Like Me by Chely Wright

I just started reading Chely Wright's Autobiography, Like Me.  My sister passed it on to me, after she had read through it, with a very high recommendation.  Having put off reading other suggestions from my sister, like Chaz Bono's Bio, I felt I should attempt this one.  So far it's been a very quick read but quite compelling as well.

Chely Wright was one of my favorite Country Music artist's back in the day.  I used to sing along to "Single White Female" and her rendition of  "Jezebel" to the top of my lungs while driving to and from classes or work.  When I took my sister to see her country music fav, Terri Clark, Chely Wright was one of the opening acts.  She put on a show with so much heart, I couldn't help but be impressed.  Granted we were at the local Army Base for their summer concert series for the troops, so all the artists were giving their very best.  In her book, Wright talks about how important it is for her to go and perform for the military personnel in combat locations as well as at those back at home.

Her discussion of the Country Music Industry is eye-opening and, so far, I feel like she adheres to the school of thought that if you can't say something nice about someone it's best to not say anything at all.  She talks about the bad behaviors of some music executives and artists at promotional parties but she never names names or goes into specific detail.  She does, however, talk very warmly about her friendship with Vince Gill and Amy Grant as well as other country music stars.  Chely talks about her relationship with Brad Paisley and her own regrets in regards to her behavior towards him.  The respect she still has for Paisley is very obvious and it is very reassuring to know that the persona most of these stars present to the public isn't that far off from who they really are.  I will just say right now that SheDaisy and Rascal Flatts gained a lot of respect from me after reading a few chapters in Chely Wright's book.

She also talks very openly about her journey to become a Country Music Star and her internal struggle with being a Lesbian in a very conservative atmosphere.  She talks about knowing she was different from a very young age and how that conflicted with the message she was getting at church and from the small town community in which she grew up.  There are times when I want to weep for the things this woman has had to endure.  The title of the book really covers a lot of ground.  Like me, for those that are like her and struggling with different identities in a complex world.  Like me, for those that have felt they weren't good enough and just needed someone to bolster their self-confidence.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who may be or ever has struggled with coming out.  I would also recommend this book to anyone dealing with their own issues about a relative coming out.  And last, but not least, any Chely Wright or Country Music fan who would like an insider view.