Book Title: More Myself: A Journey
ISBN: 9781250153296
Authors: Alicia Keys & Michael Burford
Publisher: Flatiron Books, New York
Publication Year: 2020
Price: RM29.90
In the rearview mirror, I now see so clearly what escaped me then: It’s not that the ground underneath me was suddenly shifting; it’s that it is never still. That’s part of the work of my journey — getting comfortable with life’s groundlessness. – Alicia Keys
A few months ago, one of my sub-editors, Caroline Jackson, gave me another celebrity memoir as she thought I was good at writing entertainment stories. The book she gave me was a memoir by Alicia Keys titled “More Myself: A Journey”, which was released in 2020.
To put it simply, I had no idea Alicia had published her own memoir, given that she had just released her seventh studio album the same year.
I love Alicia and still do to this day. She has had a significant impact on the American music industry, influencing major artistes such as Adele, Rihanna, Janelle Monae, Jessie Ware, Normani, H.E.R, James Bay, and Alessia Cara, with several magazine outlets dubbing her the Queen of R&B.
To this day, “If I Ain’t Got You” features one of the greatest yet most difficult first 30 seconds intros in an R&B song. And, of course, one of my favourite songs of hers, besides “Fallin”, “No One”, and “You Don’t Know My Name”.
Sometimes at night, I would listen to “You Don’t Know My Name” as it has that winter-ish cool and jazzy vibes to it.
To be honest, she was one of the main reasons I decided to learn to play the piano as a child.
She is not only a brilliant singer, but she is also a talented songwriter, composer, and producer, as well as a multi-instrumentalist. Therefore, she is basically one step ahead of other pop divas from the 2000s such as Beyonce, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Kelly Clarkson.
Somewhere in the 2010s, she ditched her makeup and went for a more natural look, which, to this day, is one of the most unconventional moves in American pop culture history.
The memoir itself, written in collaboration with Michael Burford, is a soul-stirring memoir that traverses the intricate landscape of the Grammy-winning artiste’s life, artistry, and self-discovery.
This literary gem unfolds like a melodic composition, weaving together the threads of Alicia’s remarkable journey with a harmonious blend of introspection and revelation.
The memoir is divided into three parts: part one (Dreaming), part two (Creating), and part three (Awakening).
The memoir begins with a rhythmic exploration of Alicia’s early years, offering readers a backstage pass to the moments that shaped her identity.
One of the things about her that I learned about is that, like many famous biracial artistes or celebrities, Alicia is a mixed-race woman whose father is black and mother is white.
Despite this, she never met her father throughout the course of her childhood, and she regards her mother as the “blackest white woman” she has ever known.
Every Sunday, her mother, Terri Auguello, would put on one of her favourite jazz or R&B albums and just let her soul run wild.
Alicia revealed that she picked up her mother’s silliness, spontaneity, and even passion for the arts, basically inheriting everything about her as an artiste and a human being.
Another interesting part of her first experience with a piano occurred in the Spring of 1987, when she and her mother paid a visit to one of her neighbours in the Ninth Avenue building of Manhattan Plaza in New York.
She revealed that her mother took an extra piano from their neighbours and has been mesmerised by it ever since, which makes me think that if my parents ever bought a piano, I would not only be mesmerised but would also play it every day.
Alicia narrates her ascent with a candidness that is as refreshing as it is relatable. The prose dances between her personal and professional life, providing readers with an intimate portrayal of the woman behind the iconic voice.
One of the notable strengths of “More Myself” is its authenticity. Alicia bares her soul on the pages, sharing not only the triumphs but also the trials that have moulded her into the multifaceted artiste she is today.
The narrative is a tapestry of vulnerability, revealing the struggles with self-doubt, the pressure of societal expectations, and the journey towards embracing one’s true self. The memoir becomes a mirror for readers to reflect on their own experiences and find resonance in the universal themes of identity and resilience.
Michael’s collaborative touch complements Alicia’s narrative seamlessly. The co-authorship enriches the storytelling, adding depth and perspective to the memoir. His contribution is evident in the narrative’s flow and structure, ensuring a cohesive and engaging reading experience.
As the memoir progresses, it explores the intricacies of Alicia’s career, shedding light on the music industry’s challenges and triumphs.
The reader is taken backstage, witnessing the creation of timeless hits and the evolution of an artiste navigating fame’s unpredictable waters. The memoir serves as a guide for aspiring artistes, offering insights into the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity amid the industry’s demands.
The thematic resonance of “More Myself” extends beyond the music realm. Alicia addresses societal expectations, racial identity, and the empowerment of women with a nuanced perspective. Her activism becomes an integral part of the narrative, showcasing her commitment to social justice and advocacy. In doing so, the memoir becomes a testament to the transformative power of art and the responsibility that comes with influence.
The prose is lyrical, reflecting Alicia’s poetic sensibilities. Each chapter unfolds like a carefully composed song, with vivid imagery and emotional crescendos. The memoir is not just a recollection of events; it is an immersive experience that invites readers to feel the highs and lows of her life.
“More Myself: A Journey” is a masterfully crafted memoir that transcends the typical celebrity tell-all. Alicia, along with Michael, has created a literary masterpiece that resonates with authenticity, vulnerability, and the triumph of self-discovery.
Whether you are a devoted fan or a casual reader, this memoir is an enriching exploration of identity, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of one’s true self. “More Myself” stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration on their own journey of self-discovery.
