BE BAD, BE BOLD, BE BILLIE discusses how and why global sensation Billie Eilish became famous and the ultra-positive and individualistic mindset that has kept her at the top.

Billie began recording at age 13 under her full name, Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell.  Every song she has released was written by herself and her brother, Finneas, and recorded in their bedrooms. Billie states that she “died” at the age of 16 and was reborn as “Billie Eilish.” This was the single biggest move of her life because it set her on an almost unmatched path to success. The winner of five Grammy Awards for her first full-length album, she is only the second person in history to win Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist during the same year. She also holds two Guinness World Records and, at the age of 18, became the youngest singer ever to record the theme song for a James Bond film: the title track for the upcoming No Time to Die.

"...an insightful read that leans a bit into the area of fandom but never to the point of distraction. It gave me a much better look behind the curtain of the world of Billie Eilish, who I believe others should seek to emulate."

I know several people who only read autobiographies of famous people in an effort to glean whatever traits make these outliers famous at what they do. Regardless of age, why not give this book the same attention? You cannot argue with Billie's success and might learn something about yourself in the process. Author Scarlett Russell divides the book into different sections of Billie's life but also provides advice on what readers can do to find happiness in their own lives, which autobiographies typically do not offer.

Several parts of the book contain a blank space where readers can fill in information about themselves in relation to the subject matter of that particular chapter. Billie made her way by setting goals that have helped her attain a huge level of success. Readers have the opportunity to write down five goals and their completion date, along with what will be required to get there.

Billie doesn’t let drugs or other substances cloud her mind and operates at a level of self-awareness that is almost unheard of with young people in her business. She realized early on that she likes to be a leader; to that end, she has managed her own career practically from the beginning and even directed five of her own music videos. Not everyone can be a leader, but you have to be selective with the people you have around you to ensure that they are not bringing you down. Healthy and supportive relationships with family and friends are necessary for this endeavor.

Billie is not consumed by social media, which I love about her. In fact, the book provides guidelines on how not to get sucked into all the inaction and negativity that addiction to cell phones and the internet can bring about. Another positive aspect of her life is her own body awareness. Other young singers like Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Miley Cyrus can attribute some of their success to selling their sexuality to fans. You will notice that Billie wears baggie clothes, hats and many chains to give her the look of a ’90s male hip-hop performer, which makes you focus on the words and music. The fact that she has become the success she has in an age where your appearance is everything is remarkable.

BE BAD, BE BOLD, BE BILLIE is an insightful read that leans a bit into the area of fandom but never to the point of distraction. It gave me a much better look behind the curtain of the world of Billie Eilish, who I believe others should seek to emulate.