I Don't Belong to You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice
Inspiring memoir/advice book from popular actress/singer.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that I Don't Belong to You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice is partly a memoir and partly a motivational/advice book by actress and music artist Keke Palmer. There's lots of strong language, sometimes with symbols for letters but mostly with the actual word, such as "f--k," "s--t," "ass," "bitch." Also lots of positive inspirational and motivational quotes and life lessons Keke's learned up to the age of 22. Past abuse is mentioned without specific information, including sexual molestation and a man putting a cigarette out in a child's hand. There's a chapter on sexuality without mentioning body parts or actions beyond kissing and mention of having sex. Faith-based and spiritual messages include being mindful that we were placed here by a divine creator for a purpose, and that all religions and spiritual pursuits are different paths on the same journey.
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What's the Story?
I DON'T BELONG TO YOU: QUIET THE NOISE AND FIND YOUR VOICE shows how Keke Palmer's talent and need for creative expression led her family to move from a small town in Illinois to Los Angeles, where she pursued her acting and singing dreams. She met with early successes (Akeelah and the Bee, True Jackson, VP), but that doesn't mean the road was smooth by any means. Through good times and bad, Palmer never stops asking how she can improve herself and help others. And now she's sharing what inspires her, what motivates her, and what she's learned about life so far.
Is It Any Good?
Often upbeat and funny, always frank and emotionally honest, actress and music artist Keke Palmer's experience and advice will inspire teens and young adults alike. I Don't Belong to You: Quite the Noise and Find Your Voice is sprinkled with lively, colorful pages of inspirational quotes, and Keke's own stories are peppered with hashtags and emojis that add to the appeal for teens and millennials. Older teens and up who are still looking for their passions in life can be inspired by Keke and benefit from many of the lessons she's learned. But the book's more likely to resonate with those who, like Keke, are strongly driven, goal-oriented, and actively pursuing their passions.
Palmer often goes off on unexpected tangents and veers away from the point she's trying to make, which sometimes gives the book a rambling, aimless feel. And the detailed accounts of her romantic relationships lose focus, becoming more self- indulgent than instructive. But her lively, engaging voice seems genuine and make her a relatable person fans can admire and learn from.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how effective the messages are in I Don't Belong to You. Which messages stand out the most? Do any inspire you to make any changes or try something new?
What about all the strong language? Is it realistic? Does it make Keke Palmer easier to relate to, or does it put you off?
Why do you think Palmer wrote this book? Is it a creative outlet? A way to reach out to fans? Are there financial rewards?
Book Details
- Author: Keke Palmer
- Genre: Advice
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: North Star Way
- Publication date: January 31, 2017
- Number of pages: 320
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 22, 2017
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33 Things Every Girl Should Know
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Akeelah and the Bee
Inspiring drama about a champion speller; OK for tweens.
For kids who love strong young women
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