FICTION

Pretty Paper

by Willie Nelson
with David Ritz. Blue Rider. Oct. 2016. 304p. ISBN 9780735211544. $23; ebk. ISBN 9780735211568. F
COPY ISBN
Singer and songwriter Nelson's fable is based on his classic Christmas song "Pretty Paper," which was inspired by a legless street vendor selling wrapping paper in Fort Worth, TX. Imagining the vendor's life story, the narrative takes readers back to the 1960s when Nelson was just starting his career and barely making ends meet. The salesman, Vernon Clay, turns out to be a musician, too, but tragedy cut his career short. As Nelson and Clay form a tentative friendship, Nelson realizes he may be able to help right the wrongs of the past and forge a new future for Clay.
VERDICT This engaging holiday musical treat by a country music star will delight all readers, particularly Nelson's fans. [See Prepub Alert, 5/9/16.]
Reviewed by Melissa DeWild , Oct 15, 2016
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia
by Grames, Juliet
FICTION

The Cliffs
by Sullivan, J. Courtney
FICTION

54 Miles
by Pitts Jr., Leonard
FICTION

Frederick Douglass
by Morrison, Sidney
FICTION

Someone Like Us
by Mengestu, Dinaw
FICTION

Teddy
by Dunlay, Emily
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?