''True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself'' is a

self-help Self-help or self-improvement is a self-guided improvement''APA Dictionary of Physicology'', 1st ed., Gary R. VandenBos, ed., Washington: American Psychological Association, 2007.—economically, intellectually, or emotionally—often with a subs ...

book co-authored by American singer

Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...

and biographer

David Ritz David Ritz (born December 2, 1943 in New York City) is an American author. He has written novels, biographies, magazine articles, and over a hundred liner notes for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Nat King Cole. He has coauthore ...

, released on February 15, 2011. In the book, Jackson opens up about her struggles with food, body image, and relationships. It topped ''The New York Times'' Best Seller list in the Hardcover Advice and Misc. section the week of March 6, 2011.

Background

Jackson's book deals with self-esteem, self-love, and how to feel good about one's body. Her book consists of personal anecdotes, pictures of her at different stages in her life, and an essay from her personal trainer combined with some of Janet's favorite recipes. In an interview with ''

USA Today ''USA Today'' (stylized in all uppercase) is an American daily middle-market newspaper and news broadcasting company. Founded by Al Neuharth on September 15, 1982, the newspaper operates from Gannett's corporate headquarters in Tysons, Virgini ...

'', Jackson was candid about what would be included in the book, saying "I've had issues since I was a child. I wasn't heavy, but people made me feel like I was, I was told I needed to lose weight. And they'd bind my chest, because I already had breasts. At a young age, I was being told I wasn't good enough. So the book is about self-esteem as well". The online media newspaper PopEater published an exclusive interview with Jackson involving the book. Talking about the writing process, she admitted "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." She also said that the goal of the book is to make people feel like they're "not alone".

Reviews and performance

''True You'' received a mixed review from ''

The Washington Post ''The Washington Post'' (also known as the ''Post'' and, informally, ''WaPo'') is an American daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C. It is the most widely circulated newspaper within the Washington metropolitan area and has a large n ...

''. Author Michael Gross called the book a "mash-up of celebrity tell-nothing, dysfunction memoir and Oprah-ready self-help", complaining that the book lacked a structured narrative and suggesting that for people to really get to know Jackson "cue up ''

Control Control may refer to: Basic meanings Economics and business * Control (management), an element of management * Control, an element of management accounting * Comptroller (or controller), a senior financial officer in an organization * Controlli ...

'' or ''

Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 ''Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814'' is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson, released on September 19, 1989, by A&M Records. Although label executives wanted material similar to her previous album, ''Control'' (19 ...

''". The week of March 6, 2011, the book hit the number one spot on ''The New York Times'' Best Seller list's Hardcover Advice and Misc. section. The book was sold at each stop of Jackson's Number Ones: Up Close and Personal tour in 2011.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself 2011 non-fiction books Self-help books Body image in popular culture Books by Janet Jackson