Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Allison Glock (Author) "When I was a kid, the punishment I disliked the most was writing sentences..." (more)
Key Phrases: birth father, American Idol, North Carolina, Aunt Mary Helen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Clay Aiken, the undeniably talented American Idol runner up and self-proclaimed "nerdy, geeky, momma's boy" (and boy, does he love to talk about his momma), has written a strange hybrid of memoir, self-help and religious testimony--and in spite of it being so slight that it feels like it will float right out of your hands--he almost pulls it off. Learning to Sing is a book only his most rabid fans (and admittedly, there are millions of 'em) will be able to fully embrace. Anyone looking for American Idol dirt will have to go elsewhere, as Aiken always takes the high road, whether discussing his Idol experience (given surprisingly short shrift), the torment and damage done by the bullies of his youth, or his fractious, difficult relationship and ultimate estrangement from both his birth father and stepfather. When recounting the origin and progression of his true passion--teaching special needs children--his sincerity and dedication feels real and admirable. Towards the end of Learning to Sing, Aiken's writing teeters from subtly spiritual to zealously polemic, but surely there are worse things for young people (and some adults) to be exposed to than a wildly successful entertainer advising them to embrace their inner nerd, find and follow their passion and treat others with respect and kindness. We should all be so nerdy. --Terry Goodman

Product 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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Random House; Book Club (BCE/BOMC) edition (November 16, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400063922
• ISBN-13: 978-1400063925
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (173 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #594,391 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

207 of 214 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Read the book before you write reviews!, November 8, 2004

By	Bonnie "A Reader" (USA) - See all my 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.

236 of 246 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Care About Stardom? This Book is for You!, November 6, 2004

By	Lisa Millraney "aka Dixie Hellcat" (Brentwood, TN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Do NOT mistake Learning to Sing for some standard-issue ghost-written celebrity autobiography with all the content of a marshmallow. Neither should you discount singer Clay Aiken's life history because of his youth. Capably assisted by Alison Glock, Clay tells his story with his trademark wit and charm, and without a trace of ego or self-pity. Plenty of people would pity themselves if faced with the situations he has seen. Instead, Clay's heart, brains and faith led him into a career path he thought settled--teaching children with special needs--before the mother of one of his students encouraged him to enter a TV talent show, and his life changed forever. He is as honest, sometimes brutally so, about himself, his shortcomings and fears, as he is about the strange new world of pop superstardom he now lives in.

If you are a fan, read this book. If you just wonder what all the fuss over Clay Aiken is about, read this book. If you want to be moved by an uplifting story of human faith and spirit...well, you get the idea. This is one powerful book, and not to be missed!

69 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Against All Odds..., November 8, 2004

By	mk - See all my reviews

I loved this book. It reminds us that many of the things that we go through as children and teenagers can be overcome as adults if we have the right positive attitude... and the right role model whoever that may be. I found "Learning To Sing" inspirational and plan to share it with my church and their library.