A Life in Parts: A book review

Heather Mills, Loretta Goebel and her daughter, Alyssa

Paul and Loretta Goebel after Paul's concert in Chicago in 2002.

For the past month or so, there has been a bit of a buzz around my town about this book called A Life in Parts and the local girl who is featured in the book.  Everyone here in the St. Louis metro area on the "east side" seems to have read the book, heard of the book, or has been talking about it. When I found out that this book was about a woman who met Paul McCartney, I was interested.  But the book isn't really about a Beatles meeting.

A Life in Parts by Vicki Bennington and Daniel Brannon is the story of Loretta Goebel, who one day hit her hand on the banister in her home.  As a result, she got something called strep toxic shock syndrome, and after almost losing her life, she had to have both of her legs, one full hand, and part of another hand amputated.  During her recovery and while she was trying to make sense of everything that happened, Heather Mills contacted her.  Loretta and Heather formed a bond, and Heather was very helpful to Loretta in dealing with the emotional handling she was going through, as well as telling her about getting a prosthetic leg that looked more natural and would fit her better than the big clunky one she had.  

When Paul's 2002 tour came to Chicago, Heather invited Loretta to go backstage and meet her famous husband.  Loretta kept in touch with Heather and Paul, and when she went to England to receive her nice, new prosthetic leg, she even went over to their London home (which I assumed was Cavendish) and tells in the book how the hand-written lyrics to "Yesterday" are framed and hanging over Paul's piano in the house.  How cool!!!  

Paul has given this quote used to promote the book:

"Loretta has such a positive attitude.  I'm proud of how she handled all the obstacles she had to overcome and the way she reaches out to help others."

 One thing I gained from reading this book is a new understanding and respect for Heather Mills (who wrote the forward for this book). It seems like because of the things that went on during their divorce, it is the popular thing for a Beatles fan to hate Heather Mills.  But this book really showed her compassion and her big heart.  These must have been the things that Paul saw in Heather in the first place. Paul and Heather currently seem to have a good relationship as parents of Beatrice, and I think it is time for us as fans to move on.  The jokes and unkind words towards her aren't putting us fans of the Beatles in a good light.  Heather has done more good for people than she has done harm.

Anyhow, as well as having a very nice Paul McCartney connection, A Life in Parts is a very good book that really shows that you can do anything in spite of your disability or circumstances. Loretta is a woman who has so much courage and strength and is truly admirable. It is a quick read and is well worth reading.

I emailed Loretta yesterday asking for her permission to post her photos and write a little about her story, and she was very kind to give me permission. So, a big thank you goes out to her!


The link below is the affiliate link to Amazon, where you can purchase this book.  I get a small percentage of anything purchased through this link.  Money made from the Amazon Afflication is used to pay the annual fee to keep this site online.  Thank you for your support.  Sara

https://amzn.to/3wKD2pT