Clay Aiken, the undeniably talented American Idol runner up and self-proclaimed "nerdy, geeky, momma's boy" (and boy, does he love to talk about his momma), has written a strange hybrid of memoir, self-help and religious testimony--and in spite of it being so slight that it feels like it will float right out of your hands--he almost pulls it off. Learning to Sing is a book only his most rabid fans (and admittedly, there are millions of 'em) will be able to fully embrace. Anyone looking for American Idol dirt will have to go elsewhere, as Aiken always takes the high road, whether discussing his Idol experience (given surprisingly short shrift), the torment and damage done by the bullies of his youth, or his fractious, difficult relationship and ultimate estrangement from both his birth father and stepfather. When recounting the origin and progression of his true passion--teaching special needs children--his sincerity and dedication feels real and admirable. Towards the end of Learning to Sing, Aiken's writing teeters from subtly spiritual to zealously polemic, but surely there are worse things for young people (and some adults) to be exposed to than a wildly successful entertainer advising them to embrace their inner nerd, find and follow their passion and treat others with respect and kindness. We should all be so nerdy. --Terry Goodman

FROM THE PUBLISHER