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linz's profile picture

linz's review

4.0

(Source: I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.)


I was so excited when I first heard Sara Bareilles was writing a book, and I impatiently counted down the days until I could finally read it.  I've been a fan of hers for years, as I mentioned in an earlier post on my blog, and I sort of felt like a proud mother when I received my copy in the mail.  That may sound odd since she's three years older than I, and I've never actually met her, but following her progress from the time before she ever even signed with a record label to now, when she's written a book, has been amazing and inspiring.  So, yes, I am proud of her.

Sometimes we, or least I, think that singers, actors, writers, etc, have it all together.  They never struggle with their craft.  They never have bad days, or even bad hair days.  They never have worries or deal with anxiety.  I know it isn't true, but on the surface it sometimes seems like they lead charmed lives.  That's why I occasionally enjoy reading celebrity biographies.  Not that I enjoy reading about the misfortunes of other people, but because, in well-written ones, at least, the stories are inspiring and encouraging.  That's the case with Sounds Like Me.  Though I don't really consider this a celeb bio; it's more of a letter to her fans.

Sounds Like Me is incredibly honest.  Sara was candid, and not afraid to talk about some of the hard things she's dealt with in life.  Or, if she was afraid, she took her own advice - she was brave, and talked about the hard things anyway.

She discussed her childhood - from idyllic times with her family to heartbreaking stories of being bullied.  She talked about failed relationships, her struggles with depression and anxiety, and her worries about finding her purpose in life.  And, of course, her music plays a huge part in the book.  I enjoyed reading the backstories for some of her songs, and I have an even greater appreciation for her music than I did before.

Sara comes across as someone you'd really like to hang out with - just watching Netflix and eating pizza.  It's easy to relate to the stories she shared, and even though she has been blessed with so much success, she still seems down to earth.

This was a very quick read, however that may have just been because I devoured it.  I didn't want to put it down, and I was sad when I finished it, as I wanted it to go on for another 200 pages, at least.  If you're a fan, I would highly recommend Sounds Like Me.  It's encouraging, inspiring, and it lets you get to know Sara as a person, and not just as a singer and songwriter.
moodygirlsbookclub's profile picture

moodygirlsbookclub's review

5.0

Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook read by Sara, it is a sanctuary
adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced
funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

fyerin's review

3.0

3.5
this book was sweet, but unchallenged. I wish there was more about waitress and the songs in them. I dont know why I didn't love this more, I love Sara Bareilles and have since 'love song' came out so many years ago. I think Sara has an easier time communicating through her music, because my favorite parts were the song portions. I just wish there was more to this, thought I do love Sara a little bit more now.
emotional informative inspiring reflective slow-paced
ginabeirne's profile picture

ginabeirne's review

4.0

Now I love Sara Bareilles even more!

novelsandnightcaps's review

5.0

Most of the memoirs I've read have been about comedians, so maybe that explains why they tend towards light and airy, funny instead of grounded. Sounds Like Me has maybe changed everything for me. Sara Bareilles has written what has to be one of the most down to earth books I've ever read. Sad but uplifting, serious but inspiring, it is everything I didn't know I needed.

lilylovesbooks's review

3.5
emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

I would never have picked this book up had it not been for my sudden, unexpected OBSESSION with Waitress (literally years after it closed. why?!) However, i’m so glad i did. Sara is such a beautiful writer with a deep and gorgeous expressive style and way with words and I was really moved learning about her journey and experiences. I also felt seen, understood and could relate to so much of what she spoke about. There are definitely some words and phrases in there I’ll be holding close to me through my own journeys. Thank you, Sara. 

walk_syd's review

4.0
funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced