Chaka! Through the Fire

Growing up listening to Chaka Khan's music and already having a sense of understanding about her, made this quite the enjoyable read! Every fan should read this book and then share it with anyone who would like to see how a sister triumphed over the harsh reality of the ghetto, drug abuse and the entertainment industry. This autobiography shapes Sister Khan's life in a positive, truthful way. I read this and at times, would catch myself looking at her pictures, listening to some of her favorite songs and then acutally crying, because our music would not be the same without her. It felt good knowing that after all that she had been through, she is still here and we can still experience her gift through the sampling of new artists and by dusting off an old album or CD. I have a new found respect for Sister Khan after reading this book and would recommend that everyone read it as well. This is the perfect book club novel, full of great discussion points and filled with many great lessons in life. An excellent novel, to say the least.Rene ReyesMBC/2004

Really enjoyed this read. it's the rare diva that writes a truly reflective, truthful memoir with inclusion of thier triumphs and mistakes. Ms. Khan comes across as comical in this book as she does in person. It is absolutely amazing that through all the abuse she has inflicted on hrself, she still possesses a pair of the best pipes in the business and is going as strong as she did in the beginning of her career. It is also so heartwarming that her family is so supportive and that she has made amends with her children and extended relatives. I adore her to pieces and I hope that voice continues to soar for another fifty years. Great read.

The year 2003 marks the 30th anniversary of music icon Chaka Khan's recording career. In celebration of this milestone , Chaka has written a deeply moving autobiography, one that (like the singer) will evoke many emotions. Chaka, a woman who's influence can rival that of any modern day musical institution (ie: Aretha, Miles, Joni and Billie), is the youngest link in the chain of the... "last of the great singers". Chaka!Through The Fire takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride as the gifted singer recounts her colorful childhood, rocky teens and (even rockier) adulthood. Hers is a gripping story of struggle,turmoil, strength and finally redemption. Chaka's recollections are candid and brutally honest as they are witty. I found myself laughing, crying and "feeling" for her. I thought I knew her story, but this book opened my eyes to a great many things. Behind the beautiful face (one of the most incredible smiles ever), talent and humility was a highly intelligent yet troubled superstar. Which proves that money can't buy you happiness. In fact it can ruin you, as it almost did with Chaka. This book gives deeper insight into one of the most important female artist of all time. A GREAT read!

Though the book name is Chaka! "Through the Fire", Ms. Khan shows that she can go through the fire, shed the traces of her former selves and spread her wings and soar like the Hot Butterfly that she is. As stated by previous reviewers this is a very honest and heartfelt review of the ups and downs, and turn arounds of a artists who is royalty in the world of music. Ms. Khan traces her interesting, but turbulent childhood and teens years as a black panther, through her initial rise to fame with Funk Legends Rufus, and her forray into a successful solo career. Behind the glitz and glamour Chaka shares in details her many addictions to drugs and the many insecure men she has had in her life. Throughout all of this Chaka was able to eventually find herself, self love and innerpeace. This book is very inspiring and Chaka's narrative reads like a movie script. You feel like she's sitting in the roon with you as you read it. I say this is a Must Have, and you'll walk away very inspired. As the old cliche's go Chaka proves that she is "A woman, a Backbone, and it's all in her".

This memoir of Chaka Khan's life is a must-read. This brilliant piece of work titles each chapter with the title of one of Ms. Khan's songs. Excerpts of the lyrics in the book serve as a kind of icing on what's going on in each chapter. It's a very intelligent book, touching on world/social events while at the same time applying that era to her personal ups and downs. Chaka is very frank in the book. She's basically "keeping it real". It's sheer honesty, sometimes brutal, sometimes shocking, sometimes inspiring. Chaka leaves no rock unturned. And yes, the drug use is in the book. I felt privileged to have this look into this legend's exciting life and I'm a better, more knowledgable person because of it. It's about hope, despite the circumstances. Get it, you won't be disappointed.