What I’m Reading: Johnny Cash The Life

I just finished up listening to Johnny Cash: The Life (Ala Notable Books for Adults) by Robert Hilburn. As I kids I grew up with Johnny Cash. Both my mom and my dad were Cash fans and loved June Carter and Carter family too! I remember watching their television show in the early 70’s with Mom and Dad.

One of the first songs I ever picked when learning to play guitar was the opening to “I Walk the Line”. Then when the “I Walk the Line” movie came out I was quick to buy my ticket to see that as well.

My kids have become Cash fans. They went with to the movie. They were the first to show me his “Hurt” video.

With all the Cash history in my blood when I saw that the book was available on my on-line library, I snapped it up….and I’m glad I did. I knew much about the man on stage but little about the man’s private life. I have to say, I know a lot more now.

Here’s what Amazon had to say, “In this, the definitive biography of an American legend, Robert Hilburn conveys the unvarnished truth about a musical superstar. Johnny Cash’s extraordinary career stretched from his days at Sun Records with Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis to the remarkable creative last hurrah, at age 69, that resulted in the brave, moving “Hurt” video.

As music critic for the Los Angeles Times, Hilburn knew Cash throughout his life: he was the only music journalist at the legendary Folsom Prison concert in 1968, and he interviewed both Cash and his wife June Carter just months before their deaths. Drawing upon a trove of never-before-seen material from the singer’s inner circle, Hilburn creates an utterly compelling, deeply human portrait of a towering figure in country music, a seminal influence in rock, and an icon of American popular culture. Hilburn’s reporting shows the astonishing highs and deep lows that marked the journey of a man of great faith and humbling addiction who throughout his life strove to use his music to lift people’s spirits.”

Amazon readers give it 4.5 stars. I liked it very much but did think the book ended up being long and at times almost too detailed. I think 50 pages could easily have been taken from the book and content still stayed as informative. Personally I’d give it 4.1 stars. Well worth my time and I’m glad I read it, but a few things could have been condensed.

I have to say I do feel a little sad after reading it….divorce, drugs and infidelity have plagued the Cash and Carter families. For me no fame is worth that….In the end, it was kind of sad.

Today I am thankful for my love of reading and my online library. Previous to my discovery of the online library I spent LOTS of money on books. I love books. They take me places and give me so much in site and understanding in the lives of others…even if the story is fiction. Books help me learn and they are great entertainment too.

I love the convenience of my on line library. I love that it’s quick and easy. I love that I can read books on my Kindle or listen to them on my MP3 player…I love that my on line library allows me to enjoy this hobby for free.

Today I am thankful for books and for my online lending library.