Australia is known for our great beaches, sunny weather, and general laid-back disposition, but few things are more quintessentially Australian than our very own golden-haired sweetheart, Olivia Newton-John.
For more than five decades, Olivia has been one of our most successful and adored entertainers. A four-
time Grammy winner, she has achieved global renown through her iconic roles in classic movies such as Grease and Xanadu, harbouring to this day a timeless appeal that captivates audiences all across the world.
But Olivia’s story extends far beyond her music and screen fame. After navigating her own journey with cancer, Olivia has become a symbol of strength, courage, and grace for millions around the world. A tireless advocate for numerous charities, she is a true inspiration, radiating joy and compassion to all she encounters, both through her charity work and in her every day life. As the founding champion of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research centre in her hometown in Melbourne, Olivia is the ultimate force for good in a world that could certainly use a little more hope and sunshine.
Don’t Stop Believin’ is Olivia’s touching memoir about her life journey, beginning with her origins as a humble Melbourne schoolgirl, and guiding us through her experiences of superstardom, illness, and recovery. The book is a testament to Olivia’s remarkable tenacity and endurance in the face of adversity.
Reading this book is an emotional, heart-warming experience – Olivia writes with such vulnerability and raw truth that it feels as if you are talking to an old friend or trusted confidant. The warmth and positivity that she radiates in real-life translates onto every page, each word vibrating with her contagious energy. There is sadness and disappointment, too, the realisation that regardless of our career success or fame, we all face the same struggles – relationships, parenthood, illness, love. In this way, the book is very much a celebration of the human spirit, of the devastating loss and pain that we can endure if we simply believe.
The formatting and design of the book is sentimental and sweet, with photos of Olivia as a baby, teenager, and young adult scattered throughout the pages, giving it the homely feel of an old photo album, of something to be treasured. Chapters are named after famous song titles or albums, the themes of which relate to the content that follows. It’s very cleverly composed, and a testament to how much of herself Olivia has given to us in this long-awaited memoir.
A great memoir is one that teaches you not only about the person whose life you are reading about, but also yourself. Don’t Stop Believin’ does this exactly this. It leaves you feeling inspired, limitless, liberated.
Do yourself a favour and read this book.
About the Author:
Olivia Newton-John, AO, OBE is an English-born, Australian-raised singer and actress and philanthropist. With a career spanning over five decades with more than 100 million albums sold,
Olivia’s successes include four Grammys, numerous Country Music, American Music, Billboard and People’s Choice Awards, an Emmy Award, ten #1 hits and more than fifteen top 10 singles. She also scored another #1 hit, this time on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, with ‘You Have to Believe’, a duet with her daughter Chloe Lattanzi – becoming the first mother/daughter duo to top this Billboard chart. In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in Grease catapulted Olivia into super-stardom and to date it remains the most successful movie musical of all time. In 2018 the film celebrates its 40th anniversary. Olivia has been a long-time activist for environmental and animal rights issues. Her personal journeys with cancer led her to announce her partnership with Austin Health and the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre (ONJCWC) on the Austin Campus in her hometown of Melbourne. She also co-owns the award-winning Gaia Retreat & Spa near Byron Bay.
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