AWARD WINNING AUTHOR CATHLEEN FALSANI EXPLORES THE FAITH AND LIFE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR TEENAGER
Nashville, Tennessee….August 18, 2011…Since he was plucked from obscurity just three years ago at the tender age of 14, Justin Bieber has achieved a rarified kind of uber-celebrity that only a handful of other people on the planet have experienced. He has amassed a following of tens of millions of passionate, devoted fans worldwide known collectively as “Beliebers” with a following of nearly 12 million on Twitter (and another 33 million on Facebook) that grows by 100,000 every week. Since his debut in 2009, Bieber albums have gone platinum, his concerts have sold out around the globe, and he has received dozens of accolades, including several Grammy nominations and Artist of the Year award at the 2010 American Music Awards. He holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the most viewed video of all time on the Internet for his viral mega-hit “Baby,” his 2010 documentary film “Never Say Never” is the largest grossing concert film of all time, and a lock of his hair sold at auction for more than $40,000 – all of it given to charity.
Not since the Beatles sauntered onto the world stage a half-century ago has an artist had more cultural influence on a generation than Justin Bieber of Stratford, Ontario. Any yet, despite overwhelming success and the frenzy of newfound celebrity one thing in Bieber’s life has remained constant, his genuine Christian faith. Ask the teen icon what message he wants to send his fans more than anything else and Bieber says “that God loves them.”
In her new book, Belieber! Faith, Fame and the Heart of Justin Bieber, (Worthy Publishing, September 27, 2011), award-winning journalist Cathleen Falsani explores how Bieber is influencing an entire generation that is often found in a world of over-stimulating outward messages and challenges beyond their years. She paints an inspiring portrait of a young, talented musician discovered when a record producer spotted his home movies on YouTube while also giving fans an intimate glimpse behind-the-scenes of the heart and soul of their beloved star.
Rather than a pop idol who points only to himself, time and again, Justin uses the spectacular stage of superstardom to direct his fans to something far bigger. Falsani says “Justin has a message beyond what many critics quickly dismiss as “puppy love”. It is above love, God’s love for everyone. And his fans are listening.” Bieber rarely misses an opportunity to talk openly about his Christian faith and to bring his personal message about gratitude, hope and believing to his millions of Twitter followers and fans who pack his shows at every arena where he performs. This side of Justin Bieber’s life, as told by Falsani, is a heartfelt story with positive implications for our world’s youth.
Falsani is an author of several non-fiction books that deal with the intriguing intersection of spirituality and pop culture including 2009’s The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers. She has interviewed some of the world’s most celebrated people including President Barack Obama, Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel and U2’s Bono. She knew the moment she saw the blockbuster “Never Say Never” film with her young son that the largely untold spiritual journey of Justin Bieber had to be told. Music, film and social media are the language of Bieber’s generation and the young pop star is a vanguard of all three. Justin is never shy about speaking openly about his faith, from an interview with Rolling Stone to the red carpet of the Oscars. Falsani’s fascinating, surprising book gives fans one more reason to love Bieber as an artist and as even a prophetic voice for today’s youth.
Belieber: Faith, Fame and the Heart of Justin Bieber is the story of a young man who has musical talents and soulfulness well beyond his years. The book paints a vivid, compelling picture of a life framed by a genuine faith and foundation. It is not your typical motivational or inspirational book but a book that peels back the veneer of celebrity to reveal the soul underneath the superstar. Falsani hopes that the book will be an opportunity for parents, teachers, pastors and youth to engage in conversation about the things they care about, the things they believe in.
Bieber continues to lend his influence and his pocketbook to help make the world a better place. He gives millions of dollars away to charity and regularly encourages his fans to give back and “make a change” in the world. Taking a cue from Justin himself, a portion of the proceeds from Belieber! will be donated to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. “I Belieb” Falsani says, “Do you?”
To view an exclusive trailer with author Cathleen Falsani click here: http://justin-book.com