ldquo;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.rdquo;ndash;CLAY AIKEN; from Learning to SingWhen 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 Clayrsquo;s mother was right; and the music that was Clayrsquo;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 whondash;more than they ever knewndash;kept him going. He describes his new high-profile life in Los Angelesndash; 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. ldquo;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.rdquo;Clayrsquo;s friendsndash;the old ones from North Carolina and the millions of new ones who love his voicendash;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.From the Hardcover edition.
#1557733 in eBooks 2004-11-16 2004-11-16File Name: B000FC2LVY
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy Mark A. LinzFor those who are looking for information on Lozanovs Suggestopedia and Accelerated Learning; this book is a must. Easy to understand and very didatic explanations make it extremely interesting.It was worth every penny Ive spent. I would like to make a correction: the authors name is W. Jane Bancroft and not C Bancroft as you show it.