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Society's Child
- My Autobiography
- Narrated by: Janis Ian
- Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
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Society's Child
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Summary
Audie Award, Narration by the Author or Authors, 2013
Grammy Award Winner, Best Spoken Word Album, 2013
Booklist Top 10 Biography Audiobooks
Janis Ian was catapulted into the spotlight in 1966 at the age of 15, when her soul-wrenching song "Society's Child" became a hit. An intimate portrait of an interracial relationship, "Society's Child" climbed the charts despite the fact that many radio stations across the country refused to play it because of its controversial subject matter. But this was only the beginning of a long and illustrious career.
In this fascinating memoir of her more than 40 years in the music business, Ian chronicles how she did drugs with Jimi Hendrix, went shopping for Grammy clothes with Janis Joplin, and sang with Mel Tormé, all the while never ceasing to create unforgettable music.
In 1975, Ian's legendary "At Seventeen" earned two Grammy awards and five nominations. Her next two albums brought her worldwide platinum hits. But after seven albums in as many years, she made a conscious decision to walk away from the often grueling music business. During this period, she struggled through a difficult marriage, which ended with her then husband's attempt to destroy her, and a sudden illness that very nearly cost her her life. The hiatus from music lasted for close to a decade until, in 1993, Ian returned with the release of the Grammy-nominated Breaking Silence. Now, as she moves gracefully into her fifth decade as a recording artist and writer, Ian continues to draw large audiences around the globe.
In Society's Child, Janis Ian provides a relentlessly honest account of the successes and failures - and the hopes and dreams - of an extraordinary life.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- david ian hale
- 05-05-16
Great story
loved it great story fascinated by all the ups and downs of her life til now
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Judy Jones
- 03-04-22
Honest, fascinating and very moving…
I listened to this over a weekend and didn’t want it to end. Thank you Janis, I never thought I could appreciate you any more than I already did. Guess what… 😉♥️
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mervyn
- 07-06-13
the most amasing experiance
Wow to me Janice Ian was the singer of the hit song 17, in this book of her life she is so much more. What a life, I am very glad she told her story.
Thank you Janice for sharing your life story.
Take the chance and listen you will not want to stop this story is infectious you will not regret the time spent listening,
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Steve
- 18-10-15
Simply brilliant!
Searingly honest, beautiful, at times heartbreaking account of a true star. What incredible songs Janis has written, so pleased to have discovered this gem. Thank you Janis
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Chris
- 07-11-12
What a life
Janis has quite an amazing story. I rarely read or listen to biography but I'm glad that I listened to this. As well as her life she spoke about much of her music with snippets from a fair selection of her songs. I have to give this 5 stars.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Mr Kim Clarke
- 07-05-21
A must listen book
I absolutely loved this. The reading by Janis is truly heartbreaking and also inspiring.
Such a strong story
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anita
- 26-06-22
Honest and insightful
From the first line I was hooked, a very entertaining and enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- D. M. Gethin
- 17-04-13
An astonishing insight into the music industry.
Astonishing, amazing, I loved this book. I've been a fan of Janis Ian since first hearing 'At Seventeen' and listening to this book (narrated by Janis herself) reminded me how much I love her voice. Each chapter is preceded by a short burst of Janis singing - one advantage this book has over the written word. This audio book also won a Grammy award (beating Michelle Obama) - I didn't even know there was such a category. As soon as I finished it I went straight to i-tunes and listened to Night Rains - one of my favourite albums. There are some great videos of Janis on her website. I regret that I've never seen her live. Hopefully she will make it back to the UK before too long.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lorraine
- 26-04-14
Who knew what an amazing life Janis has had?
What made the experience of listening to Society's Child the most enjoyable?
The musical intros to each chapter and the fact that janis did her own narration. I didn't know of janis' career before "at 17" so her earlier work and in particular the controversy surrounding society's child was really interesting.
What other book might you compare Society's Child to, and why?
I can't think of another autobiography that compares to this.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I mostly found the book poignant. I laughed and cried a little but it was the story that kept me rapt. Her candidness about child sexual abuse was expressed matter of fact-ly without seeking pity or apportioning blame.
I could not relate to her having relationships with men and I would have liked a greater analysis of her to journey to Pat.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vicuña
- 10-01-14
Remarkable story and lady.
Where does Society's Child rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
It's a first rate autobiography. Kept me engrossed.
What other book might you compare Society's Child to, and why?
It's in a class of its own because I've come across no one like Janis Ian. She's a one off!
Which scene did you most enjoy?
There are many interesting moments. Her early involvement with Internet auctions to raise funds for a scholarship foundation were fascinating.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
There were many. Abuse by her dentist and the death of her mother were particularly emotive.
Any additional comments?
Janis Ian has an astonishing story to tell and listening to her narrate the audio version of her book made it all the more extraordinary. She recounts the milestones in her eventful life with candour and often humour.
I knew little of her personal story and this book was compelling. Her unconventional upbringing, astounding musical success as a 15 year old, the nature of and the way she dealt with various types of abuse, her personal relationships...the list goes on and this is before considering her creative gifts as a writer, singer and songwriter, her influence on and involvement with the music industry and the way she embraced early Internet opportunities.
The book took me by surprise. It's a very well written ride through the numerous ups and downs of a colourful life. Unlike many half baked so called 'celebrity stories' this lady, now in her early 60's, actually has a meaningful story to tell. I enjoyed it.
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3 people found this helpful