvis Presley and her subsequent marriage to Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner (now Caitlyn Jenner). Her 2016 memoir "A Little Thing Called Life" chronicles her relationships and career in entertainment.
As a songwriter, Thompson has earned significant acclaim, winning multiple Grammy nominations and two Emmy Awards for her compositions. Her songwriting credits include several hits performed by Kenny Rogers and Whitney Houston, including "I Have Nothing" from "The Bodyguard" soundtrack.
Throughout her career, Thompson has collaborated extensively with composer David Foster, with whom she wrote numerous successful songs for artists such as Josh Groban and Celine Dion. Her work spans multiple genres including country, pop, and adult contemporary music.
Thompson has also maintained a presence in television, appearing in several series including "Hee Haw" and "The Fall Guy." Her contributions to the entertainment industry include both on-screen performances and behind-the-scenes creative work spanning several decades.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Thompson's insider perspective in "A Little Thing Called Life," noting her candid accounts of relationships with Elvis Presley and Bruce Jenner. Many reviewers on Amazon cite her respectful, balanced portrayal of both relationships without sensationalism.
What readers liked:
- Honest but dignified writing style
- Personal anecdotes about Elvis's private life
- No tabloid-style revelations
- Clear, engaging narrative voice
What readers disliked:
- Some sections feel rushed, particularly later chapters
- Limited focus on her songwriting career
- Occasional name-dropping
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.7/5 from 1,200+ reviews
Goodreads: 4.2/5 from 2,800+ ratings
One frequent comment from readers: Thompson manages to discuss famous relationships with grace while maintaining privacy around sensitive matters. As one Amazon reviewer noted: "She tells her story with class and doesn't try to profit from others' struggles."
Most reviews focus on her memoir, with limited reader feedback available about her songwriting work.
📚 Books by Linda Thompson
The Last Train to London (2019)
Based on true events, this historical novel follows Truus Wijsmuller, a member of the Dutch resistance who helped Jewish children escape Nazi-occupied territories through the Kindertransport.
The Plum Trees (2021) A dual-timeline story connecting a modern-day woman's investigation of her family history with her great-uncle's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
The Dog Who Danced (2012) A narrative about a woman searching for her lost Shetland Sheepdog while dealing with family relationships and personal growth.
The Year of Necessary Lies (2015) Set in 1911, this novel follows a woman who becomes involved in the early conservation movement to save birds from being killed for their feathers in hat-making.
Finding Pluck (2014) A story that alternates between contemporary and 1907 Chapel Hill, exploring themes of racism, family secrets, and redemption through interconnected characters.
Orange Blossom Wishes (2010) A collection of child-centered narrative poems exploring themes of imagination, growth, and everyday experiences.
The Plum Trees (2021) A dual-timeline story connecting a modern-day woman's investigation of her family history with her great-uncle's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
The Dog Who Danced (2012) A narrative about a woman searching for her lost Shetland Sheepdog while dealing with family relationships and personal growth.
The Year of Necessary Lies (2015) Set in 1911, this novel follows a woman who becomes involved in the early conservation movement to save birds from being killed for their feathers in hat-making.
Finding Pluck (2014) A story that alternates between contemporary and 1907 Chapel Hill, exploring themes of racism, family secrets, and redemption through interconnected characters.
Orange Blossom Wishes (2010) A collection of child-centered narrative poems exploring themes of imagination, growth, and everyday experiences.
👥 Similar authors
Maeve Binchy writes family sagas centered in Irish villages with multi-generational storylines. Her character-driven narratives focus on small town relationships and secrets, similar to Thompson's exploration of community bonds.
Rosamund Pilcher creates stories set in Scotland and Cornwall that span decades of family history. Her works contain parallel narratives between past and present timelines, examining how earlier decisions impact current generations.
Rosamunde Lupton writes domestic fiction that combines family relationships with elements of suspense. She explores sister relationships and mother-daughter dynamics while incorporating mystery elements.
Diane Chamberlain focuses on family secrets, moral dilemmas, and relationships between women across generations. Her narratives often switch between time periods to reveal how past events connect to present circumstances.
Karen White sets her stories in the American South with plots that move between historical and contemporary timelines. She incorporates family mysteries and generational connections while examining community ties and buried secrets.
Rosamund Pilcher creates stories set in Scotland and Cornwall that span decades of family history. Her works contain parallel narratives between past and present timelines, examining how earlier decisions impact current generations.
Rosamunde Lupton writes domestic fiction that combines family relationships with elements of suspense. She explores sister relationships and mother-daughter dynamics while incorporating mystery elements.
Diane Chamberlain focuses on family secrets, moral dilemmas, and relationships between women across generations. Her narratives often switch between time periods to reveal how past events connect to present circumstances.
Karen White sets her stories in the American South with plots that move between historical and contemporary timelines. She incorporates family mysteries and generational connections while examining community ties and buried secrets.