I recently had the pleasure of completing a reading of Mariah Carey’s new memoir entitled “The Meaning Of Mariah Carey”. I opted for the 11-hour audiobook narrated by Mariah herself. I found it far more intriguing to hear Mariah’s story from her lips, eliminating any chance of her story being lost in translation. Upon the first impression, I noticed how well sequenced this book was, the chronology is spot on. There was not a time throughout this listen where I thought information might have been presented too late or too early. Overall, it is an extremely smooth read. The memoir starts with Mariah’s childhood and the struggles she along with her family endured growing up in a multicultural family in America. Her experiences are a very interesting read. Most readers are familiar with the experiences of “black” or “white” families in America, but we rarely hear about the struggles they would have co-existing.
Mariah details the emotional trauma she endured as a child, witnessing way too much too early. During this time, she also discovered she had a very special gift. A confirmation of her gift from a friend only ignited her conviction. As she navigated an adult world, reminiscent of the late Michael Jackson she endured things no child should, especially one with a gift. It would be have been fairly easy for her to get swept up in the undertow of growing up way too fast. Through it all, Mariah was very level headed and optimistic. She had a will of iron. The fortitude she presented throughout her youth is extremely impressive. Like a concrete rose, she had a way of maneuvering through the cement and the rain, taking in enough sunlight to blossom.
Her fondest moments with her family are shared with her father, from his cooking to song-filled road trips; it is clear how important he was to her. I do not think I would have caught the significance had I not had the ability to hear her thoughts. Mariah reads with a lot of emotion and passion when speaking about the moments they shared. These are some of the most vivid within the memoir. The moments range from joy to pain and heartbreak. Mariah also opens up about her struggles with identity growing up as a “mixed” child. Not feeling particularly welcomed by either ethnicity. She wasn’t “black” nor “white” enough to appease either group. She also shares some horrific bouts she has with prejudice.
As the book progress, we get insight into the beginning of her career. This section of the book was perhaps the most inspiring section of an autobiography I have ever read. Her belief in herself was a force within itself. The strength she displays despite what happened to her is awe-inspiring. Mariah found herself amongst many people who could have taken advantage of her had she not been sure of the treasure instilled inside of her. I am very fond of her song “Make It Happen” for how inspirational and gritty it is. You can sense the conviction in her vocal performance. You can feel the spirit of a fighter; you can feel the soul of someone trying to make it happen. Mariah puts this song into literary form here and it is nothing short of riveting.
Upon working as a struggling server in a bustling New York metropolis, she eventually broke into the music scene and met with then Sony / Columbia executive Tommy
. She goes on to share the errs she made as a young up and coming artist unaware of many of the legal snares many find artists find themselves in. She then segues into her marriage with Mottola. Mariah leaves nothing off the table when it comes to expressing what she felt and did not feel. Whether it came to matters such as sex, power, creative control, or finances, she was an open book. We get a clear insight into her struggles in maintaining an image and fighting for her own identity as a creative force within her own right.
Mariah details her relationship with people such as Yankees star Derek Jeter and the inspiration of quite a few songs her fans hold near and dear to her heart. It was intriguing to hear how many of her songs and poignant lyrics speak directly to specific moments in her life. You will put down this book hearing many songs differently. (On a side note: It is quite brilliant that she wrote a memoir that a can serve as a reissue of music in some sort) Mariah also addresses her infamous TRL moment, the terrifying aftermath, and moments she holds dears to her heart in her professional career. This is nothing short of an incredible read.
What is the meaning of Mariah Carey? Strength, resilience, and persistence in courageous pursuit of unbridled greatness. The feats she accomplished as an individual are nothing short of phenomenal. In many ways, she is the American dream. Mariah saw what no one else saw and adorned her conviction with deed. What Mariah displayed was the key to consistency, an unshakable belief in God, and in the gifts he instilled within her. The two did not co-exist independently and that is something I believe we all can learn from. Two powerful anchors, indicative of her tremendous staying power, even after three decades of indubitable greatness.
The Meaning Of Mariah Carey
Available now everywhere books are sold
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