Adele: A Celebration of an Icon and Her Music

by Sarah-Louise James

Adele needs no introduction. Her first album propelled her to fame; the second consolidated her position as a record-breaking superstar. The beauty of her vocals and the power of her lyrics have resonated with fans everywhere. Celebration of an Icon and her Music not only looks at the stories and emotions behind her bestselling songs, it also follows her rise from her humble beginnings in North London to worldwide success. Featuring more than 125 gorgeous photographs, this stunning volume testifies to Adele's global appeal.

Genres: Biography, Music, Nonfiction

174 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Dori Sabourin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written as a biography of Adele, covering her upbringing from birth to present day, it is reminiscent of memoirs such as The Glass Castle, and Educated where the main character rises in life to a level unforeseen by her younger self. Adele was born into a music loving family. Her mother, Penny, took her to see Cure at an open-air concert in Finsbury Park when Adele was two. Adele received her first guitar, a Fisher Price model, at the age of four. Penny recognized and supported Adele's talent. Imagine how proud Penny must be of Adele who went on to win six prestigious musical awards. Adele shares her musical talent with the world, not as a sex symbol but as an inspiration to all her listeners. In her words, "Music is in your ears, not your eyes.". How refreshing!

I recommend this book to music lovers everywhere.

[Lāsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jāatzīst, ka pirmo reizi lasīju grāmatu svešvalodā. Un tiešām - bija tā vērts! Iepazinu Adeles daiļradi, rakstura šķautnes un to, kā aizsākās un turpinājās viņas ceļš līdz pasaules līmeņa zvaigznei. Viegli uztverama, saistošā valodā sarakstīta grāmata. Ja agrāk es biju vien dzirdējusi dažas Adeles dziesmas, par fanu mani nenosaukt - tad šī grāmata manī radīja apbrīnu un pamudināja noklausīties as much as possible no Adeles daiļrades.

[Beth Huddleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the author pulls in interesting information about Adele's young life, experiences at talented BRIT school, and beginnings of Adele's career, the photos and captions seem to be misplaced. There will be event photos placed in the book chapters before the actual event is mentioned. This made the book slightly disjointed overall.

[Harry Burnside · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very readable book which I enjoyed despite not being terribly thrilled with Adele as an artiste.
At times the writer was a bit too over the top on how wonderful Adele is.
However I can't knock the amazing success she has had. Impressive for a girl with an annoying whiny voice.

[Ed Zaremba · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is an older book (2012), it had interesting stories on Adele, one of the world's best female vocalists (& one of my personal favorites) covering her youth thru her first two albums, "19" & "21." However, I would classify this as a coffee table book instead of a biography since the majority of it is photographs instead of verbiage.

[Cecilee Linke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book for 75% off at Barnes and Noble and decided to pick it up. I am not always in the mood for her music (I've been in a very happy relationship for quite a few years now, so I don't feel the need for torch songs much anymore!), but I do like Adele's voice and style. I first heard of her when her song "Hometown Glory" was offered as an iTunes Single of the Week waaaaaaay back when I was in college, I think in 2007/2008. I liked her voice and have been a fan since, even though I don't listen to her all the time.

This is a very light read, as to be expected. It's 170+ pages but there are lots of pictures, the text is large, and the words don't even take up most of the vertical part of the page. That's ok, it's a celebrity biography, so we're not expecting anything really deep here. :) Anyone looking for any really personal dirt on Adele is not going to find it here since this is an unauthorized biography. It was interesting to read about her early life and going to school, then how she became popular, etc. She was not quite an overnight sensation, which was refreshing to read. It is a little out of date, since it doesn't include her recording the mega-hit "Skyfall," or falling pregnant and having her first child last year. I enjoyed the passages the most about the behind-the-scenes of recording her albums. I like seeing how other people do it, since I too enjoy recording music on the side. :)

Overall, if you want to know more about this young woman's life, I would recommend it. It took me less than a day to read it. Liked it!

[Monica Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Adele is best appreciated by listening to her music and hearing her incredible distinctive voice, but this bibliography offers a nice summary of her life. It starts logically with her childhood and follows her on her path to superstardom. For those looking for dirty details, this book doesn't provide them. It is a more fact based and researched summary of Adele's life, however the book is no authorized by Adele, nor does she contribute in any way to its creation. I literally read it in less than an hour. Adele fans- especially reluctant readers or teen readers will probably get the most out of the book. There is enough detailed content to make this book appropriate for school assignments, but enough pictures to make it not feel like work to read.

[Eve Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a gift. The only reason I read it. Yes, she is wonderful and I love her music but I'm sorry, she has done way too little to have a book written about her. None of it was exciting. I'll read about her when she's in her 60s or something and has a ton of records out.

[Rem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book that I quickly read. It is very easy reading, and there are plenty of beautiful photos of the 'soulstress'.I never heard of Adele until the beginning of the year, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and interesting account of both Adele's life and career up to the album '21'. If you're a fan of this amazing woman's voice the book is great for some comforting and laid back light reading over a cup of green tea.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book i did not now Adele smocked

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought that this book was great because i never new things like she smoked and her parent got a deviorse when she was youn g and wayyy more things like that!!!!

[Jennifer He · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read.
I was just curious of what is behind that amazing voice.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come soon!

[Divya · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting biography of Adele written for her fans by someone who's clearly a fan herself. Populist but light and fun.

[Lorenzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was informative but very biased and there were many typos.

[Michael Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

So inspiring.

[Sherita Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book...love the photos