Society's Child

My Autobiography

By: Janis Ian

Narrated by: Janis Ian

Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's 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.

©2008 Janis Ian (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Each chapter in this mesmerizing memoir begins with an evocative lyric read and sung by Ian, who transports listeners back in time with both words and music." ( Booklist)

roller coaster of a life

this takes you of a roller coaster of a lifer, ups, downs, loops and turns...at times you stop and share your head ." how could this happen" but the author owns her story and spins it with grace and dignity...and you end by wanting to explore her music... after all they are stories too...

O, WOW

I’m so glad I tripped over this biography! I am a child of the 60’s! But somehow I missed out on this lady’s music! But no more! And once you listen to her and the snippets of her music, you will be too!

Reconnected

Reconnected with Janis Ian after a lifetime away... hers and mine. I had no idea! Loved the story, the teller, the performance.

Wow

This memoir takes you back to the 60s. Fame, jealousy, dysfunctional family, miss management, and abuse. Beautiful music beautifully sung by Janice herself. Her story is both sad and inspiring.

Beautiful!

I love this book, and especially hearing Janis Ian read it in her own voice. I’ve always loved her music, but had no idea about the things she endured in life. She is an amazing woman.

Fascinating story. Couldn't stop listening.

I really didn't know much about Janis Ian or her music. I was familiar with a couple of her hits. I listened to this mainly because it got rave reviews from other listeners. This isn't the typical book I listen to on a regular basis. I am more the business book and self-help type but decided I wanted a break. Her story was extremely fascinating and provided a wonderful glimpse into what it is like to make it and not make it in the music world.

She tells her story, and its a life with wild ups and downs, in such an open and honest way. She is a fantastic story teller/narrator, which makes sense as she is a singer songwriter. This has been one of my favorite audiobooks. Love the fact that in the audiobook you get to hear her music all along the way.

Janis is still fabulous.

I loved her music as a teenager and love her music now. I was tickled to find this book here, and not even a bit disappointed. Loved every minute of it, and no one else could read it and do it justice. Brava!

The Tale of the Phenomenal Ingenue

I absolutely loved everything about this book, including Janis's awesome and honest narration. She uses her stunning voice to sing the listener in to each new life chapter. Her words paint pictures, her voice sounds heavenly. GREAT story of a hard-working optimist.

Janis Ian was a triumph!

(Because of my age) I had never even heard of Janis Ian. I dont even remember what made me get this book, but I am glad I did.

Her story was interesting and funny and triumphant and heartbreaking. Janis narrarated it herself, and even sang some of her songs. It made the book very heartfelt- you can even heaer her smile when she reads the happy parts.

She was a true pioneer during the days when people were not encouraged to be different or be themselves. She overcame so much during a time when it seems people were discriminated against for EVERYTHING! Race, age, sexual orientation, looks, opinions, and all the rest. She never gave in or conformed in order to fit in. She is a role model for us all.

This book made me realize that we have come so far in the battle for equality, and it is a credit to the brave souls like Janis Ian.

Interesting Even If You Are Not Already a Fan

I did not know who Janis Ian was when I bought this book, nor was I familiar with her music, but I still really enjoyed this book. I was interested enough after listening to this book to look up some of her music online, and I discovered that I also like a lot of her old hits. Some songs are quite captivating. It was an unexpected pleasant surprise. #Nostalgic #PastMeetsPresent #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes