Beyond Me: Finding Your Way to Life's Next Level

by Melinda Doolittle

Through poignant, often humorous stories, you will discover the secrets to Melinda's success, finding practical help to overcome your own obstacles to achieve the next level in any area of life. Because she was tone deaf as a child, Doolittle's choir director would plead with her to just move her mouth and not let any sound come out. Undaunted, her love of singing drove her to enter a contest in the 7th grade and, miraculously, she won. Melinda began to realize that success in life was something bigger than her---or, as she puts it, 'It's beyond me!' She began setting and systematically reaching her goals, such as singing background vocals for her many of her favorite music artists. Then by an amazing turn of events, she burst onto the music scene with her flawless vocal performances on American Idol -- becoming the clear favorite of the show's most difficult judge, Simon Cowell. Beyond Me also provides you a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of one of America's biggest pop culture phenomenon, American Idol, and how she turned that stress-filled environment into a springboard from which she could soar.

Genres: Biography, Music

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary
In her autobiography, singer Melinda Doolittle shares her inspirational journey from tone-deaf child with a dream, to American Idol finalist and critically acclaimed recording artist. Her story unfolds within the context of life lessons she learned from her mother; how to conquer fear, how to set systematic and achievable goals, and the virtue of patience, among many others. Each chapter in the book applies one of these principles to obstacles that she faced in her musical journey, from junior high choir tryouts all the way to the American Idol stage. But this is more than just a tale of personal success. It is a 200-page letter of advice and encouragement to anyone who is chasing a seemingly "impossible" dream. It is proof that an approach to life based in opptimism, perseverance, and above all, compassion and good will toward others is the secret to making dreams come true.

My Impressions
Have you ever read a book that felt more like a letter from a friend, a really fascinating friend?
"Beyond Me" reads that way. The author's conversational style of writing invokes an immediate emotional connection with the reader, so that by the time you finish the book, you feel as if you know Melinda and her "mommy." The story is told with joy, humility, a sense of humor, and no egocentricity whatsoever. That's quite an accomplishment for an autobiography.

I'm also impressed by the author's realism. While she is adamant in her belief that even the biggest dreams can come true, she doesn't claim that the process is painless or easy. Her habit of turning hardships into springboards for success is endearing, and it is inspiring to read how she maintains a system of personal integrity in the surreal and demanding world of the entertainment industry. She is honest about her faults and her fears, so that you get a strong sense of a "real person becoming a star."

Perhaps the most striking thing about this book is the author's sincerity. It is an extension of what American Idol fans saw onstage during season 6, where Melinda was singled out for her humility in the face of glowing praise from the judges. In a pop cultural world full of bad attitudes and even worse behavior, Melinda eximplifies a bygone era of stardom, a time when icons of grace and elegance dominated America's radios and televisions. I've been fortunate enough to meet Melinda in person, and it's refreshing to note that she is exactly the person she appears to be.

Rating
I gave "Beyond Me" five stars for three reasons. It's an interesting autobiography with a perspective that is unique for this day and age, a story steeped in joy rather than scandal. The author has a personable style of writing that compels the reader to smile and seek out the positivity in his or her own life. Most of all, "Beyond Me" receives five stars, because so much of the book is applicable to such a wide audience.

Recommendation
It's rare to find a book that could appeal to everyone, but "Beyond Me" gets close. It would make a wonderful gift for anyone who is starting a journey in life or working toward a dream. I could envision it as a birthday gift for a thirteen-year-old, a high school or college graduation gift, a gift for parents-to-be, and a gift for older adults who will undoubtedly appreciate all the wisdom in these pages. If you enjoy optimism, wisdom, and stories that prove dreams can come true, this book is for you.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of humorous life lessons that led to Melinda's success in the music business and on American Idol. The Rule of Three which entails saying three nice things about someone before you criticize them is a wonderful practice that we would all do well to emulate. "Dream Big" and "Do It Afraid" are some of my other favorite pearls of wisdom garnered from this book. Makes a great gift!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say about this book? Melinda's heart is every bit as big as her talent, and this isn’t just the story of how she broke into the business. It’s a story of persistence, faith, and hope. It’s a story about dreaming big and then working hard to make those dreams come true. From her personal triumphs to her idea of creating a “faith wall” as motivation, Melinda doesn’t just encourage. She inspires. This whole book is uplifting and promise-filled, because that’s who Melinda is. She changes lives for the better. She changes them for good. Her book will be one you don’t soon forget. In fact, it’s kind of impossible not to sing its praises.

[Debbie Carnahan-Nichols · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and inspired by her Christian faith, Melinda holds the reader's hand as she time travels through her life leading up to and including her time on "American Idol". For an atheist, like myself, her words still give strong messages and advice on how to boost one's self-esteem.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, easy and uplifting read about Melinda Doolittle -- christian, magnificent singer with the voice of an angel, and American Idol contestant.