Reviewed by: Connor Salter, Professional Writing student at Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Title: Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life

Author: Randy Travis with Ken Abraham

Publisher: Nelson Books (HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.)

Publication Date: May 2019

Format: Hardcover

Length: 305 pages

OVERVIEW

Randy Travis has had his share of harsh and interesting experiences. From growing up with an alcoholic father to making his way as a country musician to facing harsh betrayals, Travis has fought and suffered and learned. In this book, he tells his life story and what he’s learned along the way.

It seems unfair to say people who’ve experienced hard things tell the best stories, but in this case, it proves to be true. Travis and Abraham create a compelling story about Travis’s rise to stardom, but even in his career’s best moments there were tensions. Those unique tensions make the book interesting and enlightening, even for readers who don’t care much for country music. The fact those tensions are often so harsh makes Travis’s journey to overcome them all the more inspiring and powerful.

A raw but compelling tale about faith as well as an entertaining look at Travis’s music career.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christian autobiography fans, country music fans.

Christian Impact

Readers will be humbled and encouraged by Travis’s descriptions of how he’s overcome severe trials.

Other Notes

While the book ultimately shows how Travis has healed from his struggles, the struggles themselves (including alcoholism, anger management issues and divorce) may be difficult for some readers to learn about.

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