Voice Lessons: A Sisters Story

by Cara Mentzel, Cara Mentzel

Voice Lessons is the story of Cara and Idina -- a real-life Anna and Elsa story that will be familiar to every woman with a big sister and a must-read for Idina Menzel fans.

It's the story of one woman growing up in the shadow of an older, dazzling sister -- trying to be like her, fighting with her, and ultimately learning how to live her own life and speak in her own voice on her own terms. As Cara Mentzel, an elementary school teacher who lives in Boulder, Colorado, set off on her own journey, she watched her sister Idina from the wings and gives readers a front row seat to opening night of Rent and Wicked, a seat at the Tonys, and a place on the red carpet when her sister taught millions more to -Let It Go-.

As Cara puts it, -My big sister is Tony-Award-Winning, Gravity-Defying, Let-It-Go-Singing Idina Menzel who has received top billing on Broadway marquees, whose face has graced the cover of Billboard and Redbook magazines, who has performed for Barbra Streisand and President Obama, at the Super Bowl and at the Academy Awards. John Travolta may have called her 'Adele Dazeem' but I call her Dee.- Voice Lessons is Cara's memoir of their lives together.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook, Adult, Biography Memoir, Autobiography

259 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2017

About the author

Cara is a writer and a teacher. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with the love of her life. She has two teenage boys who like to reprimand her for cursing too much, and an older stepson who is an aspiring musician. She also has two dogs with whom she has much in common, a border collie with OCD and a maltipoo with a weak bladder. Voice Lessons is her first book.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never heard of this book or goodreads, but yesterday I found a copy of this book. I need to say what has happened to me because I still don't believe it. I was taking my daughter Hope to the library when she found a small collection of items on the sidewalk. Being 15 she just picked it up, and I was thinking that someone had dropped this book. We found a new CD with it, and other items. We went back to my car and found cash, gift cards, a note and a sticker inside. I was certain someone dropped it. Then we opened and read the letter and I started to cry! Someone gifted me a stranger all this stuff. I'm a single mom of a teen girl. I'm still in shock, it kept me up all night thinking and being happy/sad. I have never found anything like this. I have heard of this singer Idina, but they was also a brand new CD enclosed. The money and gift cards was a lot! Who does this? They're was a letter that said when i'm done with the book to text and this person will trade me a brand new copy for this paperback one that is an early edition with typos and stuff in it. I called the # and left a long thank you, but haven't heard back yet. I can't believe it but I'm crying right now just typing this!
To goodreads and this Santa I say many THANK YOUS. You don't know what this means to me. We started listening to the cd and she is awesome. I'm more of a country girl but I know she sings that Disney song. I read the first chapter today at work on break and it is really good. I can't wait to read it all. I honestly haven't read a book since high school. God I'm cryong again!

Thanks to all of you at goodreads! You are an angel! I'm still in shock over his! It makes me want to read more and be nicer to people. thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATED Dec. '17
I finished all of the book Voice Lessons, it was really good and made my cry and laugh at the same time. I loaned the book to my mother, who also loved it. I finally got a text message back from the guy who gave it out. He wanted to exchange this old copy for a new hardcover with pictures in it. I agreed to meet him, I wanted to thank him for the gifts and all the happiness from just finding this book. My daughter Hope and me met him for dinner at Woodfire Grill, where I wanted to buy him dinner and give him a huge hug! This guy looks like a Paul Newman! OMG he was cute lol, but with a long hunting beard as he called it. Anyways, after dinner he thanked me for the book back, and said I could pick 1 item from his bag. WTF?? I told him he was already more then generous to us with all he has given us. He said thanks for dinner, then left my daughter 3 small packages and just left! I was shocked, he was just giving us more stuff! WHO does this??? I told my kid that she could have what ever she wanted out of the 3. We opened them up, it was a new book like he said, one was a Christmas card with 300 in cash and the other was 300 more in Victoria secret giftcards!!!!!! OMFG>>>>>>
This guy made me cry all over again! Who does this????
He wouldn't talk a lot about himself, but he did seem to have a lot of interest in that book and Goodreads! I'm 100% convinced that he either knows the author or works for Goodreads! He has every much made our year! And Christmas! This guy has given my over 1,000 to a total stranger!!!!!! It's like a dream to me and Hope!!! I gave our waitress 50 tip and she was thrilled! I just can't thank GOODREADS ENOUGH!!!!
You both have made my entire year, and I think I may want to go on a date now!!!!! God, this is just all so strange to me.
We thank you again Mr. John wherever you are at
hugs and kisses from us to you and your wife!
XOXOX

[Christine Greck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is evidence that the Mentzel talent pool runs very deep. I must start off by saying that while I'm an avid reader, I never read autobiographies. I was lucky enough to win an advanced copy of Voice Lessons by Cara Mentzel and was immediately drawn into this book. I'm surprised to learn that this is Cara's first book; she writes with such passion and grace that one longs to read it. Not knowing what to expect, I sat down and started to read it. Before I knew it, I was a slobbering emotional mess! And I'm a dude with no feelings! I never took my eyes away until I was finished at 4am. What an absolute fascinating tale of a sisters' love, told with insight seldom seen. Such raw beauty and vivid details unfold in an effortless read that just tears at your emotions. This is a MUST read for anyone with a sister, or anyone who questions ones self worth to their family. After digesting it, I feel almost as if she wrote about MY family. The anger, the sadness, the jealousy, the inability to say I love you. It touches on the greatest of joys, while punching you in the gut with an intimidating fear. A Sisters Story is tinged with a slight touch of understandable jealously, and filled with larger than life real family dynamics. It's hard to be "The Rock" in a family, but even harder when your sister is the beacon of love and hope for millions of individuals longing to be loved. While everyone is in awe of her sister's raw and natural talent, Cara is there. While sis casts a huge shadow, it's easy to see that Cara is the true center of love and an inspiration for her sister.
I have 4 sisters, and it makes me want to call them up and tell them that I never knew that one could use a nursing pad like a Frisbee. It also gives me a whole new meaning on what is means to have your sister dedicate Dear Prudence to you nightly. After all, it's a sister love...
I sincerely recommend you getting this and reading it. Cara is after all, The Writer in the family.

"My heart hung high over it, as bright as the moon..."

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could have read this all in one sitting if I didn't have this thing called work......haha.....still only took me two nights. What a beautiful.....hilarious...emotional.....really candid and truly just remarkable memoir. I love Cara's really honest writing, I felt like it was no holds barred....there were stories I expected to hear about being in the audience when Idina won her Tony Award and when Idina sang at the Oscars....and then personal family stories about love and loss.... and struggles and success...and everything in between. A perfect book for anyone that is a fan of Idina Menzel, or just has a special relationship with a sister, I feel like alot of people could relate to this book even if they weren't familiar with Idinas career...the writing is superb, the stories are wonderful, and it will suck you in quickly! :) Highly recommend.

[Ava Giovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was loaned an early uncorrected copy by my friend J. and it was awesome! The author has a way with words that just flow like poetry! Very hard to put down, you just want to keep it going and going. I literally didn't want to return the book to him! I come from a large family and it seemed so very real, filled with great stories and adventures that you want to hear even more about. I did some research and it's her first book, pretty neat, very well written and sure to be a hit, especially with all the fans of the author. I LOVE Idina, but I feel like I'm now more in love with Ca-ra! Can't wait to get my own copy of it soon! I hope she write more in the future and not just about her family, but maybe in the style of JKR, GRRM or JRR like an epic novel! Get writing girl friend!!!!
AAAAA++++++++++++
Ava

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I debated buying this but am a bit of an Idina Menzel fan. Typically, I wait for our library to have the book but I through caution to the wind and bought Cara Mentzel's first book (of many, I hope). Buy this book if you are a fan of her sister. Buy this book if you have ever doubted yourself and the choices you've made. Buy this book if you want to laugh - and cry.

Mentzel captures the challenges of self-reflection - "Am I too critical of myself? Oh wait, I shouldn't be so easy on myself, I can do better!" This constant tension frames my life and instead of trying to escape it, Mentzel reminds me that life is a gift full of challenges, unexpected pain (isn't all pain unexpected?), and bliss.

This one I'll read again.

[Sarah Hillyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Let me just say I am a slow reader but between getting it in the mail at night and college classes, I can proudly brag it took me two days to read because I was so invested. There was humor, there was drama, and so much heart in this book. It's difficult for me to truly describe the beauty of reading the story Cara Mentzel has willingly shared. Reading Voice Lessons felt like finally getting to meet someone you've only heard mention of then sitting down with them over coffee as they tell you a story and wanting them to keep talking, contently eager to learn more about them.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautifully written and I love all the stories.

[sayitwithasmile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I was a little taken aback by the fact that it is written by and from the perspective of Idina's younger sister Cara rather than Idina herself but found this to be my favorite part of the entire thing! Memoirs are often repetitive; you only read about famous people with extraordinary lives. It was refreshing to learn about this absolutely normal woman who happens to have a famous sister. I liked seeing the parallels of Idina's semi-glamorous and extremely busy life with Cara's compulsively readable, average one. Cara's just a woman who married and had kids young, went through a divorce, suffered from depression, found love again, and learned to be comfortable living in the shadow of an older sibling. Reading about her life while knowing what was happening in Idina's at the same time brought Idina back to Earth. She's still someone's sister! She can self-centered and over bearing like any other sibling and yet we love her because Cara loves her. It makes Idina seem so human. I also loved the fact that this fits with so many of Idina's biggest roles. Idina has played the misunderstood sister with both Elphaba and Elsa and now is the star of her own sister story.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really looking forward to reading this book - never easy to grow up in the shadow of a sibling, eager to learn how Cara has navigated the challenges and come out happy and fulfilled.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving

This book could have been about any sibling dynamic. I frequently had to stop reading to wipe away tears because of how much I resonated with this portrayal of the love between siblings, wanting to be inseparable and irreplaceable in each other's lives, but also finding and accepting one's own way of navigating life.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!! Stayed up all night, laughed out loud, thought about my own sisters.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

Great writing. Funny, beautiful, honest stories. Relatable. I think I like Cara better than Idina after reading this! Highly recommend!

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect going into this but it was wonderful. Whether you’re a fan of Idina Menzel or not, this book is a beautiful, heartfelt, hilarious tribute to sisterhood (and siblings in general). Each “lesson” - story - was raw and honest. Cara’s perspective was heartbreaking at times but there was never even a hint of derision or malice in the way she shared her perspective. Cara Mentzel is a fantastic writer and her narration of the audiobook was excellent as well.

I highly recommend the audiobook as it has a little interview with Cara and Idina at the end as well as a song.

[Cin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. I have a very smart and talented elder sibling too, so I definitely enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me a lot of my childhood. I would recommend this book to everyone. A very great read!
I received a free ARC from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this lovely book.

[Jennifer A Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Great book really lets you look into the life of two very different sisters but also shoes how much they are really similar. Loved the stories of the two of the growing up. Plus the look inside of some of Ms Menzel’s biggest moments.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story of the bonds between sisters despite living far apart, and living different lives. The story is poignant and funny and describes Cara's life with her sister and her "struggle" for lack of a better word, to find her own way and her own voice. Highly recommend.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. In Voice Lessons Mentzel is honest, insightful and lyrical. A must read for sisters!

[Janet T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi to everyone on Goodreads! I will say that I never heard of this program, or the book fairies, the author or about the lady this book is about. We we're visiting a museum in Detroit when I found a copy of this book laying around. I picked it up, thinking that someone had dropped it in this huge main gallery. I opened it to see if I could locate a name or library card to find its proper home. A note fell out of it, along with a large amount of cash. The note said that the book was for me, as was the money. That was so very interesting I thought. I showed my husband, and just put it in my purse till we were done at the museum. It was donated by Goodreads and the Book Fairies, and I did some searching and they apparently leave books all over for people to find and love. What a neat concept.
I never heard of the author, but the book is signed by her and her sister Idina, so that is very special. I told my daughter about finding the book and she knows who she is and freaked out about it and really wants me to give it to her for our grand daughters Emma and Riley.
I started to read it, and it is really interesting and pretty good. I'm more of a romance reader (trash my husband says) but you can see that the author writes with passion and intelligence. She is apparently a teacher which shows. It's not for little kids, and Idina I found out sings for Disney as well.
We would like to thank everyone who made this possible, and tell you that the money was put to good use as well. I look forward to completing this book soon and passing it on to someone who can truly love it.
So I give it 2 thumbs up for making our visit fun, and for being generous.
I will give the book an early 5 stars because it is good as well, which is an bonus on top of everything I suppose.
The museum was also very well loved by both of us if you wanted to know as well.
Janet T.
Cincinnati, OH

[Jordan Higginbotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Idina Menzel’s career for a while. When I heard her sister was going to release a book about their lives, I knew I had to read it. I expected to read about one of my favorite celebrities and her grand adventure to stardom through her sister’s eyes. As I continued the book, it really was a “sisters’ story”. A story of two girls from Long Island finding their place, or “voice”, in this world. I don’t have sisters, but I related to a lot of the stories told, whether it was things me and my friends go through, or personal challenges I’ve struggled with. Even if you don’t know Idina Menzel (even though you really should), it’s a great and relatable story that makes you realize even the rich and famous struggle like the rest of us.

[Dana R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not good at writing, so I’ll keep my review short. This book was so well written and incredibly balanced. The author did a great job in telling her story about growing up being the younger sister of a famous older sibling. I felt I was right there with her during her journey from childhood to adulthood. Cara Mentzel is honest and down to Earth in this book. I’m now a fan of this author who I hope will have more to write about in the future.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always good to read a memoir and appreciate a look into someone else's world. Reading into Cara's thoughts is a wonderful journey. She shares opening about her family and memory's of growing up in the shadows of her sister. If you are reading it for gossip you will be disappointed. Instead Cara offers a biography that is thoughtful and shows a deep love for her family.

[Erica Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio and loved it. Both sisters are very relatable and I see pieces of myself in both as well as aspects of my relationship with my sister. Bonus- there was an interview with both sisters and their duet at the end.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a brave portrait of growing up, family, insecurities, and strength. Reading this gave me so much respect for both Cara and Idina, and mostly made me want to hang out with my sisters. Like tomorrow. Worth the read!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought the book from Walmart, fast delivery, super beautiful color on the dust jacket! What a pleasure to read this book! Cara has a wonderful sense of humor, and her stories will leave you begging for more! The book does have some drama for sure and it's all so relatable and honest. A+ for sure!

[Shannon Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and poignant.

[W. Frazier · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an unusual autobiography. The draw is Idina Menzel. The book is authored by her sister, Cara Mentzel, and is about Cara’s life growing up in the shadow of her sister’s success. I reached for this book because who doesn’t smile when you think of Frozen. However, this book is quite a different path. It’s about Cara’s search for identity and acceptance in the shadow of her sister. Cara writes well. She speaks with a very strong voice and opinion. But her writing reveals a whole pile of insecurities, and not a particularly empathetic voice. It’s as though this book is a therapy exercise in self-empowerment and she takes the me-thing too far. “I don’t want to rely on my sister for support” does a 180 so many times in her anecdotes. She also throws a bunch of people under the bus, including an ex-husband, which may not age well as her children find their identity. I wanted to root for her, but was put off by her self-centered rationale and storytelling. The book is interesting in that it shows the family dynamics of celebrity. Cara Mentzel voices her own book and her identity is clear.

[Coleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voice Lessons: A Sisters Story is a memoir written by Cara Mentzel about herself and her sister, Idena Menzel, the singer and entertainer. Memoirs are fascinating to me because with a good author, the story will expose the characters and their relationships as happy and sad, laughing and tearful. Cara is a good author, and her memoir is great.

Not being one to watch TV, nor go to movies or read about Hollywood, as most folks do, I had never seen nor heard of 'Rent', and had never seen 'Wicked' [although I had read the book], and did not watch the TV show 'Glee'. BUT I had indeed gone to see the movie FROZEN with my granddaughter, and I was wonderfully familiar with the song, 'Let It Go". The name of the singer who sang 'Let It Go' became indelibly carved in my mind, however, after watching clip upon clip of John Travolta introducing her wrong.

So I was thrilled to read about them. And admittedly, the two sisters are both drop-dead gorgeous, as well as talented. Reading their story is well worth the short amount of time that it takes for this book.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a lot of thoughts on this. I have not read many memoirs and the most memorable one I can compare it to is The Glass Castle. Mentzel's voice is very different than the one used there in many ways. It comes off as "stronger" but I would also say in some ways abrasive and less engaging. It definitely feels like an author's first book. However, her writing wasn't bad. It told the story that it needed to and it assisted in telling that story.

I wasn't expecting to connect to her narrative as much as I did being the older sibling, but I found that it never meant I wasn't in someone's shadow. I feel like I've always been in my mom's shadow. I can't say I related to her specific events, but the ideas were there.

And finally, as one of those Idina fans, it was a super interesting read. It was interesting to see her as a sibling, more of a person than an idol. It was also weird reading a book written by her sister. If this had been any other memoir it would have been fine, but sometimes I couldn't help but feel like I was prying into a second person's life instead of the author's.

[AKG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ROCKS! I don't know if I ever read a book that made me laugh and cry so much all at the same time! I have been a fan of Idina forever and was super excited to hear that her sister Cara wrote their story together as a bio. Super inspirational, fantastic weaving of their lives together with great writing from Cara. I wish all of my teachers were as cool as Cara Mentzel. I begged my mom for this book for Christmas, but we baked some Hello Dollies for a contest that Cara had and I won a free copy! So awesome! The best part is that both Cara and Idina signed it!!!!!! That alone made me cry. I have never won anything and this year has been one with many changes, but this book was the highlight of the entire year for me! You will love this book! Highly recommend it! I hope she writes 20 more books soon! Already read this one twice and my mom did as well.
A+ for Mrs. Mentzel with 2 gold stars!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this! It's interesting to hear the voice of a sibling of a famous person. I've often wondered what that experience would be like, and I imagined it would be a mixture of pride, protectiveness, self-doubting and identity issues, which seems true to this author's experience. Recommended particularly for musical theatre fans.