Like Me

Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer

By: Chely Wright

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Chely Wright, singer, songwriter, country music star, writes in this moving and telling memoir about her life, growing up in Kansas City, the youngest of three children, making up her mind at a young age to become a country music star, making a pact with God - to keep her "sinning" to a minimum if he'd just get her to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. . . We see her, a featured vocalist at seventeen on the Ozark Jubilee (the show that started Brenda Lee, Red Foley and Porter Wagoner), being cast in Country Music U.S.A., a popular show in Opryland U.S.A., being asked to perform at that young age on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. . . She describes writing and singing her own songs for producers who'd discovered and recorded the likes of Reba McEntire, Billy Ray Cyrus, Shania Twain and Toby Keith ... signing her to a record contract with PolyGram, releasing her first album. . . sending her on her first tour bus, hitting the road, her music on local radio stations; her videos on TV; being showered with critical acclaim, awarded the Academy Of Country Music's Top New Female Vocalist. . . her first hit single, Shut Up And Drive. . .her songs (from her fourth album, Single White Female) climbing the Billboard chart for 29 weeks, finally hitting the #1 spot. . .

She writes about the friends she made along the way - Vince Gill...Brad Paisley and others, collaborating together, recording and touring together, some of the friendships developing into something more and not ending happily. . .

She writes about her drive that spurred her to write more hits, make more videos, produce bigger tours. . . how she was chosen as one of People's 50 Most Beautiful People. . . given the Humanitarian Award. . . named FHM's Top 20 Sexiest Women In Entertainment. . . appeared on the cover of USA Today. . . How, instead of breathing a sigh of relief, she writes about the terror she felt at losing everything she'd worked so hard to create. . .

And after, in the face of everything she did to ward it off, she writes about how the vortex of success took its toll; her life, a wreck she refused to see coming, and finally, how she found the guts to untangle herself from the image of the country music star she'd become, an image steeped in long-standing ideals and notions about who - and what - a country artist is, and what their fans expect them to be. . .

She writes about this time of life and death renewal, how she has come to terms with who she is, and how she has found a new voice in her music; with music flowing naturally from her that never came so easily.

Like Me is a book of revelation; fearless, inspiring, true

©2010 Chely Wright (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Very couragous!!!

Living a secret life for so long was hell for Chely. She really lets you in on all the twists and turns along the way and how it almost led to suicide, literally. I was absolutely amazed at her honesty and courage to share it with the world. I think her story has really made some people think very hard and to review their core beliefs about gays. This is an amazing and important story!!!

Poignant and Moving

A deeply personal memoir that was greatly revealing. Stories of childhood abuse and of the way she used men to hide her sexuality. Though denying she did so purposely; she knew she wasn't attracted to men, she still dated and slept with them. Having the knowledge that coming out would end her career in Country Music she hid the truth about her sexuality. In a way that was poignant and moving, she is open and articulate about her family and relationships. An excellent listen.

Great Book!

I loved this book. I loved hearing her story and so glad she wrote this book. I couldn’t put it down!

Truly enjoyed this book!

I have always enjoyed Chely Wright’s music and have been to many of her concerts. I truly enjoyed hearing her story, it makes me admire her even more.

Very inspiring

It pulled me in from the beginning. So much of her story resonated with my journey and I found it inspiring.

Such a heartfelt coming out story

Chely was such a brave soul! She lived uer country music dream, but had to sacrifice her true self in return. I'm so proud of her journey!!! A wonderful book that I truly enjoyed!!!

A story from the heart

I have always loved biographies. As a little girl I would check every single one out that the library had. As an adult I find myself searching for them on audible. Some of my favorite books have been biographies. I recently met Chely at our small music venue in Texas. I work all day and have heard hundreds of shows so I often leave as the artist goes on at 8. Something drew me to stay and her voice was beautiful, she connected with the audience in such a genuine personal way. I had to know her. So the following day I downloaded her book and just completed it. The story is real and it taught me a lot. I feel everyone could benefit from the telling. I only love and admire Chely more after listening to it. The reader does an incredible job. I had to keep reminding myself it wasn’t Chely. She is a song writer and that makes her book even more enjoyable. I hope she will write another one in about ten years!

Touching

Cheeky wright does an excellent job of telling her story which is much like the story of so many others...

Love this Book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I am Transsexual and I had already came out before knew about Chely Wright... first of all I think Chely is very beautiful, intelligent, creative and very talented... and she did get a raw deal from county musicThis book helped me,It helped me learn more about me, I am greatful for Chely for comming out so we know we are not broken and there is nothing wrong with us, I am greatful that this may help other accept themselves and feel more confident about who we are

What other book might you compare Like Me to and why?

I am sure there are other out there but this book and I had watched a DVD "Wish Me Away" this is why I purchased the book her heartfelt coming out touched my heart and her Book, this book was even better

Have you listened to any of Sarah Zimmerman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It gave me a new way to look at people... I have never been a bigot but very grateful for the book.... the very end of this book she makes a statement about suicide...not going to give it away, This book is a must listen

Any additional comments?

County Music I missing out on a wonderful and very talented singer

Heartfelt and inspiring

I really loved and appreciated this book - in so many ways. If you are not gay, but wanting to understand the challenges of what it's like to be gay, I highly recommend this story.

I found it quite heartfelt, and as a lesbian myself, truly relatable in terms of the battle with internal shame, wanting to fit in... to "just be like everybody else". Now, at 65, it's so wonderful to watch the world growing and changing in such a positive way. Still many battles and bridges to cross, but books like this keep us moving in the right direction. Thanks