The Collegian

Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Arts/Entertainment

Have you read a good book lately? I am not talking about that book you have to read for class. There is nothing like curling up with a good book and a bag of potato chips. I myself never really have been a big fan of reading. I remember in elementary school the teacher read us the Box Car Children. Each school day, I eagerly anticipated the next chapter to see what was going to happen next. Would the children get caught? Would anybody get hurt?

I recently read another book that had the same effect on me. I was on the edge of the sofa wanting to know more about what actually happened to the late singer Phyllis Hyman. Its okay if you do not know her; that's what the book is about. What makes the book deep is Hyman's struggle with depression and an unsuccessful career. Each chapter goes deeper into her life, asking: how far will she go? What will she do the next time?

I had the opportunity to speak with the book's author, Jason A. Michael, before reading the book. I have never really been a big fan of biographies, especially those about entertainers that they did not write themselves. However, Michael worked very closely with the late singer's family to put this, the official biography, out. The book becomes more than a biography-it shares a story of the pain of a life that was wrapped in solitude. Phyllis Hyman, who never received the proper credit she deserved, took her own life in the mid 90's. Michael shared that writing the book even helped him to overcome some of his own depression.

If you want to know the real story about Phyllis Hyman and her days as a shining star, pick up the book or go to www.phyllishymanstory.com for more information.

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