Idol Summer Reading List

The last episode of American Idol Season 7 was 6 weeks and 6 days ago...but who's counting?? Just in case those episodes of American Idol Rewind from Season 2 and your Tivo'ed Season 7 episodes aren't enough for you, here is a summer reading list of eight American Idol-related books I found. Most of these can be found at Amazon, and at used prices to boot!

1. I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But...Back Stage Gossip from American Idol and the Secrets that Can Make You a Star by Simon Cowell (2003).

Amazon writes: "From his days in the mail room at EMI Records to the creation of American Idol, Simon has always had a knack for judging talent—and for being center stage. Here, he tells the rollicking stories of his first insult (to his mother), his first music criticism (to first-grade teacher Mrs. Prigg), and his first image makeover (on his unfortunate younger brother). And of course, the side-splitting backstory of the birth of American Idol—and all the dreadful auditions, bad hair days, judges’ squabbles, juicy rumors, surprise triumphs, and #1 singles that followed."

I've actually read this book and really enjoyed it. He dishes about lots of behind-the-scenes from seasons one and two and just learning about his childhood, his parents, the environment in which he grew up helped me understand him a lot better.

2. What's Up Dawg? How To Become a Superstar in the Music Business (by Randy Jackson, 2004).

I've not read this book personally, but as the promo says, "If you think you have what it takes to be the next Beyonce, Justin Timberlake or 50 Cent, or even the next American Idol, read What's Up, Dawg and let's see if you got What's up!" Clear as the phone book, right?

3. Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life (by Clay Aiken, 2005)

I picked this one up at the library a couple of years ago and did enjoy it. One thing I learned from it was that Clay auditioned twice (in two different cities) because he didn't make it past this initial judges the first time....wow. makes you wonder, doesn't it?

4. Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat and Fame (by Mandisa Huntley, 2005).

I have not read this book but for some reason I think she probably tells a good story. Amazon.com writes: "By candidly sharing her own joys, heartaches, triumphs, and failures, Mandisa shows women that they can be beautiful at any size and that healthy self-esteem and personal beauty come only when they accept themselves as a unique and much-loved woman of God's creation. Mandisa also gives readers a very candid, behind-the-scenes look at life as an American Idol contestant."

5. Life Is Not a Fairy Tale (by Fantasia, 2005)

I didn't read this book, but I will admit to watching the made for TV movie on Lifetime and was totally sucked in. Amazon writes: "At the age of seventeen, despite the promise of her extraordinary voice, Fantasia was in danger of becoming just another sad statistic: an uneducated, unmarried teenage mother living in the projects. But Fantasia had been raised by two strong, influential women: Both her grandmother and mother are preachers, and she was raised with an unshakable faith. In Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, Fantasia speaks -- with a spirit as strong as her voice -- about what it takes to believe in the power of one's self."

Best of all, if this book floats your boat, you can get a used copy for just a penny on Amazon!

6. Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way (by Taylor Hicks, 2007)

Have any of you read this? If I could get it for a penny, I might consider it. I wouldn't pay any more than that, tho!

7. Staying in Tune (by Carmen Rasmussen, 2007).

Gee, I didn't know she had put anything out there until I went looking. Wow, everyone has some inspiration to share!

Amazon says: "In this book, Carmen shares never-before-published stories and photos from her life, such as: her experiences as part of the cast of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond, her unique path through the American Idol audition process as Simon Cowell's wildcard selection, her trial and triumphs as an American Idol finalist, her opportunities in Nashville as a country music artist, the joy of her temple marriage, and why the gospel will always be her top priority."

Wait a sec! You mean she doesn't dish on that awesome run on Celebrity Fear Factor when she was partnered with Anthony Federov?

8. Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul (2007)

Aw, gee, I know you've already gotten your copy! This is a pretty good collection of essays from Idol finalists from all seasons as well as stage people, make-up, Debbie Byrd the vocal coach, as well as Paula herself. Quick easy read that my 11 year old is enjoying!

Happy reading!