Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life

Features

• Cover Type: Mass Market Paperback with 256 pages
• Published by: Fawcett November 29, 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0812974107
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0812974102
• Book Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 5 ounces

Product Review
Clay Aiken, the undeniably talented American Idol runner up and self-proclaimed "nerdy, geeky, momma's boy" (and boy, does he love to talk about his momma), has written a strange hybrid of memoir, self-help and religious testimony--and in spite of it being so slight that it feels like it will float right out of your hands--he almost pulls it off. Learning to Sing is a book only his most rabid fans (and admittedly, there are millions of 'em) will be able to fully embrace. Anyone looking for American Idol dirt will have to go elsewhere, as Aiken always takes the high road, whether discussing his Idol experience (given surprisingly short shrift), the torment and damage done by the bullies of his youth, or his fractious, difficult relationship and ultimate estrangement from both his birth father and stepfather. When recounting the origin and progression of his true passion--teaching special requirements children--his sincerity and dedication feels real and admirable. Towards the end of Learning to Sing, Aiken's writing teeters from subtly spiritual to zealously polemic, but surely there are worse things for young people (and some adults) to be exposed to than a wildly successful entertainer advising them to embrace their inner nerd, find and follow their passion and treat others with respect and kindness. We should all be so nerdy. --Terry Goodman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Book Description
“My mother prophesied years ago that my voice would take me places. She was certain that there was a reason I was able to sing. I am still discovering what that reason is, what it is that God wants to happen.”
–CLAY AIKEN, from Learning to Sing

When he was a kid singing in his church choir, Clay Aiken never dreamed of becoming a pop music star. His ambition was to be a teacher, maybe even a high school principal. But Clay’s mother was right, and the music that was Clay’s joy in life was destined to lead him to unexpected triumphs.

In Learning to Sing, Clay details what his astonishing success has meant to him. He writes from the heart about his life before and since his instant stardom on American Idol, how he has changed, and how he struggles to adapt to life in the public eye. He speaks candidly about his lonely childhood: the father who abandoned him, the school bullies who tormented him, the mother who taught him to be strong, and the friends and teachers who–more than they ever knew–kept him going. He describes his new high-profile life in Los Angeles– the awards shows, the free clothes, the unfortunate presence of avocado on all the food. More significant, he reveals what he has discovered from diving into the white-hot center of pop culture: what it takes for him to stay true to himself and remember the lessons he learned growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Clay shares his struggle to remain a man his mother can be proud of, and writes about the faith that sustains him today just as it did when he was an awkward, unpopular outsider. “I believe God has a direction for me. He did not give me this life just so I could buy a big house and an SUV. My job is to give back and to be a decent human being no matter how many people cheer my name.”

Clay’s friends–the old ones from North Carolina and the millions of new ones who love his voice–will hold this inspiring memoir as close to their hearts as they do his music. Learning to Sing reminds you that anything is possible. Like a perfect song, it will send your spirit soaring.


From the Hardcover edition.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life (Hardcover) Do NOT mistake Learning to Sing for some standard-issue ghost-written celebrity autobiography with all the content of a marshmallow. Neither should you discount singer Clay Aiken's life history because of his youth. Capably assisted by Alison Glock, Clay tells his story with his trademark wit and charm, and without a trace of ego or self-pity. Plenty of people would pity themselves if faced with the situations he has seen. Instead, Clay's heart, brains and faith led him into a career path he thought settled--teaching children with special needs--before the mother of one of his students encouraged him to enter a TV talent show, and his life changed forever. He is as honest, sometimes brutally so, about himself, his shortcomings and fears, as he is about the strange new world of pop superstardom he now lives in. If you are a fan, read this book. If you just wonder what all the fuss over Clay Aiken is about, read this book. If you want to be moved by an uplifting story of human faith and spirit...well, you get the idea. This is one powerful book, and not to be missed! Comment (1) | Permalink | (Report this)