More myself A journey

The 15-time Grammy Award-winning musical artist and actor, producer, and activist isn't content just to write about her career and those she has worked with on her rise to the top. She also examines how little she valued herself at the beginning and how she had to learn what mattered to her the most.

The acclaimed singer and songwriter shares her story. In this passionate and honest autobiography, Keys, who describes herself as "a piano prodigy in cornrows, mixing classical music with hip-hop beats and bass lines alongside a dash of gospel," opens with a few memories from her childhood, when she was raised by her mother with little involvement from her biological father. She describes how she developed her persona and image and maintained her independence beginning with debut album, Songs in A Minor, which would eventually sell more than 16 million copies. Throughout her career, she has successfully avoided being manipulated by record label executives, many of whom didn't know how to classify her as an artist. "A record label is a marketing machine," she notes. "Behind its doors, fledgling artists are crafted into whatever image the label's execs think they can sell." Regardless, the reactions by the public quickly pushed Keys to the top of the charts. She chronicles her music-making process and nods to her many collaborators, and she opens a window into her personal life that sheds light on her triumphs, doubts, fears, and the exhausting nature of being thrust into stardom at an early age. She also shares intimate moments with her husband, record producer Swizz Beatz--e.g., the extravagant birthday parties they've thrown for each other, the births of her two sons, and the blended family they created with Swizz's other children--and explains the passions that have led her to start nonprofit organizations and tackle social injustices. In a conversational tone, Keys unveils the woman behind the microphone, giving readers an accessible view of what makes her tick. Since many aspects of her life are apparent in her music, readers may want to listen to an album or two after reading certain sections of the book. Energetic and keen revelations of the life beyond the spotlight of a significant contemporary musician. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.