Sara Bareilles

Generally, I always like memoir style nonfiction books that are written by celebrities or individuals that I genuinely want to know more about, but I LOVED this book. I have always liked Sara Bareilles’ music for it’s unique melodies, lyrics, and beauty. Bareilles has such a beautiful way of inviting her listeners in to share her heartfelt stories and life lessons through song and now through her writing.

Much like her lyrics and music, her words are moving and inspiring. I was touched by her essays and actually felt little guilty that I had not been sharing “her” with everyone I knew. While I’m not going to be that crazy fan who’s whole life looks to revolve around the person of their admiration, I will definitely be recommending her music as well as this book to anyone who might be interested.

Full review: wanderinglectiophile.wordpress.com/2017/10/26/review-sounds-like-me-my-life-so-far-in-song-by-sara-bareilles/… (mer)

Anyone who knows me knows I love Sara Bareilles is one of my favorite singers and the song Gravity speaks to me. So when I saw this book in the library I was like thank you library card! The book is really a bit of a memoir filled with stories of her growing up to what she has learned up to this point in her life and career. It is a collection of eight essays all based around the story behind the song. Once Upon Another Time, Gravity, Love Song, Beautiful Girl, Red, Many the Miles, Brave, and She Used to Be Mine.

If those songs weren't already moving enough, you will listen to them with a newfound appreciation and respect after finishing this book. Sara is clearly someone who has learned that facing her fears and moving forward anyways is the true definition of courage. Countless stories she tells are beautiful illustrations of what happens in this sweet place of surrender. That and a genuine gratitude for all she has been given and for the people who have taught her along the way.

What I love most about the book is that it is ultimately a recollection of her finding her own voice. And as she has shared glimpses of that in her music, it has helped others do the same. And isn't that what life is ultimately about? That as we share our truth, we give permission for others to do the same. And that it's never a one way streak. Somehow we end up inspiring each other to dive even deeper into revealing ourselves for who we really are. No doubt she has done just that in the writing of this book.

Her honesty about a whole range of topics from body image to a sound malfunction performing with Taylor Swift are all consistent with the kind of candor that her fans have come to know and love. I had to fight back tears in a restaurant as I finished her book today. The stories she shares from her own life as well as those of some of her fans are a reminder that we are all so uniquely different, yet also so much the same.

Many thanks to you, Sara, for continuing to share your voice. In your greatest moments of self-doubt to your highest moments of exhilaration, may you receive back the Love that you continue to pour out to this world.… (mer)

I came to the work of Sara Bareilles through the musical Waitress, though as I listened to this audiobook, I realized that I was at least familiar with some of her most well-known songs ("Love Song," "Brave"), but I couldn't have told you that they were by her. However, I needed an audiobook to listen to during a long drive, and I often enjoy memoir. In this series of essays, Bareilles explores her childhood, her career, and her vulnerabilities surrounding her appearance and abilities. Many listeners, myself included, will certainly relate to many sentiments expressed here. And I was excited that the final essay in the book does cover the making of the musical Waitress. It's a quick read, easily listened to in a five-hour car trip (and read by the author, which makes it feel all the more intimate). Recommended to fans of this artist, and those who enjoy this sort of memoir.… (mer)