Book review: Autobiography reveals living a life as more than Ron Wood's ex

In It's Only Rock 'N' Roll, Jo Wood, ex-wife of the Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, reflects on life in the fast lane.

It's Only Rock 'N' Roll
Jo Wood
It Books

In It's Only Rock 'N' Roll, a book that couldn't have been written as diplomatically without the proper distance and time for reflection, Jo Wood, the ex-wife of the Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, pens an autobiography that is more empowering than tell-all. It reads like an old friend catching up on lost years with a trusted ally who understands that Wood is more interested in sharing details of her life transformation than bashing her ex-husband and his choices.

Wood's tale of growing up in rural England, becoming a model and falling in love with a rock star includes what you'd expect: parties with celebrities, drug addiction, run-ins with the law and touring the world, but what stands out about Jo Wood is that she is confident and acknowledges her self-worth all along, never wanting to be simply known as Ronnie's wife.

While it is clear that being the wife of a celebrity has opened doors for her, Wood takes control following her divorce and creates a life and a career which is built on her experiences, proving that, like the Rolling Stones, her relevance and popularity still endures.