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)

Great first person story

Where does Society's Child rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Rarely do we get to hear a person's autobiography in their own voice. We hear the feelings, cadence, and tone of voice we never get from just text. This is a great audiobook describing the life and times I lived through also.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Janis Ian. She is why I listened to the book.

What about Janis Ian’s performance did you like?

All of it. Especially the part about endurance and how she persevered through adversity.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really but I could have.

Honest and open

I have always loved Janis Ian's music- melodies that gave me goosebumps and words that provoked and challenged me to think. I had no idea her life was so hard until I read this book, which was raw at times and made me very sad for her. I had seen her in concert at the Arc in Ann Arbor and she was riveting to listen to and watch. I have never forgotten that concert and while reading this book, I realized why so much of her music grabbed my heart. To have her read her own story and break out in song at just the right time made the book so real and meaningful. Thank you Janis for allowing me to better know your genius for song writing - I have much of your music at hand and will be playing it again - it is timeless!

A song of a story

Janis Ian has lived a life filled with every sorrow and joy you can imagine (except one). As one of the deepest songwriters of our generation, it is no surprise that she can write and narrate her own story with warmth and honesty. I met her at the Tucson Festival of Books in 2010. Now, knowing more, I am so happy she is happy.

wonderful autobiography

Janis Ian Chronicles her rise to fame and the depths of her struggles with the trials ofJob. Heart rending and highly recommended.

Amazing

Her explanation of domestic violence and the common response of battered women. How amazing. Sure would be nice to meet her.

No Clue

Janice Ian??? This Audible email I opened, offering this book. A memoir, so this gets my attention because I love hearing peoples true stories. I accepted & it took me a few days to complete. Now I’m so happy I opened the email & read this amazing autobiography. Moved throughout her story, Janice is more than inspiring, she’s a living testament for the ages, which transcends space & time.
Blessings

Dive Into The Beautiful Life of a Sublime Woman

You must get the Audible version or you will miss out on one of the most beautiful singing AND speaking voices ever to grace our world. What a gift Janis Ian is to us. I will listen to this stunning autobiography many times. Ian clearly shows gratitude for her talent, family and loves, even her missteps and bad fortune. She tells us why she thinks they happened and how they've enriched her amazing life. A must-read and listen!

Her life is not as easy as you would imagine

When I was young I loved Janice Ian's Society Child and Seventeen. It was great hearing about her life during that time as well as after. It had a lot more sorrow and hardship than I would have expected.

I love this book

I didn’t know of Janis Ian until I downloaded and listened to this book. I love this book and I love how she reads it. I’ve listened to it many times.

Oh my! What a book!

Listening to Janis Ian narrate her autobiography punctuated with her singing her songsfelt like sitting in her living room while she told the story. As she sang, I was transported back to my own youth. If you are a fan, this is a absolute must book to listen to. If you are not yet a fan, listen to this book and you'll become one.