You'll laugh, AND cry
It chronicles his life, focusing on decisions and experiences along the way which affected how he dealt with his problems and how he viewed the world.
A surprisingly honest account that will touch you, and amuse you, written in a conversational, accessible style.
Book Description
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 significantly, 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.
"Solitaire", and his biological father
Useful Links
- Dr. Phil's site
- Excerpt from Clay Aiken's "Learning to Sing"
Vote for your Favourite Quote
Click on the up arrow to vote for a particular quote. Please feel free to add your favourite quote.
Father and Son
I guess I always secretly wanted him [referring to more...2 points
Life is collaboration
Now, I'm able to to screw things up on my own; tha more...1 point
Books by Clay
Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul
Clay has a story in this inspirational collection.
Books recommended by Clay
The Kite Runner
Clay visited Afghanistan on behalf of UNICEF, and came back lauding the beauty of the country, and how people there really want to improve their lot in life.
Release Date: 04/27/2004
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Story about an autistic boy, which links in with Clay's This book links to Clay's interest in special needs education (he graduated with special needs teaching degree, and he co-founded The Bubel/Aiken Foundation)
Release Date: 05/18/2004
The Magic Hat of Mortimer Wintergreen
Clay in an interview with Gather.com called this "...my favorite book from when I was a kid."
GUESTBOOK
Have you read Clay's Learning to Sing, or any of the books he recommended? Let me know what you think!
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Reply
- Marlene_On_The_Wall Marlene_On_The_Wall Aug 19, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
- Thanks for visiting, Nickis_Trends, and for the 5 stars :)
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Reply
- Nickis_Trends Nickis_Trends Aug 13, 2008 @ 7:15 am
- Great lens. Great book. 5 Stars
by Marlene_On_The_Wall
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