Here's something a little different for the first blog of the year, a book review. But this is a pop music blog, so why not do a review for a pop music book?
Jennifer Lopez, JLO, or just plain ole Jenny from the Block. She has been a star for a long time, starting as a dancer (she was a Fly Girl on "In Living Color" - a show my brother and I used to watch religiously), she became a famous actor (I think "The Cell" is my favourite film of hers), then she became the ultimate pop diva (I love too much to mention just one song) and then a judge of "American Idol". She is a true cultural phenomenon, and I was very keen to have a read of her book.
Now I'll admit I did go in with some scepticism. The book did have a lot of photos, and from the start she mentioned this book was about her world tour. I thought it was going to be pretty lightweight. But in fact the book was beautifully written and the structure was fantastic. What starts as a celebration of her first world tour also delves into the worst year of her life - the breakup with the father of her twins, Marc Anthony.
Lopez is an inspirational woman, she details her own battle with low self-esteem and how she learnt to overcome it. She had always worried about the opinions of others, men, managers, critics and fans. This book is a celebration of learning to accept who you are.
It's also a great insight into a nice diva, she's no Mariah throwing diva tantrums. You get to know her more, find out about the breakdown of her last marriage and why she left Idol the first time. Plus it's great to hear an indepth explanation of what her songs mean to her. Plus there's some nice humour, including the visual of French paparazzi running from her limping mother who was firing a water pistol at them.
So this book isn't for everyone. It's not an intense conversation about her deepest darkest secrets or a tell all, but it didn't need to be. This is a celebration of a specific time in a superstar's life written for fans. And I for one, am definitely one. In fact, I'm probably more a fan after finishing this book. So if you like her, I'd certainly suggest reading it.
Let's finish with a JLO clip, the song that Lopez thinks sums up her and her trouble, "Dance Again".
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