Society's Child cover art

Society's Child

My Autobiography

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Society's Child

By: Janis Ian
Narrated by: Janis Ian
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About this listen

Audie Award, Narration by the Author or Authors, 2013

Grammy Award Winner, Best Spoken Word Album, 2013

Booklist Top 10 Biography Audiobooks

The inspiration for the film Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

Janis Ian was catapulted into the spotlight in 1966 at the age of 15, when her soul-wrenching song "Society's Child" became a hit. An intimate portrait of an interracial relationship, "Society's Child" climbed the charts despite the fact that many radio stations across the country refused to play it because of its controversial subject matter. But this was only the beginning of a long and illustrious career.

In this fascinating memoir of her more than 40 years in the music business, Ian chronicles how she did drugs with Jimi Hendrix, went shopping for Grammy clothes with Janis Joplin, and sang with Mel Tormé, all the while never ceasing to create unforgettable music.

In 1975, Ian's legendary "At Seventeen" earned two Grammy awards and five nominations. Her next two albums brought her worldwide platinum hits. But after seven albums in as many years, she made a conscious decision to walk away from the often grueling music business. During this period, she struggled through a difficult marriage, which ended with her then husband's attempt to destroy her, and a sudden illness that very nearly cost her her life. The hiatus from music lasted for close to a decade until, in 1993, Ian returned with the release of the Grammy-nominated Breaking Silence. Now, as she moves gracefully into her fifth decade as a recording artist and writer, Ian continues to draw large audiences around the globe.

In Society's Child, Janis Ian provides a relentlessly honest account of the successes and failures - and the hopes and dreams - of an extraordinary life.

©2008 Janis Ian (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
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Critic Reviews

"Each chapter in this mesmerizing memoir begins with an evocative lyric read and sung by Ian, who transports listeners back in time with both words and music." ( Booklist)
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What an incredibly wonderful account of Janis Ian's life. An absolutely enthralling listen. Highly recommended.

Remarkable

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I didn't know this amazing singer-songwriter until this book. She is truly a brilliant mind, ahead of her times in thinking. And you get to hear her songs too. Thanks for this experience.

Awesome audiobook

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Contains an emotionally moving account of domestic violence's impact on a gifted if troubled woman. Much more than a story of a gifted singer/songwriter. Beautifully read as well as written.

A moving story

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It has been a long time since I've enjoyed an autobiography as much as this. I am so thankful that Janis chose to share her story and give us all a tiny glimpse into the amazing her.

What a treat!

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loved the songs with each chapter amazing story and story line what a life so far

love Janis Ian

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.