Pretty Paper

October 15, 2016
This charmingbut, alas, fictionalmemoir takes us back to the early years of famed singer/songwriter Willie Nelson. He was struggling artistically and financially when he wrote the song Pretty Paper, which became a big hit for Roy Orbison in 1963. (Nelson recorded his own version a year or so later.) According to this stylishly written story, a collaboration between Nelson and David Ritz, Nelson was inspired by a homeless man who was trying to make a few bucks selling Christmas wrapping paper during the holiday season. The book recounts Nelson's attempts to learn more about the man, who inspired him when he most needed inspiration. It's such a touching storymoving without the cloying sweetness that plagues so many would-be inspirational talesthat we find ourselves wishing it had actually happened. Nelson, who has always told wonderful stories in song form, proves he can be just as effective in print narrative.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

June 1, 2016

If you can hum Nelson's beloved Christmas song, "Pretty Paper," you will surely be interested in this new novel by Nelson, inspired by the song. Both composition and novel tease out the life story of the legless man who sold wrapping paper in front of a Ft. Worth, TX, department store. Raised by his grandparents after the death of his parents, Tom Winthrop formed a country group that included his beloved Marla Jean Hart while still in high school. The group breaks up after one big (Christmas) hit, Marla Jean runs off, and Tom loses his legs in a slaughterhouse accident. But there's a happy ending.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2016

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.]

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.