For years, there’s been a tale floating around the fashion world that supermodel Cindy Crawford was discovered in a midwestern cornfield. In her new book, Becoming, Crawford debunks this myth (she was actually scouted at a clothing store in Chicago) but still manages to cement her position as the All-American Girl with the heart of gold. Released on the occasion of her 50th birthday, Becoming collects 150 photographs spanning the iconic model’s career, and pairs it with her musings on growing up in Illinois, getting her start in the business, and behind-the-camera relationships, as well as the advice she’d give her younger self. It’s an intimate look at the woman who was arguably the first model to recognize the power of becoming a brand. And one who embraced her uniqueness even in the face of critics—the first agent she met with recommended she get her signature mole removed.