What wonderfully open look into one of Country Music's biggest stars. Through the military, his early music writing days in Nashville and the heart break of losing a son, Craig's story is one of passion, love and faith. I heartily recommend this as a great read/listen.

I've always loved Craig Morgan's music. And I've always known that he was a Veteran. But reading this book you get a look inside his life, the good and the bad. It was very eye opening.

I absolutely hate do write this but I have gone back and forth on this book enough. I listened to and have loved Craig Morgan all my life but I felt like this book missed the mark for me. I’ve gotten a little over halfway through the book and I just can’t force my self to finish. The story gets jumbled and goes back and forth with topics that it has left me confused as to what is going on more than once. I feel like this book was written more and a conversation instead of a book with chapters and it just didn’t work for me. I think maybe the audiobook might be a better fit because the it might be easier to keep track of what is going on.

I was very happy to be given the opportunity to read this memoir from country singer Craig Morgan, who has a lot of valuable and admirable things to say after losing his son in 2016.

There can be nothing more tragic than a child dying before their parent, and the way Craig has shouldered this loss while continuing on in strength with the rest of his family is an inspiration.

Craig seems like a good-hearted and affable personality who has lived a lot of life, from serving in the military to becoming a successful country singer and having his own television show.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for an honest review. I love celebrity books and I especially love this one because every time Red Neck Yacht Club my husband and I turn up the sound! This book is so inspirational and reading all about the authors successes and sadness - totally recommend!!

God, Family, Country by Craig Morgan is based on Craig's life as a soldier and entertainer. He shares a lot around his early years and what it was like before he made it big. He talks about the music business and things that the average listener wouldn't know. I enjoyed reading about his days in the military and his love for our country. He also explained his song writing process. He did jump around quite a bit but for the most part it was pretty easy to follow.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

Loved hearing this from Craig!

Our family knew it shared similar values with Craig Morgan, so we were excited to read more about his choices and reactions during the life he's lived. I shared this with our 15-year-old son who reads a lot of military non-fiction, and it got his stamp of approval as well.
I did find the tempo of the story slowed when going through the list of his music. It is important but didn't seem woven-in as well.
Thank you, Craig and Jim, for writing about one of the good guys.

“Country music icon, army veteran, father, outdoorsman—Craig Morgan shares all aspects of his life, revealing stories even his most avid fans don’t know.

In 1989, as US news outlets declared an end to Operation Just Cause, Craig Morgan was part of an elite group of military operatives jumping into the jungle along the Panamanian border on a covert operation. Fans know the country music star from his hit songs and acclaimed albums, but there’s a lot more to him—a soldier who worked with the CIA in Panama, an undercover agent who fought sex traffickers in Thailand, and a dedicated family man who lives the values he sings.

Craig details these many facets of his life and more in God, Family, Country. An on-stage appearance with his father’s band at age ten may have planted the seeds for life as a country star, but first he trained as a paratrooper in the army. After earning numerous distinctions, his path to sergeant major was all but assured. Then came a momentous decision: he left the active military to pursue music.”

I had no point of reference for Craig Morgan, country music, the US military, or any of 100 other touch points presented in this book. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the ride.

The whole book is a (mildly disjointed) collection of anecdotes of Craig’s life, from boyhood to present day, though definitely not in that order. Some of the stories are funny. Some hopeful. Some gritty and raw.

Just like country music, I suppose.

My favourite part of the audiobook (besides having the author narrate, which is always such a gift) are the snippets of his songs at the beginnings and ends of chapters.

7/10

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this personable ARC.

The following published reviews will appear in several N. Alabama papers and the mountains of North Carolina on Sept. 27. Although the rating tool seems inoperative, I gave each title 5 stars.

Recommended for reading: ‘The Little Book of Joy,’ ‘While Nortre Dame Burned’ and ‘God, Family, Country'

By Tom Mayer
tmayer@cullmantimes.com

Theologians have long noted the spiritual difference between happiness and joy — happiness tends to be achieved externally while joy is achieved internally — so it’s not surprising that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu shied away from one and centered on the other in their only collaborative book for children.
‘The Little Book of Joy’ (Crown Books for Young Readers) is a touching, introspective picture book written for ages 3-7 — although mom and dad will enjoy it, too.


A simple story, the authors’ large format book tells the tale — through succinct words by the authors and expansive illustrations by Rafael Lopez — of two children from vastly different backgrounds.

“One of us grew up in a house,” begins a child playing outside of a modest home in a small village, and “one of us grew up in a big house,” says a young boy, pushing about his wooden train in a palace atop a mountain — “on opposite sides of the world.”

Because we are more alike than different, each child is lonely and sad and wishes for a friend. Yet, through careful observation and experiences of the world around them, they manage to fill that lonely sadness with joy — even when it seems elusive: “Even if you slam the door and your joy can’t get in, it’s just on the other side waiting in a loving hug.”

Sharing such sentiments, the authors are uniquely suited to their task.


As the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, travels throughout the world promoting compassion and interfaith understanding. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. 


Tutu, archbishop emeritus of Southern Africa, was similarly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1984, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. He died in December 2021.


Lopez splits his time between San Diego and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and his drawings reflect that heritage. His artfully uncomplicated, colorful and flowing drawings complement the universal message.
The combination of all three makes this storybook one for all ages to treasure.


Barbara Benson is a gifted educator, and she has much to teach us in her memoir, “While Notre Dame Burned.”

With her beloved husband dying in a hospital room, Nortre Dame was aflame — “the two disasters, international and personal, would forever be linked for me,” Benson writes of the April 2019 events, on which she later elaborates — and in this touching, brutally honest narrative, we become linked, too.

From their early travels moving on faith and little more from Massachusetts to the mountains of North Carolina, Benson layers the journey with stories of family, friends, nature and the soul-crushing weight of the world, writing for her “readers to know that the path forward is painful and crooked, doubling back on itself at times.”
Leaving out little — Benson captures and releases her anger in these pages as well as her love and devotion — this memoir offers comfort, albeit solace that is sometimes cold because that is the way the world can be.
Those looking for such comfort, or simply a truth-telling tale, will welcome the chronicle and poetic digressions in the recounting of a life well-lived — and unexpectedly lost.

Though meticulously written and noted — Benson taught high school English in Boone, N.C., for much of two decades before sharing her talents at Appalachian State University — “While Notre Dame Burned: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Learning to Live Alone” is no pedantic account.

It is what it purports, a shrine built for her husband and all those who have lost a best friend — and a lesson in living with and beyond grief.


Few men have lived a life as interesting and diverse as Craig Morgan — a country superstar you’re as likely to meet in a local Walmart as you are on the stage of the Grand Old Opry — and while it took him 58 years, he finally got around to sharing it with us through more than a song.


”God, Family, Country” (Blackstone Publishing) is both Morgan’s memoir and a tale of the road less chosen — from his boyhood days and his time as part of an elite group of military operatives, to his marriages, his singing career and the tragic sharing of the death of his 19-year-old son.

With heartfelt ease — really, you’ll feel as if you’re reading in a rocker on the front porch of a childhood summer memory — Morgan gives us a backstage pass to some of his biggest hits, such as “Almost Home” or “That’s what I love about Sunday,” and nearly everything in between.


With a bit of help from Jim Defelice — co-author with former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle of “American Sniper,” and other titles — Morgan shares his heartwarming childhood growing up with his extensive family in Nashville, his training and travels as a paratrooper, how he joined forces to break up a child sex trafficking ring in Thailand and the decision he had to make between military service and his music.

While we know the outcome of that choice, what we don’t know fills the pages like the grand adventure his life has been — and is becoming. Morgan’s not done — that’s clear by the end of the book — and with his cavernous capacity for the words of this title, we can expect another chapter, if not another book, sometime down the road.


An aside for those looking to take the journey now, though: If you have the means, eschew the e-book and pick up both the audio and print versions of the story. Blackstone Publishing always releases superior print editions, but the audio book is in Morgan’s own voice, adding a deeper dimension — and not to mention a song or two — to the story of his life.

Alexa, add every Craig Morgan country hit to my playlist. This book shares with you the whole life of country singer, Craig Morgan. Stories from his time in the military, as a song writer, husband, father, musician, what it was like losing his son & life after all the fame.

👏🏽 I learned so much about Craig & I love that he shared SO much about what it’s like being a singer writer & musician. He really gives you all the details- about the record company, radio plays. I loved it! I feel like I learned so much.

Also, when he shares about the song Father, My son & the Holy Ghost I became a puddle on the floor. 😭I had to go watch his Opery performance & was totally moved. What a powerful song & moment.

Craig is a down to earth guy & you’ll see this in his book.

👎🏼 I think this book would have been a better audio book, IMO. There were times it didn’t seem like some of the sentences flowed- but it probably would have sounded better if I listened to it.
😏 Let Me Persuade You: go and listen to this book STAT. I promise you will go and add all his song to your playlist because you forgot how AMAZING they were. I haven’t stopped listening to them since.
😍 Favorite Quote: “We’re all like that, maybe. Happy and deeply sad, fun, and more than a little down—it’s the human condition. That’s why certain songs touch people so hard.”

Thank you Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing & Craig Morgan for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.

God, Family, Country
Soldier, Singer, Husband, Dad - There's a Whole Lot More to Me
by: Craig Morgan and Jim DeFelice
Blackstone Publishing
release date: 9/27/2022
genre: Biographies & Memoirs, Nonfiction (Adult)

Full of personal stories about his family, military service, and musical career, Craig Morgan's memoir is authentic and very enjoyable. The book details a surprisingly fascinating and intimate account of Morgan's interesting life. Morgan and DeFelice as a team write in a completely compelling and relatable style

As a music lover of many genres, including country, I often read memoirs of musicians to learn the stories behind the stages and songs. I like Morgan's meaningful and down to earth songs about real life, and love his performance of That's What I Love About Sunday.

Morgan takes readers through the exuberant highs and heartbreaking lows of his life. He goes deep into his roots in Nashville, Tennessee and his service in the Army around the world. The well-paced story is also one of falling in love, marriage, and building a family. He shares his faith, hobbies of hunting, fishing, and motorcycle riding, as well as an exciting transition to a country music career. The glimpse into his writing of one particular song brought me to tears. All of these components add up to a riveting memoir!

Thank you to Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing for the advance copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I am a country music fan, so I know some of Craig Morgan's music. I was intrigued to learn more about him, so I thought I would give this book a try. I really enjoyed this one. He talks about his family, his military career and the loss of his son. It was a really honest book, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I would recommend this book to Craig Morgan fans as well as country music fans.

I love when artist and celebrities show us behind the scenes and get down to the nitty gritty of what it takes to make it to the fame level. Success in the music or even film industry doesn't happen overnight. They struggle, they sacrifice, they put in 110%, they get told no more than yes, but they keep showing up until one day it all works out. I love the dedication and determination folks like Craig Morgan have to go for what they want and achieve it even in the hardest of times. They're regular people just like us, most don't forget where they came from. Craig stays true to himself, his family, his faith, and everything in between. I enjoyed getting an inside peek to the Craig Morgan we all know and love from his music. The chapter about Jerry is enough to rip your heart out, but as a fellow foster/adoptive parent I'm so thankful he had all those years to know true family and love before God called him home!

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to both Netgalley and Black Stone Publishing for the eARC of God, Family, Country by @cmorganmusic. All opinions are original and mine.

Craig Morgan takes us through his childhood, adolescence, all the way up through his current life. You get to read about how he transitioned from Army life to songwriter to one of country musics most recognizable voices.

I enjoyed the way he wove family anecdotes through his personal stories, but did it in a way where the reader didn’t feel like it was too much or too little.

Just like when I heard Tough & The Father, My Son and the Holy Ghost there were tears when I read about the loss of his son, Jerry.

All in all, this book was a solid read and a great way to kick off my August books. 4/5 stars.

Craig Morgan’s story from his childhood to military service and country music is a story of how faith and talent will bring about true success .
This novel restores your faith in life .

Thank you for allowing me the honor to read this book .

This book was a good read. It gave insight that I wasn’t expecting nor did I know. Thank you for the arc.

Craig Morgan brings us to a better time in the history of America. Descriptive situations of his childhood, family life and ways God shined light on him through the years opens the reader's hearts and eyes to the important things, and brings the focus on God--because He ultimately was the root of all good in Craig Morgan's life.

Reading this places you back to a simple time and reveals how Craig's talents were so obvious that he was able to hit the Country charts without any modern technology or social media. Though wisdom, faith, prayer, patience, and learning what not to do through the mistakes of others, Craig Morgan gained momemtum in his career, family, and life. This man is more than just a guy that sings, and his story is more than music.

From childhood to military service, medals of honor, to mission trips, to celebrity meet, The Grand Ole Opry, and even encounters with a wolf, Craig remains close to God, family and country through it all.

Inscriptions Books recommends this book!

I love memoirs and this one was so beautifully written!!! Craig has lots of good stories and advice to share from even before his fame as a singer. The themes in the book did not surprise me but the examples provided really brought them to life. Everyone can relate to some part of his story. This is a must read for everyone!

I love Craig Morgan he is a great artist and I love his book it's so insightful and interesting biographies aren't usually my jam but this one was good

This is a wonderful book that felt more like a conversation than reading a book. Throughout the book, the author was interesting, insightful, and real. His story, and his path to music stardom, was non-traditional and filled with twists and turns. Prior to reading this, I had no idea that he had a military career prior to pursing music, or the variety of jobs he held prior to his success.

The author shared deeply personal thoughts and events in such a way that it felt like I was listening to a friend, not reading a star's memoir. As a Nashville resident, I remember when his son died - I cried for him while watching the news coverage. The author shared his grief and experiences while processing his loss. The song he wrote, "The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost" is poignant and heartbreaking to listen to and I can't even imagine the pain he felt writing it.

This is a must read for fans of the author. His story is complex and both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Anyone who appreciates country music will want to put this on their TBR list.