Phases by Brandy

Synopsis: First-person account (in phases) of becoming a Grammy® Award-winning American singer and celebrity actress. 

Writing Style: Novelish. Touchy-Feely.

Pacing: Moderate. 

Personal Highlights: Years ago, after hearing a comment on the radio (about Brandy), and getting into a galling convo as a result there of, I knew I wanted to read this book. Some believe, fans have an absolute right to pluck stars from the sky.

The novelish writing, different from traditional memoir writing, caught my attention first as it tempered the pacing. Though I knew of this singer and actress from Moesha (a TV sitcom my children likely watched), I did have to revisit her music. OMGoodness! Her songs brought back good memories! Never would’ve guessed the genesis behind “Best Friends”, one of my favorites, bringing me to her sound/voice upon which I agree, is now everywhere. 

Avoiding spoilers, Brandy was young when her fame kicked off, and a natural romantic at heart. The harder stories that stuck with me; Her fixation on wanting to be liked, though this aspect of her personality very likely facilitated her assent to fame. Even so, her dealing with fame, the things that made her, broke her and her struggle to find her was tough to read. And really, age matters none when trust is betrayed, whether you’re 15 or 115.

 

Now, as for the parts I so, so loved. Well, I too liked the Moesha name. Catchy. One of a kind. Forever. The mention of Kim Fields. Woot. Woot. The Monica relationship was a touching inclusion. Come on ladies! And the oooh’s and oh’s and aah’s, falling over people who while great artists, or great at whatever their specialty, put their clothes on like everybody else often tickled me. And yet, full stop, what takes this memoir over the top was her delivery of her “The Greatest Love of All” …from her early admiration of her “North Star” and the CeCe phone call to her “North Star,” to her relationship with the inspiration that delivered her so many wins. What an intoxicating read! JUST BEAUTIFUL. Read hardback 2026 copyright edition.