Taylor Hicks' Autobiography "Heart Full of Soul" Sings

I will admit in the first line of this book that I am an enormous Taylor Hicks fan, so naturally, when the pre-sale of his book started in late 2006, I immediately purchased it with huge anticipation. You may might think my review will be biased because of my regard for Taylor, but I promise you that I will give you an honest review of his new autobiography "Heart Full of Soul".

On Tuesday, July 10, 2007, the book was released to the public, however, my copy didn't come in the mail until the day before I was to meet the man himself at a meet and greet before his Waukegan, Illinois concert. I was thrilled to get it in time, because I wanted to have him sign my copy and to compliment his writing if it turned out to be any good. I sat down and dove right into it.

Honestly, I was seriously expecting this book to be a little boring. No matter how much I admire Taylor, I am not an autobiography type reader. I like my Christian romance novels. I like my heart to go flutter flutter. The minute I started to read his story, I was pulled into the midst of his passion for music. The first chapter made me laugh, and honestly, made me teary eyed. His love of music came across so powerfully, that it struck a chord with me. I am a singer, so I related with every word about feeling alive when you're performing for an audience.

Taylor's life is not what you'd expect. It was not a bed of roses. It was actually a bed of heart ache and hard work that was getting him no where. His style of music just simply couldn't be put into any particular genre. His style didn't fit pop, country, or any other avenue that would be willing to take the chance on him. Soul music just doesn't "fit" on the radio (even though I seriously wish there was a station out there that was all soul music). Taylor's knowledge and passion for music began at such a young age that I was shocked at his vast knowledge of the "Greats" like Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Joe Cocker, and many, many more! I have to admit, if you're not a music lover, Taylor makes a lot of reference to musicians and songs that have inspired him, so you might find those parts a little harder to get through, but for someone like me, I couldn't get enough of how he described how the music moved and made him feel.

Taylor's family life was rocky from a very young age. I was fascinated to read his honesty about what he had experienced as a child, but in true essence, it helped sculpt him into the man he is today. Maybe that is why he was so drawn to the music of soul, because it is filled with so much angst and heartache, but, as he states in the book, it totally makes you feel better!

The majority of the book focuses on his life as a struggling musician, but the whole time I was reading it, I found myself laughing out loud at the way he'd put things. It's almost like he's the king of one-liners. I seriously could not put this book down. Even though I know what happens to him in the end of the story, his life was a fascinating ride to get to where he is today. I love that even though he is now a famous and recognized musician, he is still true to his music. He will not let the world compromise him, no matter what the stakes. He wants to connect with the fans and make them feel the way he does about soul music. He doesn't want arenas full of fans, he wants theaters and clubs full of devoted lovers of soul.

This book only made me admire the man even more. When I went to that meet and greet at the Waukegan concert, he was thrilled to see we had his book. It must have been the first concert since the book come out. He signed my copy to me and I told him that I loved it! That is no lie. Meeting him in person after reading that book was like a dream come true. It made me realize that you should never give up on your dreams and never let anyone tell you that you should stop dreaming. Taylor is a down to earth, normal everyday Joe. He just happens to have an amazing ability to make you feel the music in your soul.

For all of you audio book lovers, it is on CD. You can also download "Heart Full of Soul" off of iTunes. Taylor does the reading himself. Listening to that voice for four hours should come with some kind of warning....you just might "THUD".

I give Taylor Hicks' book, "Heart Full of Soul", 4 1/2 out of 5 Tiaras on the Amy Gayle Scale. Even if you don't like him, give the guy a break, even a chance. Just because he knew how to play the game called "American Idol" doesn't mean he has no talent. The man has paid his dues in the music world and it's time you all started to listen! Happy reading!