Hicks, Taylor with David Wild. Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way. Crown. Jul. 2007. c.288p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-0-307-38243-6. $24.95. MUSIC

Hicks, the winner of the fifth season of American Idol last year, is the first idol to publish a memoir. As a child in Alabama, he got his first listen to soul music by way of an Otis Redding record and "a new soulful world opened up." In prose both humble and self-promotional, Hicks writes of the obstacles he faced having a band and being on the road; but rather than see road blocks, he used the difficulties he encountered and his weaknesses to his advantage. He attributes his success to thinking ahead, self-confidence, determination, and using his imperfections, like gray hair at an early age, to help him stand out. Amidst the life lessons, Hicks shares inspirational advice and music recommendations, which make his book enjoyable even for those who didn't see him on TV. Good for young adults and older; recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/06.]—Lani Smith, Boston