A Tale Out of Luck - Willie Nelson
Title: A Tale Out of Luck
Author: Willie Nelson
Date Finished: Oct 18, 2008 #69
Pages: 248
Published: 2008 (ARC)
Rating: 3.5/5
Whew! The thought of writing about four books is a little daunting to me, but I'm going to try and spread it out throughout the week--maybe one a day. And be sure to check in for my thoughts on Anne Frank as I will be giving away a copy of Anne Frank Remembered by Miep Gies.
Alright--now let's talk about Willie Nelson's new book. When I saw the opportunity to receive an ARC of this one from Hachette Book Group I couldn't help myself. I looooooove Willie Nelson's music. How can any Texan not? Mama, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys?? Let's go to Luckenback, Texas with Waylon, Willie and the boys...? *Sigh* I love it. Oh ya--the book...
When Jay Blue makes the decision to hit the local saloon for a few drinks and a flirt with Jane Catlett instead of guarding the ranch, he lands himself into a heap of trouble with his father because their race horse is stolen, presumably by Comanches. While Jay Blue and his best friend Skeeter are searching for the horse, a mysterious murder is uncovered. An unknown brand doctor (someone who "doctors" existing brands into his own so he can steal cattle) is found shot to death by arrows just outside of Luck, Texas. Thus begins a whirlwind adventure of feuds between Texans and Comanches, renegade Texas Rangers against the federal army, a budding love, broken friendships, and a ghost from the past.
At first I wasn't too sure about the book. The first couple of chapters jump around from character to character and the result was choppy and my interested waned. The dialogue is pretty darn cheesy and there didn't seem to be a lot of development with the characters. But, the more I got into the book the more I was surprised at how much fun I was having reading it. The plot evened out and stopped jumping between characters, the dialogue became much more readable, and the characters were flawed and realistic. I don't know how much depth can be found in the book, but overall it was a fun and exciting read. And a little bit of a twist--who doesn't like that?? Plus--who doesn't love Willie Nelson?? :)
15 comments:
Great job on the read-a-thon. Such an interesting choice of book. As always, love your reviews. I look forward to reading about your review on Anne Frank. Can you believe I have never read it? How did I manage through school without this one? Anyway, I am sure I will pick up this Willie Nelson book. Didn't take him much for a writer but it has my curiousity it piqued...
I'm glad you enjoyed this book, Trish! The book sounds interesting..
I'm looking forward to reading your review on Anne Frank. :)
So funny that you should review this book today. I had never even heard of it, but I won two books from Amy for BBAW. She said it would be a surprise from Hatchette and they arrived today. One of them was this book. I had no idea he wrote a book! I read the inside cover and it looked good. We'll see what I think.
*Michelle - I read Anne Frank so long ago that I couldn't really remember many of the details, I was surprised about some of it. Hopefully I'll have my review up tonight but I have a feeling it will take me a while to write it. It was a very emotional read!
*Melody - It was interesting! But it was also a fun read.
*Natasha - LOL--too funny! I hope you like the book. It starts off a little rocky but I think it gets better as it goes on. Look forward to what you think! I don't think I've seen any other reviews of it yet.
Well sheesh...who even knew Willie was an author?!! Glad you had such fun with it, Trish!
I've never been a Willie Nelson fan, so I can't imagine him as an author.
I grew up listening to Willie Nelson among others so I've always liked him. I had been curious about this book. I had thought about getting it for my mom for Christmas and I just may do that now. Thanks for a great review.
I don't know who Willie Nelson! But in a few seconds Wikipedia shall tell me :P I'm glad the book got better as it went on and that it ended up being a worthwhile read. And like Melody, I can't wait to read your thoughts on Anne Frank.
*Debi - This is his first fiction book--I think he may have written some non-fiction, but I haven't read any of it. Love his music, though!
*Bermuda - I would skip this one, then. :) It was a fun read but definitely not groundshaking.
*Dar - Ooh--who else? :) I love Outlaw Country but only really began listening to it a few years ago. Hope your mom likes the book--it is very...western/Texan.
*Nymeth - I'm sure wikipedia told you what you needed to know, but Willie Nelson is a singer/songwriter native to Texas. He sings primarily country music but in the 70s he and Waylon Jennings kind of started their own subgenre of country called Outlaw Country. Very cowboy...very Texan (which is probably why I like him so much). I think his music is probably an acquired taste (my husband is not a fan), but I've really grown to enjoy his stuff--old and new.
1. How funny that Willie Nelson wrote a book!
2. Thank you very much for getting those songs stuck in my head!
3. I know what you mean about being intimidated by being behind on reviews. At least you are doing something about it!
1. Yes, it is funny. I saw it at Borders the other day as well.
2. Luckenback is the worst for getting stuck in your head!
3. You don't have to write the reviews!!! :) But with me being gone again this weekend I would rather just get them out of the way.
Trish, there are so many I was brought up on-Charley Pride, Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, Lorreta Lynn and the list goes on. When I discovered KISS as a teenager my parents cringed. lol.
i know what you mean by the daunting task of having to write more than one review.. i read 4 books when my blog disappeared and i am yet to review two of those books.. and 2 more from my vacation in summer..sick! sick!:)
*Dar - One of my college roommates was OBsessed with Lorreta Lynn! I really like Waylon Jennings as well. Are you still a country gal? I dabble a little bit but I think classic rock or 80s rock is my music of choice these days (changes pretty frequently, though).
*Ramya - I'm so glad that you were able to get your blog back, though, and didn't lose anything! I would have FREAKED out!!
Trish, I do still like country but I pretty much like a lot of different music-classical, some rock, anything except rap-I just could never get into that.
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