Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer

By Chely Wright

Book Overview

Chely Wright, singer, songwriter, and country music star, writes in this moving, telling memoir about her life and her career; about growing up in America's heartland and about barely remembering a time when she didn't know she was different. The youngest of three children, Wright would ascend the ladder to the top of the country-music world, only to find herself trapped in a place she hadn't foreseen, but had to face.

From high-school homecoming queen to successful recording artist with her first hit single, "Shut Up and Drive " Wright's journey was dictated by keeping the truth of who she was closeted in a world in which country music stars had never been - and could not be - openly gay. Working with the biggest names in Nashville, she navigated these treacherous waters until the charade took too great a toll.

Ultimately, as she reveals in this candid and outspoken work, Wright found the courage to untangle herself from the image of the country music star she'd become, an image steeped in long-standing ideals and notions about who - and what - a country artist is, and what fans expect that artist to be.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1423499484
• ISBN13: 9781423499480
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Chely Wright is Honest, Powerful, and Intensely Courageous

Who would have thought that an unbelievably talented, bright, country girl from Kansas would be harboring such a painful and debilitating secret? That is just the point that Chely Wright is trying to make with her new memoir, "Like Me." Driven to silence and shame by the conservative community that she grew up in, Chely Wright struggled with her homosexuality from childhood on. In this powerful account of her lifelong battle, Chely shows us how stereotypes, intolerance, and ignorance can deplete a person and drive them to take extreme measures to avoid having to face the painful truth. Chely has mentioned that her coming out may ultimately end her career in country music. I beg to differ; anyone who picks up this book or listens to her new album can have nothing but respect for her work. Country music fans seek honesty and passion in their words and music, and that is exactly what Chely Wright delivers. Chely's honesty is admirable to say the least; her memoir will enlighten those with a more conservative mindset, and will comfort those who are struggling with their own personal battles. Harboring a secret of your own? You will not feel alone after reading this book.

Wonderful book.

I have been a fan of Chely Wright since the 90's, I was excited to hear the news that she had a new album coming out. After hearing her very personal and courageous coming out story, I had to read her memoir. I too am a gay woman who has struggled with the fact and that I tried so hard to change but knew I couldn't. This book was so personal and I was able to really relate to many many things Chely wrote about regarding her internal struggle with accepting herself. I read the book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I want my family (especially my mother) to read this book to try and understand more of how I feel about myself and Chely wrote it beautifully. Her story will help many LGBT youth and adults and hopefully their families. Thank you Chely for your strength and courage, good luck with your journey.

An honest tale powerfully wrought

I don't usually read celebrity autobiographies, but I was intrigued by this author's story. The book did not disappoint. It was a moving and extremely honest autobiography, well-written and well-edited.

Worth the Read

I've been a fan of Chely Wright's since I first discovered country music in my teens. Since then she has somewhat fallen out of the spotlight but I was thrilled when I learned she was returning this month with a new album and a memoir. While it is no surprise that her "coming out" was matched time-wise with the release of her album/book, I am happy to say the book is not a tell all ridiculous concoction of seemingly false or exaggerated encounters with famous and non-famous men and women. It is NOT about her life as a lesbian although this is an important part of her self. It's about much more than that. The book is quite a read--very intriguing and extremely well written. Wright as a songwriter has a knack for poetic form to tell her story. Hers is one of a small town Kansan who moves to Nashville to follow her dreams. What a refreshing All-American story this is, and a reminder of why this country is so grand. I highly recommend.

A beautiful story, well told

All the press about Miss Wright's 'coming out' may obscure the fact that she has written an intensely personal and beautiful debut book. Along with her melodic singing voice, she has a beautiful literary voice and tells an all-American tale of dreams, delving and disappointment. She has had an amazing life full of courage and commitment and I applaud her for sharing it with all of us.