Oh, my beloved Janet. I have never been more eager to return a book to the library. Not because I want to share the joy of reading with the next participant, but mainly because I can rid myself of the bedside-book guilt of not enjoying your literary attempt. Now, mind you, I understand you are a private person. And shy, to boot. But, I was under the impression that when I picked up a book about your life, that I would actually read about YOUR life. I pity the fool who believes this. I've learned more about your "friends" and their personal struggles than I have yours. Now, I can relate to your fluctuating weight and the determination to be healthy but happy; those struggles mirror my own. But, if I can be blunt, I realized that about you over the years. Your weight has been all over the board and I know, first hand, the emotional strain that comes with that reality. But all this book did was highlight it. Miss Jackson, (and I don't mean that in a nasty way), perhaps you weren't ready to tell your story. At least not most of it -- some for legal reasons, some because it's against your nature. I get that. But, I gotta say, this book, similar to your role in "For Colored Girls" was necessary, yet not notable. I am glad you are working through the issues that developed between you and Michael early in your siblinghood. And I am glad you are redefining your sense of self as a woman within relationships. I just hope in your next book, which I will undoubtedly read, (solely because I'm a fan! dammit!), perhaps you can redirect your focus. This book seems as if it's written for a younger audience. Other times, it seems as if you're talking to your older fans, in the same simplistic child-like tones. What you wrote was a whisper towards the truth. And even that takes bravery. If that is all we should expect from you, I will correct myself. But, I WILL warn others, that just because you subtitled the book, "A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself" does not mean that Janet will take you anywhere beyond the corner CVS to pick up a copy of Essence. Janet, I still remain a fan....of your music!