CDD's Review of "The Invisible Revolution"

CDD's roving reporter Romy wrote this editorial review of the recently released "The Invisible Revolution: Clay Aiken and the fans who made him a star" by Terry Piper.

CLAY'S DAILY DOUBLE REVIEW -- "The Invisible Revolution: Clay Aiken and the fans who made him a star"
Book by Terry Piper, Ph.D.
Review by CDD's Romy

This book is not a biography, though it tells you a lot about Clay
Aiken.

This book is not a guidebook, though it can be used as one by fans of other singers or musicians

This book is not an expose, though you will learn much about the activities of the television show, American Idol, and the music business in general.

This book is not a novel, though Dickens, a few centuries ago, could have written "Clay Expectations."

This book is not a textbook, though aspiring writers and students of English can use this book to learn how to write clearly, smoothly and with excellent sentence structure and transitions.

OK, what is it? It is a non-fiction book about a man, Clay Aiken. Dr. Piper writes of his life, his beautiful clear tenor voice, his pleasant looks and charming personality. He is a young man, a teacher of special education, who lives in an time altered by forces of popular culture. The atmosphere of the new century also changed following the tragedy of 9-11.

Dr. Piper reveals the purpose and machinations of American Idol, the TV show on which Clay performed during its second season. Following his first appearance, a dauntless group of fans, the Clay Nation, worked very hard to vote him into top place. This having failed, they concentrated on furthering his musical career and insuring his success. Dr. Piper speaks of the music business in general and the way its statistics are manipulated.

Using research into original sources, the archives of the various web sites dedicated to Clay, Dr. Piper pays much attention to Clay's fans, commonly called Claymates, Claydawgs, Claymaniacs, etc. Their strategy and use of the internet to promote Aiken's career created the Invisible Revolution that made an American Idol runner-up into a major star.

Finally, there is the question of Aiken's music longevity. Will he continue singing the music that has made him popular? Will he branch out into other kinds of music. Will the Clay Nation follow him regardless of any decision he makes?

The book contains many fine black and white pictures of Clay and members of his crew. It also includes funny and touching letters, poems and parodies written by his fans. This is a book to read, re-read and enjoy.

Buy it now...
The Invisible Revolution: Clay Aiken and the fans who made him a star
by Terry Piper, Ph.D.
Cambridge, Cambridge Books, 2005
Amazon price: $18.99

Because of the unauthorized nature of this book, Clay's Daily Double does not endorse this work of non-fiction in any way, shape or form. This review is solely for informational purposes.