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Alanis Morissette: A Biography
Just two years ago Alanis Morissette was a former teen pop star, dismissed by some as a footnote in Canadian pop history. Then her album Jagged Little Pill sold over 13 million copies worldwide, and a new queen of alternative rock was crowned.
Here Paul Cantin tells the tale of how Morissette transformed herself from failed teenage star into an artist whose work speaks to an entire generation. With multiple Grammys and MTV Awards under her belt; this singer/songwriter has achieved what none thought possible. This is the story of that rare second chance.
Included in this book are: Morissette's own account of her songwriting inspiration, exclusive interview material, a front-row account of the 1996 Grammy Awards, and never before-seen photos. This is the one book no Morrisette fan will want to be without.
Here Paul Cantin tells the tale of how Morissette transformed herself from failed teenage star into an artist whose work speaks to an entire generation. With multiple Grammys and MTV Awards under her belt; this singer/songwriter has achieved what none thought possible. This is the story of that rare second chance.
Included in this book are: Morissette's own account of her songwriting inspiration, exclusive interview material, a front-row account of the 1996 Grammy Awards, and never before-seen photos. This is the one book no Morrisette fan will want to be without.
- GenresBiographyMusicNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 19, 2021
Reading this made me want to physically fight every man who's every so much as looked at Alanis Morissette. The book in general was only okay, but Alanis was great as always.
March 28, 2008
didn't have to even read this to tell you this is NOT going to be a good read.
October 7, 2025
I couldn't imagine a way that I could learn more about Alanis Morissette and find myself disappointed. Since the release of Jagged Little Pill my relationship with everything Alanis has been almost obsessive is nothing else (which I know she would be too humble to accept that kind of worship and that I can admit almost a bit unhealthy if I'm being honest).
To say Jagged Little Pill saved my life would be almost an understatement. From beginning to end it felt like someone was telling me my own story and showing me how to heal. So this book added even more similarities of 2 lives who live world's apart (not on any kind of way, her fame or talents and I wish I had her determination....but pressures of always feeling like I should be seen and not hear and the traumas that come along with being required to always bottle up your feelings and never let them show because someone else needs to you to strong right now...among other things)
Why a 4 star and not a 5, because I can feel it as I read that there is "more to the story". You don't become sexually active at 13 when you feel safe and loved and protected (again coming from experience). Which is just one part that stood out for me. Also in true codependent fashion, throughout the book she continues to take blame for so much that happened in her life and choices that she made. We all have to take responsibility, but she isn't, she is just minimizing the role that other people took in her life that resulted in these circumstances. I just spent the first part of the book a little on edge feeling like there is more to her story. However it is her story to tell and she can tell as much or as little of it as she chooses. Part 2 was everything I believe it would be but Part 1 of her life just left me a little anxious and troubled. She, as well as the other who were interviewed said enough, for me at least, to feel like there was far too much trying to convince the reader that beyond her struggle in the industry and exhaustion of being a teen with so much responsibility along with a drive for perfection, there was nothing else the contributed to an emotional depleted child trying to please everyone.
Whatever is being left out...it is obvious that at this stage in her life, she has healed those wounds and has never stopped being a lighted spirit with a deep respect for all people and I am just happy to exist in the same world she does. I always want to again say thank you for all your music because it is a true testament, at least in my world , that music can truly save lives.
To say Jagged Little Pill saved my life would be almost an understatement. From beginning to end it felt like someone was telling me my own story and showing me how to heal. So this book added even more similarities of 2 lives who live world's apart (not on any kind of way, her fame or talents and I wish I had her determination....but pressures of always feeling like I should be seen and not hear and the traumas that come along with being required to always bottle up your feelings and never let them show because someone else needs to you to strong right now...among other things)
Why a 4 star and not a 5, because I can feel it as I read that there is "more to the story". You don't become sexually active at 13 when you feel safe and loved and protected (again coming from experience). Which is just one part that stood out for me. Also in true codependent fashion, throughout the book she continues to take blame for so much that happened in her life and choices that she made. We all have to take responsibility, but she isn't, she is just minimizing the role that other people took in her life that resulted in these circumstances. I just spent the first part of the book a little on edge feeling like there is more to her story. However it is her story to tell and she can tell as much or as little of it as she chooses. Part 2 was everything I believe it would be but Part 1 of her life just left me a little anxious and troubled. She, as well as the other who were interviewed said enough, for me at least, to feel like there was far too much trying to convince the reader that beyond her struggle in the industry and exhaustion of being a teen with so much responsibility along with a drive for perfection, there was nothing else the contributed to an emotional depleted child trying to please everyone.
Whatever is being left out...it is obvious that at this stage in her life, she has healed those wounds and has never stopped being a lighted spirit with a deep respect for all people and I am just happy to exist in the same world she does. I always want to again say thank you for all your music because it is a true testament, at least in my world , that music can truly save lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2024
Impressive and enlightening. Some parts in the beginning seem partially vague to me and failed to answer some questions I have so I did deduct points for those parts yet it recovered nicely with explaining how she came to record her biggest selling CD to date. It’s a good starting point to whom ever wants to do a deep dive into how
became Alanis, this does deliver.
became Alanis, this does deliver.
September 2, 2020
Good book. Dated now, as it was written in 1997, but does a nice job showing the world Alanis was living in when Jagged Little Pill blew up.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews