Review: Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah – Kathy Iandoli

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

In a definitive and “excellent homage to a star who left this planet too soon” (Questlove), the life, career, tragic death, and evolution of Aaliyah into a music legend are explored—featuring in-depth research and exclusive interviews.

By twenty-two years old, Aaliyah had already accomplished a staggering amount: hit records, acclaimed acting roles, and fame that was just about to cross over into superstardom. Like her song, she was already “more than a woman” but her shocking death in a plane crash prevented her from fully growing into one.

Now, two decades later, the full story of Aaliyah’s life and cultural impact is finally and lovingly revealed. Baby Girl features never-before-told stories, including studio anecdotes, personal tales, and eyewitness accounts on the events leading up to her untimely passing. Her enduring influence on today’s artists—such as Rihanna, Drake, Normani, and many more—is also celebrated, providing Aaliyah’s discography a cultural critique that is long overdue.

“There’s no better way to pay your respect to R&B’s true angel than to lose yourself in the pages” (Kim Osorio, journalist and author of Straight from the Source) of this “dazzling biography” (Publishers Weekly) that is as unforgettable as its subject.

This book was written without the participation of Aaliyah’s family/estate.

Every time Aaliyah’s name is mentioned, it’s always followed with a pause because even 20 years after her death – it’s still hard to believe she is no longer with us.

The readers can feel Author Kathy Iandoli’s passion for telling Aaliyah’s story throughout the book. Still, to diehard Aaliyah fans – there are only bits and pieces of new information in this book.

I applaud Author Kathy Iandoli for giving new fans of Aaliyah a book that can refer to for unanswered questions. But telling Aaliyah’s real story is a task within itself because her family and close friends have always protected Aaliyah’s real story.

I believe a book written by Aaliyah’s brother, Rashad, would give fans the closure they need. But in all honesty, I don’t think we will ever get the closure of a beautiful life taken away too soon.

If someone ever decides to write another book about Aaliyah – it should just be a picture book with stories from her family and friends. The book should only focus on the good times spent with Aaliyah.

Aaliyah is no longer here to tell her story – so we should let her past rest in peace. We have her music and movies to remind us of the beautiful and talented young woman we know affectionately as Baby Girl.

Reviewed by: Orsayor

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