The epigraph to her book reads simply: “To Mike” 

A beautiful sentiment that reminds us of the world’s tragic loss of music legend, Michael Jackson, and simultaneously reveals Janet as the caring and sensitive member of Jackson family that we know and love.  

But do we really know her?

Janet Jackson is world-renowned for her head-bopping tunes and iconic dance moves.  From the flirtatious style on her Control album to the socially conscious lyrics of Rhythn Nation, Jackson has successfully re-invented her image almost as many times as other artists like Madonna. 

In addition, Jackson has appeared on television sitcoms and played various movie roles throughout her career.  For more than three decades the public has gained access unsolicited by the star through the relentless paparazzi and the inappropriate tabloids.  Nonetheless, Jackson insists that we don't really know her - until now.  In her new book entitled, True You, Jackson takes the reader back to start of her journey from child star to musical icon to movie star. 

Jackson provides us with an eye-opening account of her struggles of finding herself in an overwhelming sea of celebrity and fame.  

Growing up in a family of performers, Jackson recalls, “My early life as a performer was rooted in the unspoken belief – suppress your feelings.”  The family motto would prove devastating to a young emotionally vulnerable Janet.  Starved for permission to be emotionally expressive, Jackson turned to food as a source of comfort.

Throughout the first 160 pages of the book, Jackson outlines a series of life altering chronological experiences mostly connected to the pressures of growing up under the critical gaze of the public eye.  Amongst these experiences, Jackson recognizes the development of her dysfunctional relationship with food. From an early age, she remembers gaining autonomy over her eating habits.  Jackson’s sudden independence with her diet combined with her habit of eating her feelings, leads to an eventual routine of overeating especially late at night. Subsequently, a series of yo-yo diets follow her through the years, accompanied by several bouts of depression.  

The last 100 pages are composed of a collection of photographs of Jackson; a short afterward complete with general dietary advice by nutritionist David Allen; and a series of recipes prepared by Janet’s personal chef – a nice touch especially since her chef informs us that Janet personally sampled all the recipes prior to their inclusion in the book.    

It is clear that True You aspires to provide us with a closer look inside the life of the real Janet Jackson while offering us advice on how to discover and remain true to our authentic self.  Connection to Jackson’s story will ostensibly lead us to discover some common challenges for which she offers possible solutions.   However, our relationship to Jackson is disrupted on several occasions throughout the book.  In an effort to expand on a certain issue, Jackson includes stories from her friends and letters from her fans. 

Although these poignant stories add depth to the book, they also isolate the reader from Jackson, which seems counterproductive.  At times, the shear length of these stories makes it difficult to follow the point of their inclusion.   In any case, Jackson’s true self does shine through by the end especially in her chapter called, “Velvet Rope”.   In this chapter she seems to dig a little deeper and reveal some of her inner thoughts of dealing with depression.

Jackson calls her book, “a journey to finding and loving yourself” rather than a memoir or autobiography.  This description seems appropriate since there is a definite sense in the concluding pages that her journey is far from over.

Alison Taylor
		About the author:
		Alison Taylor studies English literature at the University of Toronto. Dissecting language and absorbing literary theory provides her with intellectual stimulation, but Alison’s passion for overall wellness and contemporary culture compels her to write for the mainstream reader as well as her professors.  When Alison isn’t at her computer, she is hanging out with her very own “mini me”, personally training clients in her home studio, or baking cookies in an attempt to pacify an insatiable sweet tooth.
	Read More >>