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)

Best Audiobook I have ever heard

This is hands down the best audiobook I have heard -- and I have listened to many. I preface this by saying that I knew almost nothing about Janis Ian before listening to this book and certainly wasn't a fan of her iconic music. Even so, this audiobook is a work of art. Ian’s voice is seductive. Ian is heartbreakingly frank in describing her life. She's made many mistakes and doesn't try to gloss those over. When she discusses her music she plays a few bars which adds immensely to the listening experience. While listening to the book I explored Ian’s music and listened to a lot of it and understand her music more fully now because of her explanations. It is easy to see why this book won a Grammy award. It is a moving book that is beautifully performed. Ian has shown what a great audiobook can be. I am now a fan.

Powerful!

What a gift to hear Janis interpret her life. Her vulnerability and strength are both so gracefully shared. She provided the soundtrack for so many stages of our individual and collective conscious.

wow

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

very gripping

What did you like best about this story?

it filled in a lot of gaps

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

was to emotional for a single sitting

Any additional comments?

You never really understand the story behind the stage face. What a story. Fame certainly does have a price.

Grabs and pulls you in

This book was a revelation to me. I knew some of her songs, but I had no idea about all the things going on with her. In the first hour of listening, I heard hints that this might be a bit of a self-serving tale told from a predictable perspective, but after listening more (and I couldn't put it down), I changed my mind about that. Her voice (written and spoken) comes across as honest and nothing-to-hide, and all of her experiences alone make this worth a listen. She has scaled the heights, and been laid low. Sometimes, though, I wondered how her friends or acquaintances might have weighed in on the situation of the moment - I fear that sometimes she may have been the last to know.

Even if you didn't know her music, you still might find this book interesting. Besides a biography-worthy life, there is also music history in it, and as a nice bonus, she sings some of her songs.

Unexpectedly Candid

I first became a Janis Ian fan as a teenager in the last 70s and have always loved her music. I was raised by a gay mother in a time when it was not acceptable at all to be gay.

As a 51 year old adult, I could identify so vividly with her struggles and life challenges. I had no idea how intelligent she is, how vast her life experience and what a talented writer she is.

I hated having to pause the story.

Great story

Fascinating life of an artist.... a walk through a portion of history through her experience.

Awesome read!

I really enjoyed this book. Hearing Janis tell her story is what made it work. I could hear her sadness and her joy in her words. She survived so many life experiences...I understand that each step one takes contributes to what one becomes, but I had no idea there had been so many ups and downs in this artist's life.

A class act

Janis Ian is a class act and so is this book. I only vaguely remembered her name and was not at all aware of her work and influence prior to listening. I loved her humanity and her honesty. And how appropriate to have her read her book and play snippets of her music. I somehow found this book after a long spell of what I thought were terrible books, despite all the positive reviews. This book did not disappoint. Highly recommended.

Surprisingly good.

This was a gift from Audible and I let it linger in my library. I was part of the folk culture, even a waitress at the Main Point in Bryn Mawr when Janis Ian was starting out. I couldn't imagine what she could write or talk about for 12 hours that would interest me. I was wrong, wrong, WRONG. I should have realized that she can write. And her story is inspiring. Thank you, Audible, the book was a fabulous gift.

Incredible story! Extraordinary listen!

I still have a Verve 45 rpm of this famous song. I've loved it since it came out on 45 and love it still. This listen is above and beyond with musical clips from Janis' various songs, but her voice narrating her story is what is the absolute BEST! No spoilers here. You just have to buy this! Thank you, Janis!