Janet Jackson can now add "New York Times best-selling author" to her list of professional accomplishments. The pop icon opened up to our colleagues at The BoomBox about her lifelong struggle with weight and low self-esteem in her new book, 'True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself.'
Read an excerpt below and check out the full interview here.
What about your life, at this point in time, has encouraged you to finally reveal your secret personal struggles and put this book out?
It has been a long road, but I am finally happy with my life. 'True You' is not an autobiography, but it does have anecdotes from my life. When I was a kid, I didn't like anything about myself, I didn't feel that I could talk to anyone. I felt so alone. It was important for me to share these stories so people can see that they are not alone. I didn't know of a book like this when I was growing up or I would have read it. It would have helped me so much, and that is why I decided to write 'True You.'
How do you define the "true you"?
Achieving your true you is going to be different for everyone. For me, it is about having confidence in myself, loving myself for how I am and living a happy life.
What was the hardest chapter to write in 'True You' and why?
The whole book was difficult to write. I am a very private person. I guess I always have been, even as a child. I am not accustomed to revealing that much about myself.
Where were you and what was your reaction when 'True You' topped the 'New York Times' best-seller list?
I was on tour when I learned that 'True You' became a No. 1 New York Times best-seller. My reaction is that I am so grateful to everyone who supported it and made it possible.
Kristy Swanson Georgina Grenville Tamala Jones Emilie de Ravin Brittany Daniel
