Staying In Tune: From American Idol to Nashville, How the Young Women Values Have Helped Me Remain True to the Gospel

by Carmen Rasmusen

After becoming an overnight success on the hit TV show American Idol , Carmen Rasmusen has remained in the public eye, appearing on national programs such as David Letterman, Tyra Banks, MSNBC, Today, Access Hollywood and even NBC’s Fear Factor . Along with the spotlight came many temptations and worldly pressures associated with the entertainment business. Through it all, she has stuck to her goal of staying true to the Young Women values, including modesty, chastity, and obedience to the Word of Wisdom. In this book, Carmen shares never-before-published stories and photos from her life, such

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Lds

141 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book doesn't take much time to read and its messages are uplifting. I liked seeing Carmen's perspective on the cool things that she was a part of and I could relate because I belong to the same church as her. Her words made me think about myself and my future ahead of me and how to respond and prepare for those things.

[S. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great book. I found it so fascinating to read about an individual's journey to fame. I also thought found it amazing that she was able to keep her high standards the entire time.

It's really hard to think of famous people as regular people with regular lives just like us, and what their life was like before they became famous. I think we also don't think about how much hard work they put into their career to get to where they are. It was a big eye opener to see every step along the way with Carmen.

[Linda Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book higher than 5 stars, I would. When a person’s life story and decisions have the power to inspire young people to make positive choices in their own lives, that’s what I consider to be a powerful book and message.
Carmen writes with honesty, and she hits the points that were challenges for her and are challenges for the youth now. I was impressed by her strength and her determination to do what she knew to be right. Modesty, honesty, kindness, service, integrity, faith - these carried her through some really rough challenges. (How hard the criticisms must have been to deal with on American Idol!)
I love how she related these challenges to the Young Women Values. I’ve already made arrangements for a granddaughter to be able to read this book. I would love for all of them to have that opportunity!
I wish Carmen the best - may she continue to share her incredible voice and talents, and to enjoy the blessings of her wonderful husband and children.

[Rachel Robins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, I love American Idol and always pay attention when someone of the LDS faith participates. I thought it would be interesting to read about Carmen's experience. The book was kind of floofy-she talks less about the AI experience and her moral dilemmas than what she was wearing and who she had crushes on from middle school up. I know she is a married adult and a talented girl but the book was totally underwhelming. A teenage would probalby appreciate this more than I did and I do give Carmen props for sticking to her values but it was not a very interesting book for me. Seems harsh but save yourself the read.

[Lynette ~ Talia's Tomes ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I met Carmen Rasmusen Herbert and listened to her speak, I knew immediately that I had to buy this book. She is a PHENOMENAL and inspirational person, and her book is just as fabulous as she is! Well written, and refreshingly honest, Carmen gives you an inside look on her life, her love, her religion, and her time on American Idol. I read this book in about 2 hours, and loved every single second of it.

I am 16, and I HIGHLY recommend this book.

[Kaleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like the ultimate book! I dont know why i liked it so much but it really was amazing! and i also got to mean Carmen Rasmussen in marissas basement. it was sweet. but it was a really great book with alot of lessons and you get too hear all her experiences. I read it four times! it never gets boring.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

a fun little memoir of a utah mormon girl's experience making it to the finals of "american idol". she makes a point to share how she dealt with situations that might cause her to compromise her values. carmen's a singer, not a writer; the literary quality is one star but her message is five stars. i'd highly recommend this for any lds teen.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, inspiring book. Though it's geared more towards Young Women, I think some Young Men might enjoy it as well, especially if they're interested in breaking into the music industry. It was great to read about how Carmen stuck to her standards and faith. I would highly, highly recommend this book to any LDS teen.

[Alyssa Holt` · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is revolved around LDS standards, which aren't bad. However it does refer to her Mormon religion a lot. Its true story about a girl named Carmen, and she tries out for American Idol, and makes it! This book is about her experience on the show, and all the clashes between the show and her Mormon values.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 stars not because it is a master literary work but because the messages given to young people are so great. The LDS author uses the personal progress values to bring her points home. Great teen read.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book to read while following David Archuleta and Brooke White on AMERICAN IDOL this year. It gave me insight into what David and Brooke were going through, and it was good to see how Carmen learned from the experience.

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read and I really enjoyed it. It's an insight on how Carley followed the promptings of the spirit through her journey with American Idol and how she stayed true to herself and the values of the church. This would be a great book for teenagers to read.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. My grandparents gave it to me for my birthday. It tells the story of a teen-young adult got into american idols top 12 and stories of her life. It tells how the young wemen values helped her through it.

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute book. It was interesting to read how she kept her standards during American Idol. After that part, it was a bit boring for me. However, for the younger crowd, a great read. It would definitely be a book I want my kids to read when they hit early teens.

[Erica]

I love this book! It is about Carmen Rasmusen and her experiences on American Idol, and how she kept her standards. It helps to show you that holding to your standards is always the way to go, even when it's tough.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun for me to read because I happened to watch that season of American Idol. Carmen sets up the book around the young women values and how they helped her in Hollywood. I think any young women age would like this, especially if they like American Idol

[Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

We saw her sing in Bountiful at an outdoor concert at Deseret Book. I bought her CD. I really like her voice and style. I enjoyed learning about her life. I admire a Latter-day Saint who wants to make it big but not compromise her standards along the way.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Good for young teens. Proofreading could have been better.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I couldn't put down. I love the way Carmen writes and I think she is a great example to everyone.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

very spiritual about a girl who is on american idol and lives up to her standereds.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great and inspiring book. It is great for girls i Young womens and even women who are out of young womens.

[LuAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a nice balance of biography and young women values.

[Cayenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful autobiography about staying true to what you believe when faced with temptation and trial.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I have read it about 5 times so far. It's a quick and easy read.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have daughters in Young Women's this book is great. I loved it. I'm thankful that there are still righteous examples for our daughters out there.

[Charmaine Puzey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very well written but would be great for YW to read to know that they can stick to their values.