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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital audiobook read by Christopher Ryan Grant.
Oh, Willie! I’ve had a long-standing crush on the “red-headed stranger” and am glad to have learned more about him, because I like him even more now.
Willie lays it all out there. He talks about his childhood and the importance of church and faith in his upbringing. He talks about the poems he began writing when he was still in grade school, and how music filled his soul and helped him express himself. He talked about family and yet tried to maintain some privacy for his wives and children. He doesn’t shy away from chronicling his mistakes and owning them – from profligate spending to drinking to adultery – but he also celebrates his shining moments and gives credit to the many people who helped him along the way.
I listened to the audiobook read by Christopher Ryan Grant. I have to say that Grant’s delivery made me think that it was Willie, himself, relating the story. So I was somewhat disappointed that when he mentioned the lyrics of some of his more famous songs, they were spoken rather than sung. On the other hand, the audio does have a bonus at the end with a small section read by Willie and then a song.
Oh, Willie! I’ve had a long-standing crush on the “red-headed stranger” and am glad to have learned more about him, because I like him even more now.
Willie lays it all out there. He talks about his childhood and the importance of church and faith in his upbringing. He talks about the poems he began writing when he was still in grade school, and how music filled his soul and helped him express himself. He talked about family and yet tried to maintain some privacy for his wives and children. He doesn’t shy away from chronicling his mistakes and owning them – from profligate spending to drinking to adultery – but he also celebrates his shining moments and gives credit to the many people who helped him along the way.
I listened to the audiobook read by Christopher Ryan Grant. I have to say that Grant’s delivery made me think that it was Willie, himself, relating the story. So I was somewhat disappointed that when he mentioned the lyrics of some of his more famous songs, they were spoken rather than sung. On the other hand, the audio does have a bonus at the end with a small section read by Willie and then a song.
jobyrne's review against another edition
4.0
I don't mind Willie Nelson when I see or hear him, but I never had any knowledge of him beyond some music and his famous love of pot. After reading this, I have a new respect and admiration for how he has lived his life and made his music. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
tamsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
If you've lived quite a few years then you have quite a few stories to tell. I enjoyed reading the stories of Willie Nelson.
noniemitchell's review against another edition
5.0
love this, cool to hear about his life of literally just doing his thing and being true to himself
tiarala's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not even sure why I put this on my list, but I'm so glad I did. Willie's one of those universally interesting people, and knowing just how hard he's worked and paid his dues makes it so much more satisfying that he's still relevant and awesome, even in his 80s. I loved this book, and the audiobook reader does an excellent job of representing Willie's voice and interesting brand of storytelling.
busboom's review against another edition
5.0
The pacing and energy keeps this interesting and hard to put down. An unexpected pleasure are the frequent tender and laugh-out-loud moments. Christopher Ryan Grant's narration is a real joy, too. Friends and family are tired of me talking about this book and suggesting they give it a listen or a read as well.