Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was amazed to see people writing reviews before reading the book, both overly enthusiastic fans and sarcastic non-fans. I have read it, and will read it again. There is a lot to absorb in it, but the first thing that I found is that there is a strong message for young people struggling with acceptance in school. This is a major issue in schools today, and here is someone who has been through it. Aiken is young enough to remember it vividly, and can relate to those going through it now.
The book also has a strong message for those children of broken homes and abusive family situations. If parents in these situations read this book, they may also get a good look at the pain they are causing, and realize that they have the ability to change.
This book challenges young people to consider a life of service, and talks about the great rewards of helping others. It encourages young people to consider the less glamorous, but equally or more rewarding career of teaching.
I found the book to be sad, funny, and encouraging, written by a young man with a pretty level head on his shoulders.

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"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 SingWhen 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.

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