Learning to Sing
by Clay Aiken
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Book Summary Information
Author: Clay AikenCollaborator: Allison Glock
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Abridged, Audiobook
Published: 2004-11
ISBN: 0739318985
Publisher: Random House Audio
Book Reviews of Learning to Sing
Book Review: Witty, inspirational and heartfelt - Outstanding Message!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have always loved Clay and bought this book not really knowing what to expect.
Once I opened it, I honestly could not put it down and within a few hours had read the whole book. It is funny, sad, encouraging and extremely well written.
This book will have you laughing and crying and striving to be a better person. Whether or not you know who Clay Aiken is or even if you know him and for whatever reason are not already a fan, you will love this book!
It is so much more than the typical autobiography and I PROMISE YOU - You will NOT be disappointed - I am an avid reader of all types of books and this is by far one of the VERY BEST I have ever read!
It is insightful for those who are already happy with themselves, but it is even more helpful for anyone who may be depressed, "lost", or merely feels shunned by society or even their own family.
Clay helps the reader to realize that all of us are important and until we can accept ourselves, we can never be truly happy. He stresses the importance of forgiveness and acceptance of others without having to compromise ourselves.
It doesn't matter how goodlooking we are or how many friends we have, we do not have to please the world. All we have to do is believe in ourselves and let God take care of the rest.
I HIGHLY recommend this book and/or audio (there are slight variations - I have both, so it is worth getting both - a few paragraphs throughout the book have been left out of the audio).
If you like Clay, you will love him even more and if you don't, you will - guaranteed.
Since first reading the book and listening to the audio, I have re-read and re-listened to both over and over again, and they still amaze and inspire me.
Just a note: Any negative reviewers have OBVIOUSLY never read the book - if they did, they would not be able to write or say anything negative about it - as a matter of fact, they might actually change their attitude and realize that the world needs more people like Clay and less people like them.
Summary of Learning to Sing
?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.
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 needs 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
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