You can definitely call me stupid for not knowing that Cass Elliot had a daughter. And, when I saw this book written by her, I was immediately intrigued. Being a fan of 1960’s music, I definitely know the Mamas and the Papas. I have a CD set from the 1967 Monterrey Pop Festival and the Mamas and the Papas set is phenomenal. I have a live playlist on my iPhone, and that whole CD is one of many (454 songs and 35 hours worth).

I really enjoyed this book, as it was not just about Cass and how she became famous, but after she passed away, the book morphed into Owen’s life. She ended up living with her Aunt Leah (Cass’s sister) and her grandmother (Cass’s mom).

Even though we are introduced to Owen’s father, he never became a father figure and was out of the picture. Now, Owen did meet him and did visit him when he was very sick, but that was the extent of it.

Owen did dabble a little bit in music, and was almost in the group Wilson Phillips.

I also loved all the stories of Cass, and everything she did in her short life. Did you know she helped get The Lovin’ Spoonful and CSNY together! How cool is that?

She was 7 years old when her mom died. I can’t even imagine how she felt, but she persevered, met a great guy, got married, and they have two kids.

Owen Elliot-Kugell expertly weaves her own experiences in the entertainment industry and growing up with a parent in the spotlight with just the right amount of biographical details of her mother Cass Elliot. With her unique perspective and narrative prose, it makes for an engaging and entertaining read. I appreciated how she highlighted the spirit of her mother and what she brought as a whole person and not just her musical accolades. There was a lot of really memorable facts or characteristics about Cass Elliot that I found myself excited to share with others. I also enjoyed the author going through her personal journey of grief and the aftermath of losing a parent at a young age. An inspiring read that any fan of the 60's/70's music era will enjoy.

I received a kindle copy of this book from NetGalley. I have always been a big fan of Cass Elliot. When NetGalley had a book from Cass Elliot's daughter Owen Elliot - Kugall I was happy to get the chance to read this book. Cass Elliot tragically died when she was only 32 years old. Her daughter Owen was only seven years old when her mother died. She wanted to write this book to help get some facts straight about her talented mother. For one thing, Cass Elliot did not die eating a ham sandwich!
Part of the book focuses on Cass Elliot's life. She shares her ups and downs in her mother's life. The seven years she got to have her for her mother. The rest of the book is Owens life after her mother died. She was raised by her aunt Leah, Cass Elliot's younger sister and on occasion her grandmother. it was nice to learn some more about Cass Elliot and her daughter Owen. I liked reading this book myself.

Very engaging and entertaining story of Owen's life with her Mom. It was quite sad to me however. Why do entertainers feel that they can provide a healthy life for their children? These poor children may have material things but thats about it. So sad.

Cass Elliot's daughter Owen was just 7 years old when her mother died of a heart attack overseas during a tour. Known as "Mama Cass", she was a mainstay as part of the evolution of the California sound, the Laurel Canyon group of musicians including Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell. She had a talent for connecting musicians with each other who would then produce spectacular music.

Cass was in demand professionally, yet personally had a hard time with relationships and had terribly low self esteem regarding her weight and desirability. Having a child would be someone who, in her words, "would never leave her".

Owen lived a chaotic childhood while her mother was alive, and afterward the moving around the country to various relatives and being caretaken by nannies took its toll. This memoir is both a confessional and a quest for answers, some which Owen may never get. The reader gets a glimpse behind the scenes, but just enough as feels comfortable for Owen to reveal. Several long standing myths regarding Cass are revealed as the myths they are. Many recollections of Owen's collide with her ongoing search for the truth of her parentage.

It's a bittersweet and poignant read. Most fans of Cass Elliot, Mamas and Papas, the music of that era will appreciate what Owen has shared.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC and thank you own for writing this amazing memoir about your mother. This could not have come at a more perfect time i knew of cass elliot but i didnt know much about her because she was not from my generation however i do know some of her songs from hearing them around and her voice was amazing and seeing her get alot of attention on tiktok recently made me want to read this novel and learn more about her and i am so glad i got approved for this one.. It was such a great memoir i loved that Owen had alot of stories from the people who knew cass growing up etc.. Peers and Family members sharing all the amazing stories and stuff about cass. I just know she would be so happy knowing how much her music and her in general people still listen too and love her. Owen shared very vulnerable moments in this novel making this memoir such a great piece of work losing a parent that young is so sad but knowing she had family by her side during all of this and sharing such great things about her mother was beautiful to read. I could not put this one down and one of my favorite things about this was part of this memoir was about Owens life as well so i feel like i got to know Cass and Owen in one novel. Owen shared alot of stories on her life as well as her mothers. Thank you for writing such a great book! Memoir lovers you should read this one.

Such a talented voice and a great woman!

4 stars

This is a delightful book. It is a biography of Ellen Naomi Cohen. She is better known as Cass Elliot. She and her group, the Mamas and Papas, were stars in the 1960’s. I remember them well. They were one of my favorite groups, and Cass’ voice was absolutely wonderful.

The book is written by her daughter, Owen Elliot-Kugel. Cass died when Owen was seven years old. She has many memories of her mother, but also relied on stories told by friends and acquaintances of her famous mother. It also debunks some of the theories surrounding Cass’ death.

I enjoyed learning about Cass. She was certainly an original. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the 1960’s rock scene and Cass’ adventures that followed it when the Mamas and Papas broke up.

I want to thank NetGalley and Hachette Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.