Often people look at the contrast with Jann Arden the person – upbeat, warm hearted, and hilarious – with her sad and heartbreaking music and wonder where the two drastically different sides of her came from. Her new memoir, Falling Backwards, gives an in depth look into how both of those aspects of her came to be. Like Arden herself, the book is at times uproariously funny, and moments later tragic and sad.

The story begins with her early years in Calgary, before moving out to Springbank and living in a trailer while her parents built a house. The early part of the book is about a simpler more innocent time as Arden spent hours playing with neighbour boys Dale and Leonard, including riding a horse and killing thousands of gophers. Even at such a young age she struggled with witnessing the death of the animals at the hands of herself and her friends. Leonard and Dale are the first in a series of characters that almost sound like something out of a work of fiction, the fact that they were real makes the story that much more remarkable.

Arden frankly writes about the difficulties in growing up with an alcoholic and often angry father, and an older brother, Duray, who was constantly in legal trouble. In spite of the issues her family has faced it is also clear that she very much loves and respects both men.

As Arden grows older she meets teachers who are a big influence, makes friends at her small high school, and discovers music. Readers may be surprised to learn she taught herself to play guitar in her parents basement. Her move to Vancouver is another difficult period, including being assaulted while busking and her own issues with alcohol and promiscuity. Through that still bright spots including a store owner named Jean and a salmon fisherman named Norman Earl, both who helped Arden get back on top of life.

The problem with many celebrity biographies is that they try and cram their entire lives into 300 pages. To try and do that with Arden's 49 years on the planet would be a travesty, as it would leave many of these fantastic stories untold. Instead the book wraps up with Arden touring lounges before signing her first record contract at the age of 29, at the same time that Duray is charged with murder.

There is much more to Jann Arden's story to be told. I get excited at the thought of a second book. From the success of Insensitive to opening for Eric Clapton, to touring the world with Michael Buble, there are many more stories from Jann Arden's life to be told. I for one can't wait to hear them.

Falling Backwards has been released to coincide with Jann's new album Uncover Me 2. She is currently on a cross-country signing tour. You can meet Jann and have her sign your book and CD the following dates and times.