The Invisible Revolution: Clay Aiken and the Fans Who Made Him a Star (Paperback)

~ Terry C. Piper (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Clay Aiken says "I have the best fans in the world," and it's true. They come in all ages from all around the country and across the world. They fell in love with a contestant on a television show, they gathered on the Internet and made Aiken's success their business. It's a business they've proven very good at. They are known as the Clay Nation, and this is their story.

About the Author

Following a long career as a university professor and administrator, she recently retired from the academic life and moved to rural Nova Scotia to work full time as a writer. Her best known works include Children’s Language and Learning: The Home and School Years (Prentice-Hall, 2003) which has been widely adopted by American and Canadian universities. Terry’s interests and writing range from language and language learning to popular culture, and cooking. She has two grown sons, has traveled extensively, and now lives with her husband David, a professor, her poodle, and two cats. An admitted Internet junkie who writes both prose and poetry and posts on a number of message boards under different names. She is currently at work on a novel, and has a novel done. She has done freelance writing ranging from victim impact statements to corporate advertising to short stories, poetry, and song lyrics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Write Words, Inc. (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594313024
• ISBN-13: 978-1594313028
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,042,154 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars a wasted opportunity, August 7, 2006

By	acrl - See all my reviews

As one of the 'fans' whose words were included in this 'carefully researched' book without my permission, I ask that anyone who does read it understand that Ms. Piper speaks with many tongues---some not her own, and others that actually are but which she doesn't claim as such. I find that suspect. I also find it disappointing that a fan took a great concept and opportunity---the unique relationship between this remarkably talented and genuine man and his diverse and loyal fanbase---and gave it a less-than-fair or thorough treatment. Just because words are printed and published does not make them worth reading. I suggest you read instead Clay's own words and story---his own discussion of his fans and his relationship with them---by choosing "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life", written by Clay Aiken with Allison Glock (an established and respected writer). It speaks with only one 'tongue': Clay's.

37 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars She doesn't speak for me., January 21, 2006

By	Jean E. Culey - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a fan of Clay Aiken.

I am embarrassed to think people are reading this book and coming away with such a ridiculous and pathetic view of his fans. I am embarrassed that people like Ms. Piper take it upon themselves to think they "know" who Mr. Aiken's fans are only by taking the opinions of a few "friends". I'm embarrassed that people who read this book will know that not only does Ms. Piper take quotes and comments from others out of context but that she quotes herself, even though she never claims these identities as her own.

I believe she has done a great disservice to Mr. Aiken when she lumps all of Clay fans under one umbrella: "old, bitter denizens". Had she looked past the nose on her face (hard to do when so incredibly egocentric, I realize) she would have seen how outlandish that suppostion is. "Research" is only as good as the person doing that research. If Ms Piper started her research with *her* answer, what is the point of the research? It will be biased, unscientific and invalid.

I will never claim the title of "Claymate"...I am a fan of Clay Aiken, I wish I could say the same for Ms. Piper.

33 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Puzzling, January 25, 2006

By	Ms. C. "Book Teacher" (NC) - See all my reviews

I find this puzzling. The title smacks of inaccuracy. Clay Aiken's
talent and hard work, his charisma, charm, sharp wit and intelligence
made him a star. Not fans. As I tell students, look at the source. Is
it a known source? A source of authority? Do you know the publisher?
When choosing a book, you need to choose based on more than the picture
on the cover.

This one would not be high on my recommendation list.