Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way by Taylor Hicks Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way
Book Review: Soul Man
Summary: 4 Stars
Taylor was older than many of the other contestants on AMERICAN IDOL, and he tried to organize the Top 24 contestants and their families to present a united front against TEAM IDOL management--"and let the record show I failed miserably." He's a little bit of an oddball, that Taylor, and he uses his very visible differences to make himself stand out. We all love that gray hair that gave him his "frosty" look by the time he turned 20 (he actually started graying at 14), and he resisted attempts to reduce his little pot belly while doing American Idol by arguing that America loves a guy with a little belly and that his little belly would beat out Ace Young's six pack abs and washboard stomach muscles and you know something, he was right.
Taylor had watched his mother through a stormy and passionate life, a woman who had always stood out, in Birmingham, Alabama ("and everywhere else") for her piercing, liquid blue eyes, eyes that looked like the ocean was caught up in them. He had seen his parents break up by the time he was four, and somewhere in there he stole his first LP, the greatest hits of Otis Redding. As he says, sometimes kids understand things that adults never do, and one of those things is, that sometimes crime does pay. He fell in love with Otis, and with other black soul singers along the lines of Aretha, Ray Charles and so on, though he never neglected what he calls the great "white" soul singers including Bob Seger and Stevie Winwood.
He made some mistakes and spent his twenties in a blur of alcohol, mindless sex, recreational drugs and endless touring in failed country rock bands, opening for Jackson Browne, James Brown, and others, including the young prodigy Keb Mo who helped him. "Eventually I'd learn," he says, "that singing my assoff and falling on it aren't mutually exclusive." I never saw the man nor heard him sing, but in his memoirs he seems sincere, even if he doesn't have much of a back story yet, and even though the lyrics that lead off every chapter are a little contrived. This make me curious to see one of his shows and join his ravenous fanbase, the Soul Patrol, if his songs are as good as his book.
Book Review: A wonderful read
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished Taylor's memoir the other day - I couldn't put it down! I was taken back by just how revealing he was in this book. Being a huge fan of Taylor Hicks, I enjoyed the stories immensely. I was pleasantly surprised by what a talented storyteller he is - he had me laughing out loud at many points, and close to tears in others. Not only will Taylor fans enjoy this book, but I recommend it to anyone looking for an inspirational book. Taylor has been through a lot in his thirty short years on this earth, and has plenty of well traveled advice for anyone searching for their path in life, or needing a pick-me-up to keep believing in themselves. Book Review: Couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
Funny in parts, heartbreaking in others, and not a dull page in it. I have even more respect for Hicks after reading it. He truly paid his dues before becoming an American Idol! His utter devotion and commitment to music and to his soul heroes, particularly Ray Charles, is touching and inspiring. A very surprising, honest, and entertaining read.Book Review: Taylor's Great Book
Summary: 5 Stars
We've all gotten to know the very public image of Taylor Hicks since his season five American Idol win. Now, Taylor opens his life past and present to reveal the man and his journey to the place he is now. Taylor is honest -revealing not only his best qualities but also his foibles. The reader will cry, laugh, and definitely be entertained as Taylor's life is revealed in this book. This is definitely a " must read" for anyone interested in the life of this amazing entertainer.Book Review: Wonderful Insight:
Summary: 5 Stars
It is obvious by this book that Taylor truly deserves his title as American Idol. Although his life was not picture perfect, he rose above it and kept reaching for his dream. He could have given up and given in, but he knew in his heart what he was meant to do, and found the way. His book was written with humor and honesty, telling the story of a long struggle to, as he stated during his audition for AI, be heard! I found his journey to be inspiring, and appreciate his music even more. This book had me sad during the bad times, and rejoicing and celebrating with him during the good times. I found this book to be a true reflection of the southern gentleman he has come to be known as, with no hard feelings and a look ahead approach. I couldn't put it down.