Like Me: Confessions Of A Heartland Country Singer [Paperback]

Chely Wright (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2011

(Book). Chely Wright, singer, songwriter, and country music star, writes in this moving, telling memoir about her life and her career; about growing up in America's heartland and about barely remembering a time when she didn't know she was different. The youngest of three children, Wright would ascend the ladder to the top of the country-music world, only to find herself trapped in a place she hadn't foreseen, but had to face. From high-school homecoming queen to successful recording artist with her first hit single, "Shut Up and Drive," Wright's journey was dictated by keeping the truth of who she was closeted in a world in which country music stars had never been and could not be openly gay. Working with the biggest names in Nashville, she navigated these treacherous waters until the charade took too great a toll. Ultimately, as she reveals in this candid and outspoken work, Wright found the courage to untangle herself from the image of the country music star she'd become, an image steeped in long-standing ideals and notions about who and what a country artist is, and what fans expect that artist to be.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chely Wright is an acclaimed singer and songwriter. Her seven albums have sold a million copies. Wright has given concerts around the world and has performed seven times for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

“It has been twenty-eight days since she last spoke to me. How can she not call or reach out in some way? I have no idea if I’m going crazy or if I’m already there. Is this what it feels like?
 
I’m afraid of the thoughts that I’m having. My only relief is when I’m sleeping . . . When I am able to get rest, I risk dreaming of her. The dreams are happy ones, but then I wake and feel the truth bearing down on me . . .
 
I go upstairs and locate a loaded 9-millimeter handgun. It is heavier than I remember.
 
I say a prayer to God to forgive me and to understand why I can’t go on anymore like this. I beg God to realize that I will never be able to fit into the life that I’ve created, that I will never be accepted.
 
I pick up the gun and put the end of it in my mouth. It’s cold. I hold it steady and get my right thumb on the trigger and prepare to pull it by pushing it outward.
 
I close my eyes . . . thumb still on the trigger.
 
My mind is going a million miles an hour. I think of my family, my dogs, my friends, my fans, the sun, a kiss from Julia, and music.
 
Then I hear a noise.
 
It is the sound of my heart pounding in my head . . .” --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation; Reprint edition (May 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423499484
• ISBN-13: 978-1423499480
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (110 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Country
  • #58 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Biographies & Memoirs
  • #71 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Reference

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 63 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Read May 6, 2010

By Kasey Schiedeck

Format:Hardcover

I've been a fan of Chely Wright's since I first discovered country music in my teens. Since then she has somewhat fallen out of the spotlight but I was thrilled when I learned she was returning this month with a new album and a memoir.

While it is no surprise that her "coming out" was matched time-wise with the release of her album/book, I am happy to say the book is not a tell all ridiculous concoction of seemingly false or exaggerated encounters with famous and non-famous men and women. It is NOT about her life as a lesbian although this is an important part of her self. It's about much more than that.

The book is quite a read--very intriguing and extremely well written. Wright as a songwriter has a knack for poetic form to tell her story. Hers is one of a small town Kansan who moves to Nashville to follow her dreams. What a refreshing All-American story this is, and a reminder of why this country is so grand. I highly recommend.

44 of 49 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story, well told May 5, 2010

By Book Shark

Format:Hardcover

All the press about Miss Wright's 'coming out' may obscure the fact that she has written an intensely personal and beautiful debut book. Along with her melodic singing voice, she has a beautiful literary voice and tells an all-American tale of dreams, delving and disappointment. She has had an amazing life full of courage and commitment and I applaud her for sharing it with all of us.

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book. May 8, 2010

By nwask

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been a fan of Chely Wright since the 90's, I was excited to hear the news that she had a new album coming out. After hearing her very personal and courageous coming out story, I had to read her memoir. I too am a gay woman who has struggled with the fact and that I tried so hard to change but knew I couldn't. This book was so personal and I was able to really relate to many many things Chely wrote about regarding her internal struggle with accepting herself. I read the book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I want my family (especially my mother) to read this book to try and understand more of how I feel about myself and Chely wrote it beautifully. Her story will help many LGBT youth and adults and hopefully their families. Thank you Chely for your strength and courage, good luck with your journey.