Hayley Westenra: In Her Own Voice

"Hayley Westenra In Her Own Voice", is probably going to be one of those books you read more than once, even if it is only to convince yourself that it is possible for anyone to cram so much into such a short space of time. Beautifully ghost-written by Darren Henley, it tells the story of a little girl from Christchurch New Zealand, who discovered, at the tender age of six, that she had a very special gift, a voice that could stop people in their tracks, and it is written in such a way that the reader feels almost as though Hayley is sitting with them and telling her story personally.

From the very first page it is clear that Hayley is prepared to open her heart and tell it exactly as it is; the highs; the lows; the emotions that surround her as she finds her way in the world. Beginning with the extraordinary little girl learning the hard way through numerous talent quests and amateur performances and culminating with the mature young woman of 20 with an amazing number of achievements already under her belt.

Throughout the book, Hayley comes across as a very sincere, down to earth young woman who loves what she does and loves to please her audiences. As someone privileged to have met Hayley on many occasions, I can tell you that she is all that and very much more. She is a very beautiful and very charming young lady. On stage, the consummate professional, off stage, as she says herself, just plain "Little old Hayley from Christchurch New Zealand".

Hayley's is a story of hard work and determination; a story of sacrifices by Hayley herself and by an amazing family that has supported her every step of the way. It is a story that will inspire young and old alike, as Hayley's incredible journey unfolds.

GW

another Kiwi reaches the pinnacle (1/1 people found this helpful)

Kiwi lass Hayley Westenra isn't a mountain climber like Sir Edmund Hillary, but she ascended just as surely to the peak of the classical music charts with her breathtaking vocal talent. Her new biog shares with us her upward climb and resultant overview of the musical performing landscape in vivid detail. As uplifting as the journey was, in the book's pages are a few cautionary tales, such as the unnerving incidents with obsessed German fans. As the chapters add up it becomes clear that Hayley's life is vastly more than the sum of its parts.

Inspirational and honest - a must read for any fan (11/11 people found this helpful)

The book market is full of biographies and autobiographies of people that many would perceive as too young or unworthy to justify a book and dismiss them as a waste of their time and money. However, to do so to this book would be to miss out on a truly inspirational read from a hugely talented singer and genuinely appropriate role model.

This book achieves its aims in presenting Hayley just as the title describes "In Her Own Voice". Ghost-written by Darren Henley but written in the first person, the tone is light and friendly and the reader really feels as if Hayley is talking personally to them - Henley was obviously an inspired choice to co-write the book. As one who has been privileged to have met her in person, the book succeeds in presenting Hayley exactly as she is - a down-to-earth young woman from New Zealand with an outstanding talent for singing and an interest in using her fame and success to help others less fortunate than herself.

The book charts her early years in New Zealand from school performances to busking, right through to getting her first recording contract in New Zealand and the subsequent international success. Along the way we are given interesting snippets of information and anecdotes; some amusing, some giving a deeper insight into the downside of fame, but all of which succeed in making the reader feel that they know her just that little bit better. Hayley also manages to give credit where it is due and to thank the people who helped get her where she is, from the endless support of her family to record company executives and to her loyal fan base and supporters around the world. There are also details of her charity work for UNICEF in Ghana and other insights into the music and concerts.

There are two sections of excellent quality colour photographs including family snaps and early performances in Christchurch right through to more recent charity, promotional and concert pictures. A selected discography and index are also included at the back, allowing the reader to revisit sections of the book and use it as a reference guide.

This book is a definite must-read for fans young and old and one that I will definitely be reading again and again.

Hayley Westenra, Darren Henley

Reader Reviews:

A Very Special Gift (2/2 people found this helpful)

another Kiwi reaches the pinnacle (1/1 people found this helpful)

Inspirational and honest - a must read for any fan (11/11 people found this helpful)

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