Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Overcoming Life's Challenges

William C Ruediger: A book of Randy's high's and low's in the Country singing business. Most of his trials he brought on by poor choices and being naive. He made millions of dollars. If he had just saved and wisely invested a small portion of his fortune he'd still be a rich man - financially. Poor choices in managers, in women, in drinking and in not taking responsibility for his own career and life led to a lot of pain. Wondered if his final affliction was more his own doing than a movie set? He's a great singer. Loved his songs, but can't feel too sorry for much of his predicament.

A very interesting read if you're into show biz personalities.

United States on Aug 16, 2023

Marian O'Quin: This book is a testament to personal strength and a strong faith in God. Through his many triumphs and trials he never forgot his Savior, family and friends. Giving back to others was a predominant part of his life. His wife is amazing! This book touched my soul and left me feeling uplifted as the miracle of his recovery unfolded. I highly recommend this book.

United States on Aug 01, 2023

Arnold92: Randy Travis is a good country singer and icon and his book is good to read and enjoy his music

United States on Jul 14, 2023

C. Mason: Is a wonderful read. Having been a huge fan for a long time, it was great to be able to read about his life, where he came from and how he became a star. Very inspirational and uplifting despite all he went through. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

United Kingdom on Oct 21, 2021

Brandi: I had seen several interviews with Randy & Mary promoting this book, & I had heard really good things about it, so I went ahead & bought a copy.

My main concern of interest going into it was how it was going to be voiced & structured given that Randy has very limited ability to speak & communicate clearly ever since his debilitating stroke in 2013. I had heard the author, Ken Abraham, discuss how he pulled together all these hours of footage of interviews & what not of Randy’s over the years to try to write in & maintain his voice. & I know Randy’s second wife, Mary, was certainly a huge contributor, & reading through the acknowledgments section at the end of the book, they did seem to interview a lot of people close to Randy along the way to gain their perspectives. There was also a footnote at the very beginning of the book acknowledging how heavily others recollections of the stories within would be relied upon.

Yet, I have to say, by the completion of this book, I was still rubbed the wrong way throughout that it was always written as if Randy, himself, were sitting there, telling a ghost writer his life story, yet we know...

United States on Apr 29, 2021

Gabe gall: Great book written in the words of a greater talent. Interesting story about the life of one of the greatest country stars of our time.

Canada on Feb 17, 2021

Country music lover!: This book was very interesting! Having seen Randy in a concert, It made him so real to me. Just adore his humble mannerism. It showed so clearly the struggles that musicians have, like ordinary people.

Canada on Sep 18, 2020

Keith King: This book tells of a young man controlled by an older woman who thought only about herself and used him for her gain. Then it talks about a woman who gave Amazing Grace and genuine love to a man who needed it at his lowest time. Randy’s story is very honest and humbling. Must read.

Canada on Aug 20, 2020

Occasional: This was a very well written memoir of the country star's life, but has wider interest in its frank depiction of the unhealthy controlling relationship with his first wife, an older woman who began sleeping with him when he was a 17 year ol and she was in her 30s and his court appointed guardian. If the genders were reversed the abusive nature of the relationship would have been more widely acknowledged.

Loses a star for a bit too much boring medical detail, but an excellent read.

United Kingdom on Jul 14, 2019

Alan Fahrner: I’m generally a 70s rock-and-roll kind ‘a guy, but I can appreciate music from pretty much any genre, as long I can make out a melody and someone isn’t screaming at me the whole time. :-)

One genre I didn’t like as a kid, but grew to enjoy, was a country…especially traditional country. If there is anyone the last few decades who is the epitome of traditional country, it’s Randy Travis. When he announced on Twitter he had an autobiography coming out, I immediately pre-ordered it on Amazon. Boy, I am glad I did.

I give Forever and Ever, Amen 5 stars based on:

5 – Pay for both the electronic and paper versions
4 – Pay for the electronic or paper version (whichever is your preference)
3 – Pay for it if it is heavily discounted
2 – Read it if it is free
1 – Unless you need a cure for insomnia, skip it

I’m more of a non-fiction technology or leadership book reader, but Forever and Ever, Amen, was a tremendous, inspiring break. Within its pages you learn how one of the greatest country voices ever grew up, how his career took off, and how he battled back from a debilitating stroke (a battle he is still fighting). It is an...

United States on May 26, 2019