Susan Boyle (1) (1961–)

I don't follow many people in the music or acting scene anymore but I've made an exception for Susan Boyle. Like millions of other people I first saw her on her audition for Britain's Got Talent when she shocked all three judges, wiping the smug smirks off the faces of Piers Morgan and Simon Cowell. I had watched a season or two of the American version and enjoy the parts after the auditions but mostly don't follow the winners after they finish the show. For Susan I've become a real fan. I have both her albums, I watched the TV special, I look for a lot of her interviews. So, it was a no-brainer that I was going to read this book. Boy, am I glad I did. Even though Susan didn't "write" this biography it is more than evident that she told the story and it came across in her words. It is both a heartbreaking story and a heart lifting one. From the "poor baby" who doctors said would always be slow, the young child who was bullied and beaten by other children, the unsure adult who never left home because as the youngest of eight she was expected to "take care" of the parents, to the confident singer who has WOW'd the world it is more than evident that Susan told her story. Many things she said hurt, they hurt as only something that resonates because of shared experiences. I was also bullied (never physically) by other children in school. It leaves scars and takes a toll. To anyone who has ever been bullied and wants to read about triumph over adversity, this is the biography for you.… (more)

I really adored this book and fell in love with Susan Boyle from the first chapter. Her honest story of struggle and growing up "different" was an inspiration to me. I was surprised she wrote so well and that is due to how she describes her difficulty learning and also the stereotype of her by the media. She writes with a dry sense of humor that at times I would pause and say to myself, wait was she being funny there? Then I'd read it again and chuckle to myself. She has an amazing ability to laugh at herself as well. Susan doesn't take life or herself too seriously.

On a personal level, it was interesting to me how emotional and anxiety filled Susan is. As you'll read, there are times that she has to be convinced and cajoled to go through with a performance. It's not that she doesn't want to entertain and it isn't even something intentional, but her anxiety level goes through the roof and her manager and voice coach help her calm down enough to get out there and do it. She's an artist through and through though and when it is time for her to hit the stage, the nerves and outright defiance that she just can't do it, melt away as the music and song carry her to the safest place she knows. That place is her own haven of song and there is no self-consciousness behind that.

The book is separated into chronological sections of her life from a little girl to present day. What was always first and foremost in all times of her life was her belief in God. She grew up a devout Catholic and that faith has helped her believe in herself when nobody else did. As I was reading I kept thinking of kids who grow up in less supportive homes than she had, with no spiritual or religious foundation, and how they manage to make it in this world. This book would serve them well as she shows what hard work, faith, and moxy can do to pave the way toward your dreams. The overriding theme is to never give up and believe in yourself.

I can see giving this book as a gift for graduation, future artists, bullied kids having a hard time (her story is really a "I'll show you", overcoming all obstacles kind of tale), or anyone who enjoys the music of Susan Boyle and now would like to get to know the woman behind all of the stories, the woman behind that powerful voice, in her own words. It would be a book you could dip back into or read over again once in awhile to get a dose of inspiration.… (more)