Knowing Who I Am: Love Yourself and Make a Difference

South African singer/songwriter Nianell is virtually unknown in the United States (her first album was released online last year), but she has had international success and now tells the story of how she achieved that success. She writes of the great resistance to her music she faced from others, particularly schoolmates and music teachers, for being too operatic, too different, too interpretive. Nianell discusses times in her life when she has lived up to her own standards, and times she hasn't, with candid stories about growing up in South Africa, her family life, her eating and exercise regimens, favorite quotes, and other personal details. Her essential message is that her belief in herself is the secret that allowed her to achieve such a high level of success; equally important to her are empathy and love for others%E2%80%94not an original message, but one she conveys sincerely. A CD of Nianell's music is included, a bonus readers will appreciate as this artist continues to establish her presence in the United States.%C2%A0Photos. (Nov.)