Go Big Or Go Home // written by Scotty McCreery, with Travis Thrasher
256 pages // published in 2016 // music biography
BOOK DESCRIPTION
It was just a simple singing competition that would be fun to audition for. Who knew what kind of doors it might open for a sixteen-year-old from Garner, North Carolina.
Go Big or Go Home is the story of a kid with country songs in his soul. The special thing with Scotty McCreery, however, is that he has this God-given ability to sing those tunes the exact way they should be sung. Daring to enter the limelight at such a young age, Scotty finds himself embraced by the nation, and even overseas, as he competes on "American Idol". This is his journey from his North Carolina roots to winning America’s most popular singing competition and launching a musical career he had always dreamt about.
Go Big or Go Home narrates Scotty's journey from a kid imitating Elvis on the school bus to 30 million across America tuning in to see him win Season 10 of "American Idol”. Now as he completes his ground-breaking fourth album, Scotty shares a glimpse of where he came from and the impact his faith, family and friends have had on a humbled guy who keeps asking “why me?”
It was just a simple singing competition that would be fun to audition for. Who knew what kind of doors it might open for a sixteen-year-old from Garner, North Carolina.
Go Big or Go Home is the story of a kid with country songs in his soul. The special thing with Scotty McCreery, however, is that he has this God-given ability to sing those tunes the exact way they should be sung. Daring to enter the limelight at such a young age, Scotty finds himself embraced by the nation, and even overseas, as he competes on "American Idol". This is his journey from his North Carolina roots to winning America’s most popular singing competition and launching a musical career he had always dreamt about.
Go Big or Go Home narrates Scotty's journey from a kid imitating Elvis on the school bus to 30 million across America tuning in to see him win Season 10 of "American Idol”. Now as he completes his ground-breaking fourth album, Scotty shares a glimpse of where he came from and the impact his faith, family and friends have had on a humbled guy who keeps asking “why me?”
My Review...
This isn't Scotty McCreery's autobiography -- he tells you so himself. Simply put, it's his story about a journey he's been through, covering the last few (roller-coaster) years of his life. And it all comes right from Scotty's own words -- it feels exactly like he's sitting down with you, sharing some his unique experiences, as friends do.
Hailing from American Idol fandom, Scotty's singing career took off like a rocket, whether he was ready or not. You get direct glimpses into his life growing up, how it felt appearing on the television screen each week, and the prep work involved with choosing the perfect (or sometimes not-so-perfect) song to get him through each round of the competition.
He's got some solid stories to share with interested readers. Sometimes sharing a happy story, events that turned out to be a "God thing" (nothing short of miracles), or sharing how certain negative experiences changed him into something better. This is good stuff -- and if you're a fan of his, you'll definitely love it.
What I love the most? Scotty openly talks about his Savior. He gives God the glory for putting Scotty in the place he's made it to in life. Faith and prayer are key elements of Scotty's daily life, no matter where he is in the world on any given day. Truly, his story is all the more inspiring because he makes sure that you understand he couldn't have done it himself.
The book reads like how a personal conversation would flow. It always kept my interest, and I couldn't wait to see what Scotty would share next. Go Big or Go Home is a fantastic behind-the-scenes look of the American Idol competition and a peek into Scotty's childhood, family, and faith. Plus his Elvis obsession, to boot. This kid is the real deal. He's true to himself and the public.
Who would be interested in this book? Honestly, a lot of people: American Idol and/or Scotty McCreery fans, country music fans (a great gift for a teen or grandchild, perhaps), NC State Wolfpack fans (I mean, Scotty gave them sooo many plugs in this book), actually anyone who lives in North Carolina (he's stunningly proud of his state and hometown of Garner). Other than that, it's a great read for anyone who just wants to read about this teenage (well, he's in his twenties now) American Idol winner and maybe even glean some encouragement.
I couldn't put this book down. (And when I did have to put it down, then I couldn't wait to get back to it!)
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I'm definitely a fan of Scotty's music and enjoyed seeing his journey on American Idol. I didn't know he had written a book, so thanks for sharing all about it.
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