Zayn Malik's Memoir Isn't Traditional

There is some exciting news for fans that have been itching to know a little more about the ever-elusive ex-One Directioner, Zayn Malik. Malik is set to release his first book, titled Zayn, on Nov. 1, and while the publisher, Penguin Random House, classifies Zayn as an autobiography, the book will err more on the side of a creative vision board than a tell-all memoir. The good news is that there will be more Malik info out there in the world, but rather than using a book full of words, Malik will use his art to tell his story. This pretty much sounds like his M.O. ever since he went solo from One Direction, so it's great to see him still living his truth.

Even though he's been one the biggest pop stars in the world, released solo albums, and dated supermodels, there is still a lot people don't know about Malik, as he holds his privacy in high regard. Malik was always the most reserved and introverted member of One Direction, and his book, Zayn, looks to be like the ideal representation of his personality.

According to Entertainment Tonight, the press release for Zayn describes the book as a "photographic journey" that will feature hundreds of personal photos, thoughts, lyrics, drawings, and inspirations. In his statement, Malik said of the book, "I'm going to show you as much as I can so that you can judge me on my own terms, not on what the press or anyone else says."

Honestly, I look forward to this very much, and I really love the route Malik has taken with his image. While many outsiders might not understand, Malik took a huge step in leaving One Direction to become the artist that he wanted to be and that decision should be respected.

When I read that Zayn was going to be more a photo book, it made total sense to me. As many 1D fans can attest, Malik has always been a man of very few words. While this could be perceived as snobbish behavior, Malik eventually revealed that he suffers from social anxiety and that he preferred to work in more intimate settings, naturally gravitating towards his art and personal writing. In the summer 2016 issue of Dazed, Malik confessed, “I don’t tend to go out much. I stick to my own bubble, as it is. Creatively and socially, I think, as I’m getting older, that’s just the way I am.”

Malik's social media accounts and his own music videos have proven his artistic eye, where he often blurs the line between mainstream and underground, and this book will allow him to truly show what he is capable of. While the book might not give people more profound quotes on why he left One Direction or how his upbringing influenced his music, Zayn will allow Malik to share those intimate moments and ideas that are most sacred to him — and it doesn't get much deeper than that.