- Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Fawcett; Reprint edition (Nov 29 2005)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0812974107
- ISBN-13: 978-0812974102
- Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 1.9 x 10.9 cm
- Shipping Weight: 113 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #600,268 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
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.
–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.
From the Publisher
Bonus feature! Includes Q&A with the author
From the Compact Disc edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Compact Disc edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Inside This Book
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read the book first !,
By Kathy (Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life (Hardcover)
Laura's review is complete garbage.It is obvious that she hasn't read the book. First of all, the book isn't about "learning how to sing". It's an inspirational memoir, about things Clay learned throughout his life from his friends and family. This is the complete opposite of Paris Hilton's book; he really doesn't care about the money - so don't act like you actually met him. Clay created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation (thebubelaikenfoundation.org), he is UNICEF's ambassador, and he did so many things that changed tons of people's lives. Clay Aiken is a superstar, don't try to deny it. I suggest you actually read the book before you write a review...! This book is amazing, and it has absolutely NOTHING to do with American Idol. Oh, and another thing -
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
From what I've read, this will be amazing,
By Fascinated and Impatient (Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life (Hardcover)
I have read a couple of snippets from the book on-line. The short segments had me alternately laughing and reaching for the tissues. It had to have been allergies. I couldn't be brought to tears that easily, could I? The passages sound like Clay is sitting with you, chatting about his life. This isn't going to be a typical entertainment fluff piece. The man tackles the issues that combined to make him the person he is. I cannot wait to get the whole book in my hands. Don't bother phoning that day. I'm going to be b-u-s-y!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't believe Laura's nasty review,
By L.J. Richard (North Providence,, Rhode Island United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life (Audio Cassette)
Clay's book, which I HAVE READ, unlike our esteemed "Laura" with her dishonest one star rating and diatribe spewing her hatred of Clay Aiken, is a simply charming and folksy memoir by a talented singer. Clay Aikens life is fascinating and readers should take his life's lessons to heart. Alison Glock brings her talents to play in partnering with Clay and the flow of the memoir is easy for teens to read. I have no qualms telling potential readers that this is an easy read, will make you laugh, cry, and admire the young man who is making a name for himself in America. In the book you will learn what makes this young man so special and different from the traditional "pop" stars of today. Clay tells of his deep faith in the book, his heartbreaking relationships with his stepfather and biological father, and I particularly enjoyed discovering how he became a teacher of children with autism. After reading the book, I was left with the feeling Clay will be with us long after many other former idol contestants fade into the sunset not only because of his talent but also because of his compelling story.
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