by Alicia Keys
Publication Date: March 31 2020
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9781250153296
Genre: Biography | Adult Nonfiction
Source: Audible
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Synopsis: More Myself is an autobiography about Alicia Key's journey in life. Known across the world for her dynamic vocals and stellar piano playing, Alicia has spent the last 20+ years in the public eye as a music icon. Not only has she been listed on multiple lists as one of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time or 100 Greatest Women, but she also inspired a new sound within hip hop to have a more classical sound, paving her way as a young, gifted, black female.
In this autobiography, Alicia talks about her rise to fame, her journey into adulthood, and the struggle she had with not compromising her values. She discusses relationships, love, and parenting. The reader learns about Alicia's dive into philanthropy and activism and the nonprofit she co-founded, Keep a Child Alive.
Review: I've been a fan of Alicia's music since her debut album, Songs in A Minor, was released in 2001. Though I enjoyed her music and owned several of her albums, I never actively kept up with her career or attended any of her shows. Alicia regained my attention in the last several years, especially with the release in 2012 of her fifth studio album, Girl on Fire.
In 2016 Alicia made headlines by doing a photoshoot for her upcoming studio album, Here, without any makeup. Since that moment Alicia has gone makeup-free to multiple photoshoots and awards show, most notably the Grammy's. Her embrace of natural beauty and the effect that movement has on not just all women, but specifically on youth, is tremendous.
I choose to listen to the audiobook for this read because I love Alicia's voice and I love hearing about people's lives from their own mouths. Bonus points that it also included lots of piano interludes and even some singing, along with quotes from various other celebrities in Alicia's life. At one point she talks about active listening, which is something I have personally been trying really hard to work on with my husband, and how without actively listening, she wouldn't have been able to become the stepmother that she is today. I also enjoyed the rawness her biography had and how she mentions being judge by others, which is something all women experience continuously throughout their lives.
“It's hard to pinpoint the precise moment when we internalize others' assessments; it's usually not just a single experience but rather a series of moments that bruise the spirit and lead us to distrust ourselves and those around us.”
― Alicia Keys, More Myself: A Journey
I highly recommend this, specifically the audiobook, to all women. It coves so many aspects of life and growing into adulthood, and the constant change that happens as you gain more life experience and perspective.
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