Many of you know how much I adore reading! I remember as a young girl looking forward to my summer breaks because well, then I could read what I wanted! The feeling is still the same..nothing has changed. There was a time when it was a bit difficult with two young boys, but now I carve out the time. Plus, I want them to see me reading, it’s important. I want them to know that reading is wonderful and they need to make time to read various selections. In my eyes, reading is a part of finding your voice. You get to read books and share your voice, add your input and gain a better understanding of what you have read. Reading the memoir by Angie Martinez, “My Voice” did exactly that for me. It took me so many places and gave me much more insight, allowing me to dig deeper into myself, into my voice.
I have always been a fan of Angie, as a fellow Latina. I enjoy Rap music but I am more of a house and R & B girl so, in truth, I was NOT a diehard Hot 97 fan. Although I could relate to her stories of recording songs from the radio with a cassette player at a young age. I remember a few episodes she spoke about in her book made me more intrigued by knowing that she was just a girl from New York doing her thang and letting her voice be heard, sort of like me and what I do here.
I enjoyed reading this memoir because she shared some very intimate parts of her life. We know her life wasn’t and still isn’t squeaky clean, but she made it through with determination and perseverance. I enjoy reads like this because we have all faced adversity but it’s what you do with it and the journey that you take that is worth so much more. I love the way she shares how she started from the bottom to get where she is now. Many people nowadays think that you have to accomplish huge things right away in order to “make it” or they lose themselves or sell their soul to get to the top quick. I love the way Angie took her time and basically worked her ass off for all the recognition she has now within the radio industry. She used her voice the best way she knew how to be her own unique self without selling herself short.
In her memoir she takes us through various scenarios where she knew she had to do what was best for her. There were times when she questioned what she was doing and went with her gut. She stood her ground and never compromised who she was. Her voice was her driving force. There were so many times in the book when I sat back and said, “I can relate, what an inspiration.” I especially loved when she reminded her readers that things aren’t always going to be easy. She goes on to say “I worked hard and put myself out there. I’ve accomplished things that I never dreamed were possible. I’ve seen a lot and learned a lot, and I’m proud that I’ve been true to myself the whole way. In that, I found the power of my voice.”
The biggest inspiration I took away from this book was that I feel good about the person I am and the person I will continue to be. I have always been a vocal person. It’s important for me to be who I am and not compromise for anyone. I have that Brooklyn attitude: “I am who I am, take me or leave me” and I love that Angie is quite the same and look how far she has come. There have been instances when others don’t like that I “keep it real” but quite frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love that fact that more and more people are just letting it all hang out and saying what’s in their heart! What the hell….people are going to judge you anyway! Why not use your voice and share how you feel. By speaking your mind and using your voice, you just might motivate and inspire someone else to do the same. After all, this is what is needed more in life…. your true and authentic voice! It’s what makes the world go round!
Care to share: Ever had a book that really inspired you? Share the title below and let’s get reading and inspired together!