What do you think?
Rate this book
Song of the Sparrow: A Memoir
An astonishing memoir about how song saved a life Singer/songwriter Tara MacLean has had an extraordinary musical career. From being discovered singing on a BC ferry to touring with Dido, Tom Cochrane and Lilith Fair, her solo albums and those with the band Shaye have touched legions of fans. But she hasn’t, until now, disclosed the details of how the power of song saved her from a childhood filled with danger. From her earliest days in the backwoods of Prince Edward Island, Tara was surrounded by nature, the songs of her musician father and the love of her actor mother. But love was not enough to feed their growing family, nor were the Wiccan, then evangelical Christian teachings her parents followed. Poverty and uncertainty were constant companions, as were the dangers that began to enter her world. Predators can come in many forms from even the most trusted circles, and Tara soon learned that a young girl is never safe. It was only through Tara’s inner strength and the sanctuary she found in singing that she created a refuge and a future for herself. Song of the Sparrow is a daring, heartbreaking and provocative memoir of a life filled with music, told with the same raw, open and elegant poetry that Tara’s fans have come to expect. From Tara’s childhood in PEI through her teenage years in BC to her meteoric rise in music, Song of the Sparrow reveals her remarkable strength and shows that a song and a wide-open heart are the best weapons for fighting monsters. Don’t miss Tara’s new album, Sparrow , which is being released concurrently with this memoir.
352 pages, Paperback
Published March 14, 2023
9 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 4, 2024
I’ll never forget the first time I heard Tara sing.
I found myself standing at the back of the room, sobbing quietly & taking in every lyric and note with such emotion.
No wonder her music is so powerful.
What an enduring, incredible, beautiful woman.
Such an emotional read.
I listened to the book, and it was so amazing hearing her sing again.
This book gave me all the chills, all the feels and all the understanding.
5 stars ⭐️
I found myself standing at the back of the room, sobbing quietly & taking in every lyric and note with such emotion.
No wonder her music is so powerful.
What an enduring, incredible, beautiful woman.
Such an emotional read.
I listened to the book, and it was so amazing hearing her sing again.
This book gave me all the chills, all the feels and all the understanding.
5 stars ⭐️
October 26, 2023
Wow wow wow.
May 3, 2023
Tara MacLean’s words as a songwriter have moved me for decades, so it comes as no surprise that she’s able to keep it up for over 300 pages. I knew bits and pieces of her life from social media and her show Atlantic Blue, but there are stories in here I never would have imagined. This was an emotional roller coaster with tales of abuse, love, highs and lows of the music industry, death, and romance. Recommend for anyone even if they aren’t a fan, but you likely will be by the end if you aren’t.
March 15, 2023
A memoir that is a perfect reflection of its author, tender and fierce, brave and broken, wild and grounded. A sparrow's song and a song's sparrow. Thanks for the music of your story, Tara.
November 1, 2023
My mom invited me to see Tara’s show at the Confederation Centre of the Arts here on PEI just a few weeks ago. I entered the theatre not knowing Tara’s story, but left extremely moved, emotional, inspired and excited to read her book. Tara wrote an honest memoir that is equally heartbreaking as it is beautiful. While Tara’s writing is exceptional, it was even more captivating for me to read a memoir of someone who has experienced life in the same small province as myself. A very easy 5 stars ⭐️
January 8, 2025
I hadn’t known much about Tara going into this, but she grew up on PEI where I live and I saw some great reviews so was excited to read. I switched back and forth reading this, as well as listening in audio, and the audio specifically was so refreshing. Tara narrates this, and the little pieces she sang were 👩🏼🍳💋
Tara is a talented singer song writer who has had a childhood filled with many dangers: that she says the power of song saved her from.
I loved hearing about all the spots on PEI and her inspiring story
Tara is a talented singer song writer who has had a childhood filled with many dangers: that she says the power of song saved her from.
I loved hearing about all the spots on PEI and her inspiring story
August 13, 2023
This book is why I need to read more memoirs. Song of the Sparrow by Tara MacLean is incredibly moving, uplifting, and inspiring. Amazing. Her voice and songwriting skills are wonderful, too. Make sure you have a listen.
January 20, 2024
Wow just wow!
December 23, 2023
I listened to Tara MacLean’s music on repeat in high school. Her album Silence inspired me to start writing songs. This memoir is one of the best I’ve read — very honest. It was beautiful and heartbreaking to discover where some of her lyrics originated. She experienced horrible abuse and many setbacks but doesn’t paint herself as a victim. Her words are beautiful and moving. Very inspiring.
April 30, 2023
Take care of your heart when you read this book! A brave read for brave readers! I started Saturday afternoon & stayed up until almost 3am to finish it. Through the challenges & the thrills…what stayed with me was Tara’s tenderness, sense of humour, curiosity of the sensual…she writes like she performs. Somewhere in the middle I was already hoping she was working on her next memoir. I am ready for the story to continue!
April 6, 2023
Beautiful Song
This is both one of the most beautiful books that I've ever read, and the most perfect books for me to read during this phase of my life.
I just recently started my journey through healing and self-discovery via Talk Therapy, while also diving deep into Musical Therapy. Not through creating or performing, but through listening.
With the right music playing, I can just let the pain be, calm the waves of emotions crashing through me, and just breathe.
I'm definitely a late-comer to learning about Tara MacLean and her music. And I shouldn't be. Being that I've lived my entire life in Ottawa, Ontario.
I was just listening to Spotify one day. Something Canadian, as Tara's "Let Her Feel the Rain" (Sparrow Version) came on out of the blue. And I just stopped. Started crying. Put it on repeat. Who is this?
I learned a few things.
Her name is Tara MacLean. She created a lot of waves in Canadian Music during the late 90s, and again with her Atlantic Blue showcase just a few years ago.
She just released her first Novel. The Song of the Sparrow. Which I suddenly started seeing advertisements for every time I logged into Facebook.
And she has a Book Launch happening in Ottawa on April 14th at the NAC's Fourth Stage.. Just a few short weeks from now. Which I've already purchased a ticket for.
Tara, I currently own only an E-Copy of Song of the Sparrow. I'm hoping that I can get a signed physical copy from you at the show.
This is both one of the most beautiful books that I've ever read, and the most perfect books for me to read during this phase of my life.
I just recently started my journey through healing and self-discovery via Talk Therapy, while also diving deep into Musical Therapy. Not through creating or performing, but through listening.
With the right music playing, I can just let the pain be, calm the waves of emotions crashing through me, and just breathe.
I'm definitely a late-comer to learning about Tara MacLean and her music. And I shouldn't be. Being that I've lived my entire life in Ottawa, Ontario.
I was just listening to Spotify one day. Something Canadian, as Tara's "Let Her Feel the Rain" (Sparrow Version) came on out of the blue. And I just stopped. Started crying. Put it on repeat. Who is this?
I learned a few things.
Her name is Tara MacLean. She created a lot of waves in Canadian Music during the late 90s, and again with her Atlantic Blue showcase just a few years ago.
She just released her first Novel. The Song of the Sparrow. Which I suddenly started seeing advertisements for every time I logged into Facebook.
And she has a Book Launch happening in Ottawa on April 14th at the NAC's Fourth Stage.. Just a few short weeks from now. Which I've already purchased a ticket for.
Tara, I currently own only an E-Copy of Song of the Sparrow. I'm hoping that I can get a signed physical copy from you at the show.
May 23, 2023
Honest, raw, real, open, hopeful, loving. This memoir by Tara MacLean blew me away. You may know by now that I like to go into a book blind, and this was much the case this time around. I chose to read this because I too grew up on PEI and I love music & strong women. This book brought me back to summer concerts filled with Celtic dancing, fiddling, spoons & gorgeous singing. But the life Tara has had goes so far beyond, touching on abuse, alcoholism, loss. Throughout it all is an underlying spirit of hope & love, and her inspirational sparkle.
January 7, 2024
Although this wasn’t my favourite book - she is an amazing writer and poet. I will give her a music a try too. Personally, I found this book too long even though she does have an upbringing that is worthy of telling.
March 31, 2023
I love reading memoirs, biographies and autobiographies, really no matter who the subject is. In this case, I was unfamiliar with Tara MacLean, even though she has been on the Canadian and US music scene for more than two decades.
My takeaway from this book is that Tara MacLean is resilient, vengeful, forgiving, ambitious and hopeful - a complicated person, worthy of telling her story. This book almost fits into that genre of "child-who-was-raised-by-inadequate-parents." Her very early years were spent living basically in a cabin without running water out in a forest with her mother and stepfather, who were both artistic and creative, but not overly concerned about the welfare of their children. Tara and her younger siblings were allowed to roam the wilderness unattended, being educated by nature.
What she got from this beginning was a oneness with nature, a closeness with her sister, and a love of music from her stepfather. Her stepfather, Marty, was a singer/songwriter who performed with some well-known musicians (notably Gene McLellan) and he played guitar and sang with his children every night.
This childhood wasn't idyllic, however, because there were monsters lurking within her own family as well as withing the circle of family friends. Both Tara and her younger sister Shaye were coerced into being the victims of abusive men and this certainly affected them for life.
There is a lot of travelling and discovery in this memoir as well. Tara goes off to meet her biological father and, as a result of her staying on Vancouver Island and using the ferry to go to Saltspring Island, she has the luck of meeting two record company executives who hear her singing and take her under their wings. If not for that chance meeting, her music career may not have taken off, and there are so many people she would not have met.
Perhaps the longest chapters (or, at least they seemed the longest) dealt with her work to become known as a singer/songwriter and her negotiations with the record companies that represented her. Reading this, it seems like she had a rapid rise to fame, playing very small venues, then graduating to bigger and bigger crowds. However, we also get a sense of the exhausting schedules she was forced to endure, and her private thoughts about what the record companies wanted from her.
As many others before me have done. I would give this book a solid recommendation. It hits all the "feels" and describes a way of living, from one coast to another, in our modern Canadian world.
My takeaway from this book is that Tara MacLean is resilient, vengeful, forgiving, ambitious and hopeful - a complicated person, worthy of telling her story. This book almost fits into that genre of "child-who-was-raised-by-inadequate-parents." Her very early years were spent living basically in a cabin without running water out in a forest with her mother and stepfather, who were both artistic and creative, but not overly concerned about the welfare of their children. Tara and her younger siblings were allowed to roam the wilderness unattended, being educated by nature.
What she got from this beginning was a oneness with nature, a closeness with her sister, and a love of music from her stepfather. Her stepfather, Marty, was a singer/songwriter who performed with some well-known musicians (notably Gene McLellan) and he played guitar and sang with his children every night.
This childhood wasn't idyllic, however, because there were monsters lurking within her own family as well as withing the circle of family friends. Both Tara and her younger sister Shaye were coerced into being the victims of abusive men and this certainly affected them for life.
There is a lot of travelling and discovery in this memoir as well. Tara goes off to meet her biological father and, as a result of her staying on Vancouver Island and using the ferry to go to Saltspring Island, she has the luck of meeting two record company executives who hear her singing and take her under their wings. If not for that chance meeting, her music career may not have taken off, and there are so many people she would not have met.
Perhaps the longest chapters (or, at least they seemed the longest) dealt with her work to become known as a singer/songwriter and her negotiations with the record companies that represented her. Reading this, it seems like she had a rapid rise to fame, playing very small venues, then graduating to bigger and bigger crowds. However, we also get a sense of the exhausting schedules she was forced to endure, and her private thoughts about what the record companies wanted from her.
As many others before me have done. I would give this book a solid recommendation. It hits all the "feels" and describes a way of living, from one coast to another, in our modern Canadian world.
Read
June 25, 2023On the cover of SONG OF THE SPARROW, author Tara MacLean seems to be emerging from a giant bird’s nest. For many years she has been spreading her wings and flying musically, becoming a most powerful voice in Canadian music. Starting singing at a young age, it was the passion of the music that influenced her, making her speak in volumes through lyrics and music.
But as we have seen within the pages of the book, there was also darkness in her life, a deep darkness that sometimes even music could not penetrate. She tells us of her childhood growing up on Prince Edward Island. There was much happening in her life, that a young child both could experience both happiness and deep pain so early in her existence. But it was through music that became her salvation, the tunes embracing her, offering hope and solace through what could be considered the worst of times.
Her father was a musician, and she grew up with the soothing sounds which later were powerful in her healing process. She talks in details about the abuse on both her and her sister Shaye by her grandfather, and while some children may be intimidated into silence, by letting the truth be known it not only halted the abuse, but let her know there were others in the family who were also plagued by cruel and unspeakable acts. And there was another trusted family friend who destroyed that trust with Tara and her sister Shaye.
Music of course is an important part of her growth, and her signing with Nettwerk records in Canada was most pivotal for her. It truly gave her a chance to live her dreams, making music and most importantly inspiring fans. But her fan base was also outside Canada, and she went to the US, and became part of the Capitol records chain. International stars like Dido took a liking to her instantly, as she opened for Dido. When she was part of the group Shaye along with Kim Stockwood and Dahmnait Doyle, they even opened for such stars as Willie Nelson.
Tara talks about her marriages and her children, and all that she experienced at various stages of raising children and falling in love. You could consider the book a symphony of words and emotions, fraught with low points and high notes, but through it all, the author has given us a masterpiece literally, inspiring and rising to heights that all can enjoy and learn from.
But as we have seen within the pages of the book, there was also darkness in her life, a deep darkness that sometimes even music could not penetrate. She tells us of her childhood growing up on Prince Edward Island. There was much happening in her life, that a young child both could experience both happiness and deep pain so early in her existence. But it was through music that became her salvation, the tunes embracing her, offering hope and solace through what could be considered the worst of times.
Her father was a musician, and she grew up with the soothing sounds which later were powerful in her healing process. She talks in details about the abuse on both her and her sister Shaye by her grandfather, and while some children may be intimidated into silence, by letting the truth be known it not only halted the abuse, but let her know there were others in the family who were also plagued by cruel and unspeakable acts. And there was another trusted family friend who destroyed that trust with Tara and her sister Shaye.
Music of course is an important part of her growth, and her signing with Nettwerk records in Canada was most pivotal for her. It truly gave her a chance to live her dreams, making music and most importantly inspiring fans. But her fan base was also outside Canada, and she went to the US, and became part of the Capitol records chain. International stars like Dido took a liking to her instantly, as she opened for Dido. When she was part of the group Shaye along with Kim Stockwood and Dahmnait Doyle, they even opened for such stars as Willie Nelson.
Tara talks about her marriages and her children, and all that she experienced at various stages of raising children and falling in love. You could consider the book a symphony of words and emotions, fraught with low points and high notes, but through it all, the author has given us a masterpiece literally, inspiring and rising to heights that all can enjoy and learn from.
June 5, 2023
Wow, what a heart wrenching read in the most beautiful way. I just stayed up way past my bedtime reading this book as I could not put it down.
I had never read of Tara before, but I love memoirs and the cover spoke to me.
Tara is such a deeply spiritual and raw women and it comes through in her writing. I feel as though I’m with her throughout the entire book and she is speaking to me.
She takes us through her childhood and all of the horror and tragedy, and invites us into the worst things a person has to go through, and yet keeps hope alive through it all.
I wish there were more. My only words for Tara after reading this book are: strong, insightful, healer, and someone who is changing the world.
As an aside, it was especially enjoyable for me having lived in Victoria for 5 years reading all her adventures there. Having learned about the clayquot sound protests in university and reading that Sarah was there was also profound for me.
I had never read of Tara before, but I love memoirs and the cover spoke to me.
Tara is such a deeply spiritual and raw women and it comes through in her writing. I feel as though I’m with her throughout the entire book and she is speaking to me.
She takes us through her childhood and all of the horror and tragedy, and invites us into the worst things a person has to go through, and yet keeps hope alive through it all.
I wish there were more. My only words for Tara after reading this book are: strong, insightful, healer, and someone who is changing the world.
As an aside, it was especially enjoyable for me having lived in Victoria for 5 years reading all her adventures there. Having learned about the clayquot sound protests in university and reading that Sarah was there was also profound for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2023
I finished reading this book last night. I stayed up much later than I normally do because I couldn’t put it down until I finished! It’s so beautifully written. I recently attended Tara’s book launch here on PEI and she mentioned how she wanted the book to resemble a song.
It certainly does just that! I was captivated from the start and over a three-day period I reached for this book every chance I had until it was complete. Through all the exciting and memorable times of Tara’s life as well as the hardships and heartache, love is front and center.
She’s a shining example of how you can rise above and create a beautiful life if you follow your heart, learn to forgive and be ready to receive and give love at every turn. If you haven’t read this book yet, you need to run out and purchase it ASAP!
It certainly does just that! I was captivated from the start and over a three-day period I reached for this book every chance I had until it was complete. Through all the exciting and memorable times of Tara’s life as well as the hardships and heartache, love is front and center.
She’s a shining example of how you can rise above and create a beautiful life if you follow your heart, learn to forgive and be ready to receive and give love at every turn. If you haven’t read this book yet, you need to run out and purchase it ASAP!
August 9, 2023
Tara Maclean is a very very talented artist. Not only does she have the voice of an angel but also the writing skills of the very best. This autobiography grips you from the very start. Raw and visceral, shocking and life enhancing, ancient and prescient all interweaving through a truly unforgettable life story with love and hope intertwined into every thread of its fabric. We travel from the land of the ancient Scottish kings in Mull through to Prince Edward Island in Canada somehow bridging the cultural expanse with an ancestry which seeps out of her hands and mouth in the most sublime of music but also through her pen in this deftly crafted narrative of unending love through adversity beyond imagination. A book to treasure and return to time and again as a reminder that hope and love can overcome all through the life and work of Tara Maclean. A must read ❤️
April 8, 2023
Breathtaking and heartbreaking, Tara Maclean's extraordinary memoir is incredibly moving. A tale of someone who transcended the many terrible things that happened to her as a child to focus on the joys that her life and many of the people in it also provided, leading to the discovery of the power of forgiveness in the world. Sometimes sad, often extremely funny, it goes deep into the struggles that besets any person who makes creativity, and the expression of personal truths, the core of their lives. You will cry, you will laugh, and you will definitely listen to the accompanying album which showcases her immense musical gifts as well as shedding another light on her life story. Already a fan of her songs, I am now close to being a devotee. Tara is the real thing.
May 2, 2024
I don't know what rock I've been living under but, even though I have been in the Canadian music business for over 30 years, I had never heard of Tara. I read her memoir on recommendation and was absolutely enchanted. That is the word - this author enchants her reader from word 1 with poetic prose, genuine timbre and a wicked dash of humour that always shows up unexpectedly. Her life is honestly rendered with equal parts eloquence and vernacular and the book gripped me start to finish, complete with compassion, uproarious laughter and a few tears along the way. A truly memorable experience. This is the kind of book I just may have to read twice.
April 4, 2023
I picked up your book. I was nervous. While we have never talked about all that you have endured in life, I am aware enough to know that this would very likely be a heartbreaking story. Instead, you have woven a story that is inspiring - inspiring in how you’ve managed to continue to fight back, to find a way to shine your light in this world, to contribute in a meaningful way, to find the best in people, and to personally triumph.
I am so proud to know you and excited that you have the opportunity to tell your story - a story that I am sure will inspire multitudes.
I am so proud to know you and excited that you have the opportunity to tell your story - a story that I am sure will inspire multitudes.
April 9, 2024
The beginning was a bit slow. But once I got past that, it became very good! I almost gave up, but glad I didn't! I also quite enjoyed all of the musical references to various artists. It gave me good ideas to diversify my playlist.
P.S. I should mention that I read and enjoyed this book even if I didn't know Tara MacLean as an artist. It's a great book even if you're not a fan of her music (yet!).
P.S. I should mention that I read and enjoyed this book even if I didn't know Tara MacLean as an artist. It's a great book even if you're not a fan of her music (yet!).
April 11, 2023
Wow! I love Tara MacLean’s music, so I knew I wanted to read this memoir. It did not disappoint - it is beautifully written, heartbreaking, and powerful. Tara has been through so much in her life, and this book tells of those hardships but also demonstrates how music has the ability to heal and give hope.
April 15, 2023
Hello from Montreal .. sorry I missed you in my city..
So happy for you, Tara!
Love the book, couldn’t wait for the physical book so bought it online.. prefer real books .. oh well, love reading all of you! So so good! so honoured that I got to meet you in Hawaii!
Love and Blessings going your way!
May you be showered with abundant success!
🙏🏻❤️Nelliaxx
So happy for you, Tara!
Love the book, couldn’t wait for the physical book so bought it online.. prefer real books .. oh well, love reading all of you! So so good! so honoured that I got to meet you in Hawaii!
Love and Blessings going your way!
May you be showered with abundant success!
🙏🏻❤️Nelliaxx
January 21, 2024
I met Tara at Trailside Cafe, she was singing. I thought she was fantastic, I learned that she was from Prince Edward Island. A few months ago around out she had written her book and had to read it. It was a very good book and she has been through a lot and still came out on top. You are an amazing woman and and inspiration. Thank you
February 15, 2024
Tara’s voice is so unbelievably soothing. I could listen to this book over and over again!
One time Tara sang live during our moksha yoga class; I’ll never forget it. I loved hearing about Ted and Moksha, as moksha is/was a large part of my fitness/healthy lifestyle journey.
I highly recommend listening to this book if you can!
One time Tara sang live during our moksha yoga class; I’ll never forget it. I loved hearing about Ted and Moksha, as moksha is/was a large part of my fitness/healthy lifestyle journey.
I highly recommend listening to this book if you can!
April 9, 2025
I first read a copy from the library and hated the first few chapters. Things were happening in her life which no one would believe happens in PEI. Hippies, incest, evangelists, druggies in PEI?? I am purchasing a copy for my library after finishing reading this brave well written sad but joyous book.
April 23, 2023
Inspirational book that gives a relatable view on the people. Although many things I could not personally relate to I found it helpful in understanding people that I know and what might be happening within their mind. Thank you.
April 24, 2023
The Song of the Sparrow is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Its a story about forgiveness and moving past anger, blame and shame through the power of music.
On a personal level, the book can bring to mind people and situations you might need to make peace with. It helped me.
On a personal level, the book can bring to mind people and situations you might need to make peace with. It helped me.
April 26, 2023
This was a wonderfully written memoir of a fascinating and challenging childhood, and an exciting career in music. You don't need to know who Tara is, or know her music to appreciate and enjoy this well told life story. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews