Run Rose Run

Parents, don't let your kid's dreams of stardom carry them away to Nashville without reading this book first. Having previously lived in Nashville for fifteen years, I found a familiar tone within its pages. Frankly, it is one I miss dearly as there's no place like Nashville. Everyone you know or meet wants to be a singer/songwriter, knows one, lives with one, works for one, or has managed to become one of the few who earn their living at it. It's a tight-knit, warm and welcoming, albeit suspicious of strangers looking to strike it rich kind of community. Rose's experiences in this story reflect reality due to Dolly's strength as a storyteller and no doubt her personal experience of many years of paying dues before breaking into the business. I don't know her, don't judge me, nor am I a country music fan. But I purchased this book because I appreciate the universal story of working hard to earn what you get and not quitting until you get it. Both Dolly and James have this story in common. (I recently read James' book “James Patterson: The Stories of My Life.” It's excellent.)

I started this book yesterday and finished it today because I couldn't put it down. That said, I've rated it four stars because while it reflects everything that Patterson fans love about his writing style, in a few spots I did find myself ahead of the details, and not really needing some of those lines in order to arrive where they were leading. About four chapters in I found the solid footing of the story, and only a couple of times after the midpoint I experienced a few too many details that I didn't feel like I would miss if I skipped. I heartily recommend this book whether you appreciate country music or not.