Member Reviews
Willie Nelson is a drifter through his music. Willie’s family and singing friends are his world and finding happiness with his children through music has led to the adventures that are his story.
Switching from song to recollections, this book is a fun quirky account of a much loved and well lived life. You’ll want to sing along with the memories!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
While somewhat lightweight, this reads like Willie was bored and sitting around his ranch during lockdown and wanted to write memories about the people, places, and things (horses, marijuana) he's loved in his life. His stories/letters are mixed in with relevant song lyrics that really show how Willie is the heir to the great American Songbook songwriters of the 20s, 30s, and 40s. It's also a love letter to his fans and to the USA. Willie writes several times of how proud he was that his shows in the 60s and 70s brought together hippies and cowboys, and it's easy to tell that he wants that same sense of commonality and celebration in the country today. An easy an enjoyable read if you like his music.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I only know Willie Nelson's more popular songs and didn't know much about him otherwise. This book isn't about his life or career so much as short letters on various things such as his friends and fellow artists, Mother Nature, and his children.
I really like how open and honest Willie Nelson is. (His positive outlook is not all due to his cannibus use!) He really gives credit to his family, friends, and fans for making his career a success.
This kept me captivated with the little stories as letters. I think it shows a great opportunity to learn about this amazing singer songwriter.
I love the fact that he puts so much of himself out there and his lyrics jive with many people. One of my favourite songs is On the Road Again. It is such a great song and I really like that he out the lyrics in this book.
Willie has led an interesting life but this book really isn't about his life but it shows more of his nature in what he writes. He shows a lot of class in how he gives a lot of credit to others including his family.
Very impressed by this book
This is a great book that is written at the perfect time. It is filled with short letters written by Willie. Some letters are thought-provoking while others will have you laughing out loud.
This reminded me a little of Dolly Patton’s Songbook and it was wonderful reading why Willie wrote a lot of the songs he did. Very much enjoyed it!
As both a Texan and music lover, I was excited to check out Willie Nelson's new book Letters to America. It has a wonderful flow that carries the reader from anecdote to letter to song lyrics so that we can understand the importance of each letter and its intended recipient. Willie spreads a message of love as he reflects back on life as well as how the current pandemic situation is affecting his world now. It's clear that he can't wait to get back out on the road again spreading that message of love with his live music audiences and this book provides a window into the passion he has for making music and the long journey he's traveled to get where he is today. It was a very laid-back, enjoyable read full of insight and inspiration and for that I give it 5 stars.
In star rating, I don’t rate non fiction. It just doesn’t seem fair to give their life a star rating.
But! I did enjoy this netgalley of Willie’s letters to America. I love that he is an activist for farmers and the lives who deserve equality.
I love the stories that reminds him of his song lyrics and what made him write the songs.
There is a lot of lyrics in this book so it’s a quick paced read.
The jokes too were funny, a great addition.
This is a really pleasant read as Willie Nelson compiles a collection of letters to his loved ones, fans and overall to America. It's funny and interesting and I flew through the book in a couple of hours. It's a really great insight into the mind of a creative genius and a wonderful example of how beautiful letter writing can be.
What can I say, it's Willie? This isn't a deep book, but it's an enjoyable book. It's a series of letters, and reprints of song lyrics, that makes the reader feel like they're talking to Willie himself. He's wise, he's funny, and he's led a colorful life. If you're a fan of country music, or just of Willie himself, it's a fun way to spend a few hours.
I loved this book. Started it when I had a few minutes and couldn't put it down. I grabbed it to keep reading every time I had a free minute. It was so informant inspirational. Thanks for the opportunity to read this book