Broken Horses

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NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR AND AUTOSTRADDLE - The best-written, most engaging rock autobiography since her childhood hero, Elton John, published Me.--Variety Brandi Carlile, born into a musically gifted yet impoverished family near Seattle, experienced a tumultuous childhood, moving fourteen times in as many years. Her dysfunctional upbringing, while challenging, was also beautiful and nurturing. At five, she survived bacterial meningitis, an event that profoundly influenced her formative years. As an openly gay teenager, Brandi faced the struggle between her sexuality and her faith, especially when her pastor refused to baptize her. Surprisingly, her small town rallied in support, leading her to find solace in music alongside other misfits. In her memoir, Brandi recounts pivotal moments that shaped her art, from performing Elton John's "Honky Cat" in a bedazzled suit to opening for the Dave Matthews Band and embarking on years of touring while raising two children with her wife, Catherine Shepherd. Her journey culminated in collaborations with icons like Elton John and Joni Mitchell and a memorable Grammy appearance that won her millions of fans. Evocative and honest, this work explores faith through the lens of rejection and reflects on the moments that have defined her as a creative artist and empath dedicated to giving back.