On a Positive Note

In her autobiography, gospel superstar Winans says she is still evolving as an artist and as a child of God. Yet, at 34, this soul-stirring songster says she is at peace with herself, her God and her music. She reminisces about the music that nurtured her as a child and bound her family together: Music became a place my soul could recline. Winans shares with her readers the experience of growing up as one of the Winans clan. She recounts both quiet and rambunctious moments as the first of three girls after seven boys. Her singing siblings include the group widely known as The Winans, BeBe Winans and Angie & Debbie Winans. Winanss big break came from Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, when she was chosen to be one of the PTL Singers. Since then she and her brother BeBe have risen above the criticism of their music to garner eight Grammy, seven Dove, five Stella and three NAACP Image Awards. According to Winans, however, None of them compare to being a wife and a mother. She notes that after the music stops and the party ends, nothing else really matters but family. Winans elaborates on her relationships with her husband, children and best friendsuperstar Whitney Houstonas well as on her faith. Although thankful for her things, she has learned that some blessings must be experienced only with the heart. Winanss simple, heartwarming telling of her story so far has the feel of two friends conversing over tea about their lives. (May)