Customer Reviews

American Thunder: The Garth Brooks Story

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a well written, easy reading book about the life of Garth, American Thunder and American Legend. The book captures the personal side of Garth, making him your friend as well as the performer we all enjoy. By the time you finish this book, you truly will "feel the music"

This is most compelling of all the Garth books. It's the only book that Garth Brooks is quoted as "having read every word and it brought tears to my eyes." The story about Garth Brooks, Hall of Fame member Robert Metzgar, Booking agent Joe Harris, Sr. and car dealer Bob Farr saving a local Christian family from starvation at Christmas time is one of the most touching, wonderful Christmas stories ever told.

Garth's personal commitment to charitable giving and his love of children leap from every page. It makes you fall in love with him as a superstar all over again. This book is a "must" major motion picture. The Chistmas scene alone is worth every penny you pay for this incredible charismatic autobiographical account of the world's greatest country act. If you want intense drama that brings tears to your eyes at times, this is the best of all the Garth books.

Maybe it's because I live in California, but for years I've been looking for a Garth Brooks book, biography, autobiography, anything and never had any luck at all. It seemed they just didn't exist and when I found this I bought it as fast as my mouse could click 'buy now with one click'. And when it arrived, I happily read it in two sittings and am thrilled to know the life and career of one of my biggest idols better.

There are a few reviews I read that took shots at the writting itself and I'm not going to tell you that this book doesn't read like a long high school paper, written in a 'speaking voice' but I also wasn't sitting down to read 'Grapes of Wrath' when I picked it up.

This book is a lot like the narrative to a Garth Brooks special you would see on the Biography channel, a program to which any one who would enjoy this book would surley tune in to watch.

I gave this four stars not for the litterary fireworks but for the joy of finally reading a Garth Brooks book.

Have you ever wanted to know more about Garth Brooks, the country legend? If you have, then this is the book for you.The author shows that Garth loves people and loves performing for them. She includes interesting facts and finds justice to many rumors. As a person interested in music, I was pleased this biography told of how Garth started out as a music artist and of the trials and tribulations he had to go through. The author also included stories of ordinary people who have met Garth, and have witnessed what a great and caring person he is. She also wrote about the real life struggles of Garth and his wife, like each having to work two jobs to make ends meet.
Although I enjoyed the book, I thought the author could have included more feeling and drama into it. She also could have included less statistics about his albums.
After reading this, I have more understanding and admiration of Garth Brooks than I have ever had before.

Okay, I'll admit, I am a rabid Garth Brooks fan. So, you should know I had an eye on this book and was ready for any kind of bias either way on this story about one of country music's most revolutionary members.

Ms. Sgammato is a woman with connections into the industry, and her research is extensive and thorough. She pulls no punches, and puts the good in with the not so perfect to give a well-rounded picture of the man and the performer. This book goes a long way to dispel or confirm various myths about Garth Brooks. It gives a rare insight into the man who dared not only to follow a dream, but also to fight to maintain control of that dream in the face of fickle critics and those who might be jealous of his success.

She speaks of the hardships GB faced as an ordinary Midwestern guy trying to find himself, and his, as well as his wife's, struggle to build a career in a tough to get into industry. Then it outlines their struggle to handle the fame notoriety that came with phenomenal success.

Along with GB's story, there are various referrals to those in the history of the country music industry, as well as examples of the generosity of others, that inspire not only Garth Brooks, but many others as well.

Overall, this is a great story about a good man, who started out just like anyone else and worked to make his dreams come true. Inspiring.

If you want to know about Garth Brooks, this is the only book you will ever need to read. It's all here: his early life, his music, his rise to fame and fortune. The author's easy, flowing style makes him come alive. A pleasure to read.

"American Thunder, the Garth Brooks Story," by New York Times bestselling author Jo Sgammato is an excellent music bio. It traces Garth's career from his early days before his record deals, to the release of his first album on April 12, 1989 up until today. The book is exciting as we go on tour, backstage and into the offices on Music Row in Music City, Nashville. Read the books and close your eyes as you "listen" to Garth's wonderful songs. The author is well versed on the topic having written four other country bios over the past few years. The major difference is that she was there for much of this and not only knows Garth but many of the people involved with him as well. Some years ago before this reviewer was into country music he was given two of Garth's CDs and a video. He was impressed with he video but not owning a CD player had to play them through his computer. He was hooked and still is. Garth is number one. The book is great. If you are music fan, a county music fan how can you not be a Garth fan. "American Thunder" should find a home on your music shelf along side Garth's CDs, cassettes and videos.

This has got to be the most boring, condescending biography I've ever read. Garth Brooks is a complicated man, but instead of doing the research to get inside his head, the author just trifles through the facts of his life. There is no emotion...nothing that draws the reader in and asks them to feel anything. And the writing style suggests that Garth Brooks fans are uneducated and illiterate. I'd give this book 0 stars if it was an option. Don't waste your money.

This is well written , and here we see more of the personal side of Garth Brooks . The author lets us see that he is just another human being and has faults just like us .
Garth still married to Sandy admits to having an affair , and we see how Sandy was behind him all the way getting his career going and all the hard work they both put in to make the man who he is today .
This book also tells of all the awards and songs that Garth has done and gives us a look inside at the work put into giving his concerts .
I was hoping for a little more on his personal life but overall this is a great read for any fan .

It was a pleasure to read a book that tells the facts without carping or criticism. Garth Brooks is truly a great artist, writer and performer of our time, and Jo Sgammato has laid it on the line in this most enjoyable tome. It is what we have come to expect of her, judging by her previous books. Angie McCartney