Soul Survivors: The Official Autobiography of Destiny's Child

Soul Survivors: The Official Autobiography of Destiny's Child

ReganBooks/HarperCollins, 280pp. $24.95

Now, a few "Life Lessons From Destiny's Child," courtesy of the Houston R&B trio's new autobiography Soul Survivors:

"Never give up -- that's the key to being a survivor."

"Don't dis anybody -- negativity will only get in the way of your success."

"Don't let guys get in your business. Be an independent woman."

"A true friend is someone who sticks by you and offers you support, not drama."

"It's okay to look cute, but learn the difference between nice and nasty."

And so the D.C. marketing machine rolls on with this fluffy collaboration with InStyle magazine's James Patrick Herman. Soul Survivors is pleasant enough to leaf through at the salon and inspirational enough to make a nice confirmation gift for your favorite niece, but if you're looking for the inside dirt on the juicier chapters of their brief history, well ... better wait for the unauthorized biography.

Unsurprisingly, Survivors offers little insight into 2000's revolving-door lineup changes that were, before "Bootylicious," their defining moment. Nobody likes "negativity" (especially from celebrities), but you'd think Herman could at least call up the former members and ask their side of the story. Instead, there's scads of diary-esque background info, lots of talk about faith -- the ladies obviously take their status as role models very seriously -- and enough unintentionally hilarious moments to make the effort worthwhile, like when Kelly says, "Just to clear up any possible misconceptions: jelly, for me, is my boo-tay."

I, for one, am grateful she's straightened that out.