Gia was obviously no saint and I don't think the book in any way tries to portray her as a tragic victim. The author shows himself to be more than aware of her faults. I don't think you need a qualification in social work (see other reviews) to realise that there are many who start with less than Gia. I think the author would agree with this but I don't think this is particularly relevant to the book.

Other reviews complain about the author's fascination with the age in general, David Bowie, Studio 54, other models. I find this the book's strength. It documents the last age when people could sleep around and abuse substances with a kind of innocence. I think the parts of the book which handle the intial rumours of a new kind of mysterious plague and reality of Gia's AIDs are fascinating. I really think the book captures the spirit of the early to mid eighties extremely well.

Amazing life but very badly written book
Review date: 2001-06-27 Rating: 2 out of 10

I was really looking forward to this book, but what a disappointment!! Call me selfish, but I expected the book be about Gia and not other people. If I want know about D. Bowie's life I buy his autobiography and so on.. Author goes into great detail about other peoples lives, but Gias. Yes there are thing from gias life but for every page about Gia, there are five pages abot the life in the era of seventies and eighties. What I found also disappointing was the slagging match among Gias relatives at the beggining of the book. Has any of these people really loved and cared for Gia?? I don't think so... If you lived in the era you may find this book interesting, unfortunatly I didn't. Gia deserved better book written about her than this. Sorry Gia.

tragic beauty touched my heart
Review date: 2000-10-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

Gia Marie Carangi was a person of many sides. This book is a fantastic look at the woman that changed magazine covers as we know them: a foul mouthed brunette kick up the ass for early 80s fashion. Gia had many inner demons: I feel if she had got help earlier, she would still be with us today. In the end, I think AIDs wasn't the only thing that led to her tragic demise way before her time: the lack of attention and love she so craved all her life also contributed to the incredible pain she had felt. Gia was Gay, but wished she was straight so she could please her mother, which is sad. I think that Gia should never be forgot. A wonderful book about a true one off: Gia Marie Carangi: 1960-1986. You broke the mould, babe.

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