Billie Eilish’s photo memoir is a raw and intimate look at her early life

Billie Eilish has officially released her first memoir. To make things clear, this is not a rigorous biography of her life so far. It is not built on riveting storytelling such as Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist Flea’s best-selling Acid for the Children. Nor does it carry itself with the poetic flair of Patti Smith’s Just Kids. Eilish is irrelevant and in the moment. The most rigorous examination of who she remains in her confessional hit songs. What this book does do is draw readers into parts of her life her songs do not convey. It gives insight into the more intimate moments of Billie’s early life. 

‘Billie Eilish’ speaks through photos

The story of Billie Eilish is told predominantly through photos chosen by the star herself. These span from the earliest moments of the 19-year-old pop star’s life, the beginning of her career, Eilish’s most recent accolades at the Grammys and that show-stopping cover of The Beatles‘ ‘Yesterday’ at the 2020 Oscars. Reading the book it is obvious Eilish has placed thought and care of how each photo would influence her readers’ perception. Knowing her audience, she asks that if her readers take away one thing from the book it should be this: “No-one isn’t annoying, nobody isn’t cringe at a certain age. No-one doesn’t go through different phases including… puberty.”

A mixture of personal and professional

The book caters to a younger Gen Z audience. As in her public life, Eilish shows refreshing honesty. The photos are a mixture of professional and personal shots. Each captures an important memory. Eilish faced many trials and tribulations as a teenager heading for stardom. Seen for the first time, this mixture of photos creates a uniquely raw feeling. It gives the impression of a photo album by an old friend. 

Final thoughts on ‘Billie Eilish’

 Billie Eilish’s creativity has been popularised through her music. What fans might be surprised to know is that her talent spreads into other areas such as photography and videography. Eilish has directed many of her recent music videos. Her vision is more than musical. Billie Eilish shows how this has been paramount in creating the brand that has made her one of the world’s most successful pop stars. Overall, it leads and nurtures us through Billie’s internal process. It allows readers to see her most crucial moments. Most importantly, it puts across the central emotion and passion which has lead Eilish on her whirlwind journey from obscurity to superstardom.