The Woman I Was Born to Be

November 1, 2010
Boyle made headlines when she opened her mouth on Britain's Got Talent to reveal a remarkable voice hidden in an unassuming package. The world fell in love with her humble and effusive personality, but turned on her just as quickly; forget the real Boyle, it's the "difficult" Boyle who sells tabloids. Sticking strictly to the formula, Boyle tells her tale, from childhood hardships to difficult school years to, finally, success on the international stage. She has a refreshing sense of humor, but the lightness can create disquiet when actual difficulties are skimmed over. This is the softest of accounts, simplistically written, high on faith and low on substance. It might pacify some readers, but those expecting something substantial will feel coddled. Photos.

I went from nobody on Saturday evening to national fame on Sunday morning, said Susan Boyle, the Scotswoman who sang her way into the hearts of millions on "Britain's Got Talent" (a performance that went viral on YouTube). Narrator Elaine Smith has a clear brogue and actually sounds like a nervous auditioner as she recounts taking the wrong bus on the way to the studio, being filmed as she eats a sandwich, and being a fan of judge Piers Morgan. This engaging introduction to Boyle's story will win listeners over as she tells how a girl dubbed as a slow learner became one of the world's most popular singers. The story sounds a bit choppy at times, but Boyle's self-deprecating charm carries the audiobook. Boyle's story of her persistence and sudden rise to fame will inspire her many fans. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine