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)

absolute must read

this is superb, the story is compelling, the history makes this very interesting. Ms. Ian lived through my youth and she brings the sixties, seventies, and beyond to perfect life. Added bonus: the beginnings of each chapter has excerpts of her songs, and she SINGS them. Note to listeners: bookmark these, you will want to relisten to them, again and again. Her voice has only gotten better over the years. #beautiful #my childhood #listen already!

Amazing!

I never knew Janis Ian. What a great story. What a great performance.
I recommend this book.

Entertaining autobiography especially for Boomers

Autobiographies are a favorite of mine particularly when they are read by the author. Her performance and singing added poignant depth. Music, fame, searching for love and overcoming repeated betrayals and setbacks is heartbreaking. It is the story of one woman and its the story of all women who struggled through feminist equality from the 50s through the 70s: a time Boomers will recall and appreciate the change we see today thanks to activists who weren't and aren't satisfied with conserving the status quo. Janis was one of those change agents.

Quiet icon

Marvelous life well-told. This has inspired me to look up all of Ms. Ian's deep and satisfying music. It made me nostalgic for innocence and appreciative of an artist who gave all she had to give.

Loved loved loved this book!

Janis singing and narrating her own story was an amazing listen. A wonderful trip through the life of a super talented woman.

Must listen!

This is the most amazing audiobook. Wonderfully written and even more wonderfully read and performed by the author.

Absolutely incredible!

It shouldn't be surprising that a songwriter of Janis Ian's ilk could also write incredible prose. Or anything else that she wanted to. The Audible version also includes sung premises to the chapters. Surprisingly frank, extraordinarily open, no holds barred. This woman kicks ass and names names!

Moving, thoughtful, verbally beautiful memoir

I recognized Janis Ian‘s name from the early 70s. Otherwise, I knew nothing about her.

I am so grateful for her mature reflections on a hard but productive life of words and music. Thank you, Janis, for your self-revelation!

Still Shaking My Head

I was so astonished, shocked, angered, saddened and gratified listening to this story of Janis Ian. One never thinks about the space between success and failures of artists. Her resilience is amazing. Dayenu.

I cry hard and laugh even harder

Listened to this three times, ended up buying whole bunch of Ms. Ian’s albums and am absolutely in love! As a foreigner from a different generation I found the life story and struggles, successes, and loves lost and found to be extremely relatable! Beyond that… thank you for the music. Thank you for the heart.