Ken Abraham

This was an excellent book until the end. It gave a good picture of what life was like living with George Jones. Going through his addiction to both alcohol and drugs was something not many people could endure. The author felt that there was always a good man underneath of all that and through the years Jones eventually gave up alcohol and drugs and found the Lord. The author also helped in his business management and getting him to show up at concerts. It was really a good look at what show more George Jones was like. However, the author began the book with her bout with covid and ended with some of the complications she had. Her illness was very severe. However, she made a statement about not being willing to take the vaccine because it was developed too quickly and her friend had done research and also recommended she not get the vaccine. How many folks who read this book are going to now take this attitude and jeopardize themselves and those they associate with by not getting a vaccine? The mRNA technology that speeded up development of the vaccine. A physician told me this mRNA technology had been around for decades and the increased funding for development of a vaccine provided by the government was what allowed it to be developed so quickly. Without the vaccine, tens of thousands more would have died. I just wish the author had not ruined an excellent biography of George Jones by spouting misinformation. show less

Nancy Jones provides the reader with an intimate look inside the life country music legend George Jones. She does not hold back in detailing his addiction to drugs and alcohol or the hardship of being married to a man with such self-destructive and abusive behavior. However, she also shares the almost miraculous turnaround in his behavior and his decision to follow Christ.

I read the book as an outsider and not an obsessed fan, so I had no knowledge of George Jones beyond recognizing his name show more as a well-known musician. Nancy went well beyond what most would do when discovering George’s problems and her decision to stay with him most certainly was a huge positive influence in his career…and one that likely extended his life.

The book is a well written and in-depth study of Nancy’s memories of her famous husband. And while she certainly helped guide him on the right path, I felt this book is as much her story as it was his. Obsessed fans will likely love this book, but other readers will simply find it an interesting story without being drawn into the musician’s world.

I received my copy of Playin’ Possum through the Early Reviewers at LibraryThing with no promise of a positive review. Any opinions given here are strictly my own. show less

In Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon, Buzz Aldrin chronicles both his personal struggles and continued aerospace work following his historic Apollo 11 mission. He writes of the period following the moon landing, "With no mission or goal on which to focus, those words I'd uttered on the moon - 'magnificent desolation' - mocked me as a poignant description of my life on Earth" (p. 144). Aldrin's autobiographical account of his life after returning to Earth focuses on show more two main subjects: his struggles with depression and alcoholism, which he candidly discusses in the hope that his honesty will help others; and his work to further space exploration and develop space tourism.
In chronicling his struggle with depression and alcoholism, Aldrin demonstrates that even those people who are nearly universally adored are still human. He does not shy away from his bleaker moments and does not make excuses. In taking responsibility for his past, Aldrin shows how others can follow his example and seek the help they need and overcome their own struggles.
In discussing the future of space travel, Aldrin writes, "I truly believe that we have the universe at our fingertips. We were on the right track when we took the challenge laid down by President Kennedy, and we will continue on the right track if we expand upon that commitment" (p. 307). Aldrin remains among the hardest working (and smartest) people in aerospace, continually thinking up new methods to improve America's space program or spark an interest in young people to pursue privatized space travel. His continued commitment should stand as a challenge to NASA and America to reinvigorate our space program. Aldrin implores his readers, "Please keep this dream alive; please keep going; Mars is there waiting for your footsteps" (p. 309).
Those looking for an account of NASA in the 1960s and the early years of Project Apollo should read Men from Earth, also by Aldrin. Magnificent Desolation is, as the subtitle suggests, about Aldrin's life following his Apollo mission, though it will still be interesting to those interested in space travel, both historic and prospective ideas for the future. show less

This book was part biography of George Jones, part autobiography of his widow, Nancy Jones, and part religious testimonial. Nancy Jones was George Jones' fourth and final wife. She is widely credited with saving George's life by eventually being the catalyst for George quitting cocaine and then alcohol. They were married for over 30 years and George did not get straight until 16 years into the marriage. She doesn't sugar coat the bad years and reading about the abuse may be triggering for show more some readers. She credits God with helping her get through the tough times and with getting through to George. She also claims a near death experience while suffering from COVID with giving her the inspiration to tell the story. The last part of the book is her testimonial to Jesus. I think most old school country music fans will find this an interesting, if not enjoyable read.

Full disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a LibraryThing giveaway. show less