Customer Reviews

Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

You either get American Idol or you don't. And for those out there who refuse to answer the phone, doorbell, or the muffled cries of our kids while American Idol is on... this book is for you. As with all Chicken Soup books, there's something for everyone. Laughter, tears, inspiration... The behind the scenes stories from past contestants are fun and remind us why we liked them to begin with. This book is a quick, fun, read and the perfect gift for any American Idol fan.

I bought the book out of obligation as I am friends with one of the authors,just to see what she had been up to and as a show of support. Never thinking I would actually have to Read it!
I had an interesting trip to the ER with my 10 year old son and the only book to read to him was the Idol Soul. Neither of us are big Idol fans so I expected it to be a stretch for him and myself to make it sound interesting. Boy was I wrong! The book held our attention from the inspiring stories of the inner city and rural poverty and turning your life around. It was a great distraction, taught ethical lessons in a supremely uplifting and motivating fashion. What I especially enjoyed was the people were all so open and approachable,the humanity of the people made me glad to be sharing it with my son in his time of trial.

When I first came across this book, I have to admit wondering to myself, "What the heck will they come up with next?" As we all know Idol, Freemantle Media, and 19 have combined into a giant industry bully. Each year, new and hopeful talent-based reality shows pop up on every network, only to be ultimately dwarfed or consumed by Idol. Heck, even the Presidential election was dwarfed by Idol, and the Olympics...I could go on and on. The producers gloat about Idol being the biggest TV show ever to be on television. It's truly an American phenomenon. American people happily spend two or three nights a week with Idol each season. I wouldn't be surprised if thousands would watch it 5 days a week if it were available. I know at my office it's the biggest topic every morning from January onward. American Idol even effects American productivity, but let's keep that information from our bosses.

I have read a few Soup titles over the last several years, books that largely contain stories about love and marriage, parents and children, and sibling relationships. My mother keeps a few of these (especially Mother and Daughter) on her nightstand for 11:00pm wind-down reading. After the nightly news and before her eyes succumb to sleep, she enjoys these bite sized stories for their thoughtful approach to strained relationships, human flaws, and life's many tumbles. I understand why those stories would be appealing to just about anyone. But - how could American Idol touch anyone on that level? The show is a marketing octopus; it has a hand in everything from the ice cream freezer to all forms of media, apparel, toys, and miscellaneous home goods. But, Chicken Soup books? I just had to take a gander, so I gave in and bought it -- telling myself I'd just give it to my mother anyway.

On the way home, I scolded myself for the purchase. It was expensive, especially since times in my household are excruciatingly tight. So, I had to look in the mirror and be honest with myself -- Just why did I buy it?? What drove me to put down $14.95, when all I was doing was seeing it with a critical eye? Tapping on the thin, cynical shell I sometimes wear around my heart, I began to see a glimmer of truth.

American Idol has truly (and I don't want to admit this) enhanced or augmented relationships in my family. Beginning in 2001, my mother and I, for the first time in our lives, were separated by many, many miles. When Fantasia won, and Reuben, I was far away from Mom. When Carrie won, however, I remember that we were living in the same house, and we secretly loved those nights when we'd come together on the couch for Idol. We'd playfully fight over different contestants, throwing pillows across the rooms and at each other. Season 5 was our all-time favorite, however. We were in the same state, but miles and miles apart. We'd talk on the phone throughout the show and it drove my husband crazy. But, I know we're not alone. I firmly believe that long distance phone calls skyrocket during Idol nights, especially on the results show. Mothers and daughters, sisters and sisters, and friends all over the country are lighting up those phone lines, all in the name of Idol and a shared experience.

So, I got out of the car, book in hand, ready to skim the content. I had already figured out in the car why I bought it. Simply put, American Idol brings back memories. Memories of playfully fighting with my mother over the quality of a performance, or yelling for my husband to get the heck out of the way of the TV set. Coworkers would review performances the following morning, happy if their Idol stayed, or likewise miserable if their favorite went home. I remember the trauma in my office when Chris Daughtry was voted off -- I couldn't believe that the normally stern, more serious of the coworkers, had something to say about that. I'd laugh to myself when I'd see another "secret" Idol watcher crawl out of the woodwork, even for a split second. Surely, the partners of the law firm didn't want anyone to know they needed their Idol fix too.

So, back to the book -- which, after reading about 25 stories by now, I'd describe as a giant pot of humanity, special memories, and funny stories. Just what a Chicken Soup book is meant to be. There are stories by: Melinda Doolittle, Reuben Studdard, Kim Locke, Nigel Lythgoe, Chris Sligh, Ace Young, Mandisa, Blake Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Vonzell, Lisa Tucker, and the list goes on. I found the stories written by the behind the scenes crew to be the most surprising and interesting --they give a true picture of what life backstage is like at the biggest show on television. These people are so committed to their jobs and to the contestants each year. There are also many soul-pleasing stories by Idol fans -- just regular Americans who see their life or their family has been touched in some way by the show and the Idols themselves.

I seriously doubt that anyone will be able to close this entire volume without shedding some very real tears. One story in particular left me with tears pouring down my face. My husband walked in and saw me surrounded by about 30 balled up tissues, and with a red swollen face, reading from the Idol book. He shook his head and walked out, through he got a little choked up later that night when I read the same story to him. The story was written by Amy Johnson, an Idol fan and the mother of young Mackenzie - who found a very special friend in Ace Young. Mackenzie was 3 and had Leukemia, thought she didn't let that terrible illness drag her down completely. She beamed when she watched her Ace on TV, and cried when he was voted off - which just happened to be the week she was in Children's hospital for cranial radiation. In a wonderful stroke of magic, a children's organization helped Mack finally meet her "long distance boyfriend" by sending her to the Idols concert, where she met Ace backstage. One year later, Mack was relapsing and back in the hospital. Who wouldn't let the tears flow when they read about the moment when Ace Young peered around the door to her hospital room, which had been decorated with gifts and cards from Ace's fan base? Another story, told by Jane Marquit, related her incredible struggle as a single mother of teenage Megan - who was enduring tough times at school and home. However, they grew closer as they watched American Idol season 4, and both fell in love with Carrie Underwood and Anthony Federov. There I was, crying again, as I read about the mother and daughter attending a concert together, and actually meeting Carrie -- an experience which got them through a dark period of worry and despair. Another surprising tear jerker for me came from Scott Stavol, a contestant on Season 4 -- just a normal guy with a great voice who had always tried to make his father proud. Scott never thought he'd add up to much, seeing his future as a "burger flipper" due to his lack of attention in school. When Scott was voted off at number 5 -- a place in the Top Ten he never dreamed he would get to -- he recounts coming off of the plane at his home airport to a sea of people with congratulation signs, people there just for him, telling him how much he had touched their hearts during the season. If that weren't enough, I was practically hiccupping from crying when he mentions that his dad was sitting at the gate in a wheelchair, waiting for him to arrive. When Scott bent down to give him a hug, his father was in tears, telling Scott how much he loved him and how proud he was - the very words Scott had waited for since a young boy.

I could go on and on about this book. It's a special volume with a story in it for everyone. Since so many people across this country tune in to watch these young people live out their dreams, there will be that many people dying to know more about the process of Idol, what happens backstage, special moments from the Idol's experiences, and the many touching (and quite tissue-worthy) anecdotes from fans...young and old alike. I promise that you'll see yourself, and your family, in there somewhere.

So, to end my tale, I'm glad I bought the book. I'll just have to pick up another one -- for my Mom.

I was only an occasional Idol viewer but picked up the book at my
friend's house that I was at for Thanksgiving and I couldn't put it
down. Now I know why everyone is in love with these Idols!! What
these kids went through to get where they are is unbelievable. I
swear, at the end of every story I just sat there with my mouth
open. I'm always cynical when I read these reviews and people say,
"I'm going to buy one of these books for everyone I know," but I am
going to buy one of these books for everyone I know - and I'm going
to start watching this show when it starts again next year.

I never truly realized just how important of a role American Idol plays in the lives of its contestants and fans until I read this book. There's something for everyone inside. From the producers to the judges to the contestants to the fans, a large variety of people who have ever come into contact with some aspect of this show have a story to tell. This book will make you laugh, cry, smile, and cheer in triumph as you read the heartwarming tales that come from the hearts and minds of people closely related to this show. I thought I was a "Know-It-All" when it came to American Idol, but I learned so many new behind-the-scenes stories just from reading the first seven or eight tales. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the show or to anyone who believes that it's never out of your reach to believe in a dream coming true.

The Chicken Soup series rolls on and this American Idol edition is perfect for those that follow the show. The authors have pulled together just about everyone from the show's time on the air - from the performers (Carrie, Clay, Ruben etc.) to the producers to the judges (Paula wrote the introduction). It's really a great gift for anyone that is obsessed with the show - quick, enjoyable, uplifting. A solid read!

i think ive finally realized why im such a huge fan of Idol. its almost like an escape from reality, even though they call it a "reality show". people dont think about hardships in thier life when they tune into watch Idol, but they think about the contestants pursuing thier dreams and hoping one day we all could be like them, one way or another. or atleast, thats how i view the show. ill admit i hate reading, but i honestly cant put this book down. any idol fan, whether you hardly watch or cant wait until the next episode should pick up a copy of this book. even if you dont watch Idol you should because it could certainly convert you into a watcher. the only reason i bought this book was because of the american idol aspect, but im definetly planing on reading more chicken soup books once i finish this one. this book is very inspriational, and just like idol, is an escape from reality and hardship to help you 'think big and dream big, because the impossible is always possible'.

Wow! I just couldn't put this book down! Each story inspired me and gave me fuel to keep going for the dreams I have in my life. I needed a little reminder to keep the faith, because I was feeling a little down. I'm waiting to hear about a job I am hoping to get. Reading CHICKEN SOUP for the AMERICAN IDOL SOUL gave me the nurturing I needed to have faith and keep going, no matter what. That's how dreams are realized. The stories were chicken soup for my soul. They warmed me and helped me get over the emotional flu of doubts. Highly recommended!!!

When I tell people I read this book I can see them begin to cringe. One friend went so far as to call the Chicken Soup Series useless dreck. I haven't read other Chicken Soup titles but I remember my mother reading the original and being so moved she tried to get me to read it. I was a teeanager then and didn't care much about it. I only bought this book because I consume all things American Idol these days. I must say that this book truly moved and inspired me. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to see the good side of human nature and are tired of those stories that leave you feeling hopeless in the redemption of the human spirit.

Finished reading the book a couple of weeks ago and I have passed it on to my sister. I am a HUGE Clay Aiken fan, and bought the book mostly because I wanted to read about him. But, I really enjoyed all of the other Idol stories as well. I hope that a second book is written that has even more stories of the Idols in it that weren't in this one. Would highly recommend it for any American Idol fan!!