Cash: The Autobiography

Book Description

He was the "Man in Black," a country music legend, and the quintessential American troubadour. He was an icon of rugged individualism who had been to hell and back, telling the tale as never before. In his unforgettable autobiography, Johnny Cash tells the truth about the highs and lows, the struggles and hard-won triumphs, and the people who shaped him.

In his own words, Cash set the record straight -- and dispelled a few myths -- as he looked unsparingly at his remarkable life: from the joys of his boyhood in Dyess, Arkansas to superstardom in Nashville, Tennessee, the road of Cash's life has been anything but smooth. Cash writes of the thrill of playing with Elvis, the comfort of praying with Billy Graham; of his battles with addiction and of the devotion of his wife, June; of his gratitude for life, and of his thoughts on what the afterlife may bring. Here, too, are the friends of a lifetime, including Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Kris Kristofferson. As powerful and memorable as one of his classic songs, Cash is filled with the candor, wit, and wisdom of a man who truly "walked the line."

Customer Reviews:

Johnny Cash - the autobiography.......2007-10-08

This is a very readable book. The writing is simple, yet interesting. It reads just like Johnny Cash is having a conversation with the reader. Thumbs up.

Cash, The Autobiography.......2007-08-24

I really liked the book and I am glad I bought it but it wasn't as in depth as I was hoping it would be. Some of the names he drops would have been easier to follow if he had used last names and the book assumes you have kept up with his history and his career but what it does do is makes me want to purchase "Man in Black" just that much more.

Cash does what he does best.......2007-08-21

In this book Cash does what he does best and that's tell stories. Anybody who's even remotely familiar with his career and music knows he is a master storyteller. Cash the Autobiography is the perfect forum for the man to bear his soul and talk about his life. Never one to hold back he gives us highs lows and everything in between. This legend lived harder and faster than most rock stars could ever dream of. Get this and listen to the man in black tell you his story.

"Why Do I Always Wear Black?".......2007-07-27

This book is something like a guilty pleasure for me. Don't get me wrong-- Johnny Cash is no guilty pleasure, but that's his music. I have no guilt at all about how much I have appreciated his music over the years. One of my biggest musical regrets is that I never had the chance to see either him or June live before the end.

But writing isn't singing. I enjoyed the book, because I'm a real fan. I also enjoys it because Cash clearly likes to write. If you've got any of the Rubin recordings, then you've seen the liner notes. I have to say that I enjoy him a little bit better when not filtered through a ghost writer. But I also have to admit that Mr. Carr probably keeps it as readable and as structured as it ends up being-- I get the impression that neither of those skills were really high on his literary list.

Many readers are turned off by the very Christian nature of this book. It didn't bother me. It is a big part of Cash-- you can't take him without taking his devout Christianity. I never get the sense that he is judgemental or unfair or part of any kind of Christian right. He credits religion, together with June, as being the things that kept him from dying like Faron Young. I tend to think that one needs to give him credit for that-- and also credit for speaking out about his faith.

What I mostly got out of it was little anecdotes that filled in the history that I already knew. It also sent me scrambling for some artists who I knew existed, but didn't know exactly what they sounded like. I've been listening to my Faron Young all morning (shamefully, all I have is the Greatest Hits) and wondering why I don't listen to it more often.

I can't really imagine that this book would appeal to someone who isn't a fan. But if you are, you may well enjoy it. I did. Great vacation reading.

He walked the line.......2007-07-22

Johnny Cash is one of my heroes. I could never aspire to the kind of artistic achievement that he left us with and I don't particularly want to become a musician. But he was a real man of faith and an insightful observer and participant of the human condition. His songs reach deep into my soul and his words in this book inspired me no end. He has so many great stories to tell that it's hard to believe he's just lived one lifetime. There is much to admire in his character and also much to deplore. Which means that he was a genuine human being with faults but also a greatness that transcends generations.

The book's style is breezily conversational, which gives you the sense (as at least one other reviewer has noticed) that you are with him, relaxing over a cup of coffee, sharing in his most intimate experience. To be sure, the pacing and structure are quite uneven. This is not a conventional biography, starting from birth up till the present. The material to some extent is organized around his various domiciles (like Bon Aqua, Cinnamon Hill, his bus which he affectionately calls Unit One) but even so there's no clear structure. He just tells the stories as he remembers them. While affecting, this style occasionally makes for a disjointed reading experience. But the stories he has to tell are well-worth hearing, whether it is of the people he's worked with professionally (a veritable who's who of music legends, such as Carl Perkins, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Pressley, etc.), those dearest to his heart, how he came to write some of his songs or what have you.

Reading this book makes you realize that the movie "Walk the Line", great as it was, exaggerates or distorts certain events in his life. While sometimes this is necessary to fit the format of a movie, there are instances in which events omitted would have had a greater dramatic effect. He recounts the story of his first music teacher, who upon hearing his performance of several songs immediately refused to teach him, so that she wouldn't change the amazing voice that he had.

All in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. As a Christian I was inspired by his profound but simple faith which thoroughly infused every aspect of his life. I have no doubt that he was inspired by God to reach the lonely and the downtrodden and to be a witness for Him.

Average customer rating:

Hero With a Tragic Flaw
GREAT BOOK MICHAEL
The life and times of a genuine American icon.
GREAT BIOGRAPHY OF THE MAN IN BLACK!
The interviews make this book

Johnny Cash: The Biography
Michael Streissguth
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0306813688

Book Description

To millions, Johnny Cash was the rebellious Man in Black, the unabashed patriot, the redeemed Christian--the king of country music. But Johnny Cash was also an uncertain country boy whose dreams were born in the cotton fields of Arkansas and who struggled his entire life with a guilt-ridden childhood, addictions, and self-doubt. A sensitive songwriter with profound powers of musical expression, Cash told America and the world the stories of a nation's heroes and outcasts.
Johnny Cash: The Biography explores in depth many often-overlooked aspects of the legendÂ's life and career. It examines the powerful artistic influence of his older brother, Roy, and chronicles Cash's air force career in the early 1950s, when his songwriting took form...and when he purchased his first guitar. It uncovers the origins of his trademark boom-chicka-boom rhythm and traces his courtship of Bob Dylan in the folk revival era of the 1960s.
Johnny Cash also delves into the details of Cash's personal life, including his drug dependency, which dogged him long after many thought he had beaten it. It unflinchingly recounts his relationships with his first wife, Vivian Liberto, his second wife, June Carter Cash, and his children. And it follows Cash as man and musician from his early years of success through the commercially desolate years of the 1980s to his reemergence under the influence of producer Rick Rubin--and association that revitalized his career yet raised contradictions about Cash's values and craft. Scrupulously researched, passionately told, Johnny Cash: The Biography is the unforgettable portrait of an enduring American icon.

Customer Reviews:

Hero With a Tragic Flaw.......2007-10-14

In classical literature, it was the Greeks who first expounded the tale of the hero with a tragic flaw. Aristotle wrote, that "[a] man doesn't become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall." In Michael Streissguth's "Johnny Cash: The Biography," we examine the life of a man, not a myth, who exemplified the Aristotelian morality play.

Michael Streissguth is obviously a fan of Johnny Cash, the author of "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison: The Making of a Masterpiece" and, like Marshall Grants, I Was There When It Happened: My Life with Johnny Cash" he seeks to praise while still giving an unvarnished account of the folk legend's struggles with addiction and the vagaries of a music career.

In fact, Marshall Grant's book is quoted extensively. Where Grant is abrupt, even harsh, in his description of Johnny Cash's addictions, Streissguth is gentle. Where Grant describes Johnny Cash as a stumbling addict, chemically prevented from seeing the impact of his weaknesses on his family and friends, Streissguth portrays a man all too aware of "the root of his own downfall."

Still, Streissguth does his best to soften the harsh realities of Cash's lifestyle and dependencies. It's not until page 217 that we learn of affairs Cash had in the 70's and 80's. And, even then, only in the most oblique of references.

Streissguth is even forced to admit that the saintly June Carter-Cash is not above struggling with demons of her own; on page 218 he talks about "June's demands for the spotlight and her sensational spending that had become legendary..." Streissguth refuses to go the whole way and describe June's own struggles with addiction. Streissguth gingerly describes an entire Cash clan that fought addiction in one form or another.

Despite all of these negatives, Streissguth gives the best illustrations of the true artist that Johnny Cash was. His descriptions of Cash's relationship with Rick Rubin are the finest I've ever read. They show how Johnny Cash's music rang true with an audience outside of the Nashville circuit. When you get to this phase of Cash's career, you would do well to read it while listening to "The Legend of Johnny Cash" - especially "Rusty Cage" and "I've Been Everywhere."

Johnny Cash was simply an honest man among ordinary men. Who among us doesn't have a tragic flaw? For the vast majority of us simply struggling to get by day-to-day, Cash provides the anthem for our lives.

GREAT BOOK MICHAEL.......2007-10-02

Michael is an excellent writer. He leaves no stone unturned. I personally know how much research, time and many many miles went into this book.
I have met with Michael a few times, and am amazed at how much he does know about Dad. He actualy told me about many things I DIDN'T KNOW!!

This book is excellent. Thanks again Michael.
xoxox Kathy

The life and times of a genuine American icon........2007-04-19

While he was never one of my favorite recording artists I simply could not resist the lure of "Johnny Cash: The Biography". Certainly anyone with an interest in the history of American popular music cannot deny that Johnny Cash would have to rank as one of the most fascinating figures of the past fifty years. He was the real deal who sang about life experiences that just about all of us could relate to. Author Michael Streissguth, who had previously penned "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison: The Making of A Masterpiece" offers up an intimate portrait of this highly enigmatic artist who was beloved by generations of Americans. Americans had come to admire the man who had seemingly seen and done it all!
I enjoyed "Johnny Cash: The Biography" for a couple of reasons. First of all, I had never read about Johnny's childhood nor was I aware of the circumstances that led him to Sam Phillip's Memphis Recording Service back in 1955. As a student of American popular music this book certainly helped to fill some missing pieces of the puzzle for me. Likewise, I appreciated learning more about Johnny Cash's entire recording career including his move to Columbia records in 1958 as well as his somewhat improbable but ultimately successful tenure at Rick Rubin's American Recordings label towards the end of his life. Understanding the kinds of material Johnny Cash was interested in recording helped to give me some real insight into the soul of this legendary performer. But "Johnny Cash: The Biography" covers so much more ground than simply his recording career. Michael Streissguth delves into much of Cash's personal life as well. His was a life of peaks and valleys, success and failure, personal torture and remarkable success. You will learn about his first marriage to Vivian and about his 40 year marriage to legendary country music pioneer June Carter. Pulling no punches, the auther presents heartbreaking accounts of Johnny's lifelong addiction to pills and the ramifications this had for both his family life and for his career as well. On a much more positive note, Streissguth also recalls the deeply religious and tender side of Johnny Cash that most folks rarely saw as presented through the eyes of his children and those who worked alongside him over the years. Indeed, it is hard to deny that Johnny Cash was an extremely complex individual.
"Johnny Cash: The Biography" is an entertaining and well-written book that most readers will certainly enjoy. Those who are interested in the history of country music in particular or in the history of American popular music in general are sure to garner lots of new information from this one. This is a book that managed to hold my interest from cover to cover. Highly recommended!

GREAT BIOGRAPHY OF THE MAN IN BLACK!.......2007-03-11

This book is outstanding and a great addition to my
JR Cash collection.

Thank you!

The interviews make this book.......2006-10-03

Streissguth's journalistic approach is a refreshing contrast to the psychological blather of many biographical writers. There is a healthy balance of respect for Johnny Cash and a straightforward look at his extramarital relationships, substance abuse, and devotion to Christianity. Both the complex and simple sides of Cash are revealed through detail-rich interviews with those who knew him well. Indeed, the extensive interviews with band members, friends and family are what make this book so compelling and fresh. For instance, the interview with Rosanne Cash, his eldest daughter, helps us understand Cash's drug addition, his role as a father and the insecurities he experienced as a performer. The Man in Black has never been revealed in such color and light.

While Streissguth doesn't attempt to retell every story or dispel every fable about Cash, the book is well researched and rich with detail, including investigations that delve into the roots of well-known myths. Even life-long fans of Johnny Cash will come away with a new understanding of what pushed, pulled and propelled the singer through his life and career. If there was room on a bookshelf for only one book on Johnny Cash, this would be my pick.

Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words

Average customer rating:

I will never wear a suit of white...
Nice collection of anecdotes
From One Extreme to The Other, Demons to God.

Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words
Johnny Cash
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 999243158X

Customer Reviews:

I will never wear a suit of white..........2006-03-17

This autobio is written in simple and straightforward language by the Man In Black himself. Our family has been fans of Cash long before the new Hollywood hit 'Walk the Line' hit cinemas last year. However, this new wave of Cash in the spotlight has reminded us all of his remarkable story. Johnny's simple faith allowed him to beat the 'demons' and live out the rest of His life in truth and always attributing Glory where it was due. June was his guardian angel, if you ask me. God definitely gave him a gift when he brought June into his life. His story is a touching one and will show you the power of prayer and godly people in one's life. An easy read and worth every second spend reading it. =)

Nice collection of anecdotes.......2006-02-22

I read Mr. Cash's second autobiography, Cash, before I read this one, but I still appreciated the additional anecdotes of the times that he lived and performed in, how he got his life on track, and how fervent he was about his Christianity. You can definitely hear that it is the same voice in both books, and they make a nice pair to read together.

I wish he'd delved into his courtship of June, but that's just me being nosy. All in all a nice read and another wonderful memento for his family.

From One Extreme to The Other, Demons to God........2005-09-05

He looked just like an average person when he was young. Later he became a personna to beat all. He fulfilled his destiny to sing God's praises to the convicts in prison and to try to live up to the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Man in Black was asked if he was "going to a funeral" when because he started to wear black outfits when he performed, going back to 1954, was called a troubadour, an English balladeer, like Waylon Jennings. His theme song was 'I Walk The Line,' and he sang many styles in many genres. In the '70s, his career had reached international proportions.

The first J.C. recording I remember liking was 'A Boy Called Sue' and I did love the song 'Shifting, Whispering Sands,' which he also recorded. In 1976, he had a #1 'One Piece At A Time' -- I am wondering if that is the one about putting together a car out of junk parts. His first single recording (not an album) was in 1955. I was told in 2002 that he had made a good recording of 'The Long Black Veil,' one of my favorite ballads. I found it on a Cash CD, taped that song several times and gave the CD to the person who alerted me as to its existence. There is a new movie coming out soon about his life in which he sings 'Ring of Fire.'

In 1982, he made an album produced by Rodney Crowell, one of my favorite non-stars. I had a tape of some of his road songs, and I loved them all; then, foolishly, I sent it to someone I thought might enjoy it. I wish I had been selfish and kept it.

He was a reader: THE ROBE, QUO VADIS, THE SILVER CHALICE, and PILLAR OF IRON influenced him to go to Israel in November, 1971, to make a movie. It was a semi-documentary and it was magical to film on Mount Arabel, overlooking Galilee and in the Church of Beatitudes. He promised God that if he could live through all of the abuse he had perpetrated on his body, he would be his "Superstar" to set a good example for the young.

He tells of a near-death experience after his bypass surgery in 1988, the "essence" of light as he drifted off but the doctors in Nashville worked diligently to save him. He says he was restored to his "senses." "I never forgot that light, and it changed me." Life meant more to him, became very moving just to look at mundane, everyday things.

He felt he'd come "full circle" at a festival in England, back to the "bare bones." pre-stardom, pre-Memphis (SUN records) days. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Florence, Alabama, and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. He always appeared to be the bad guy, but actually he was very religious despite his long bout with alcoholism. We miss him and June Carter Cash, the mother of his only son, John Carter Cash.

The photo section was nice and we could see both families combined by his marriage into the Carter family. They had a grand spread out home outside of Nashville, and he stayed active with his music and enjoying life as it came. He was a philosopher in many ways, especially in his choice of songs to record.

Average customer rating:

Great novel in words of Johnny Cash
Great Novel
Forever changed
Blinded by the Light
Should have been a classic

Man in White
Johnny Cash
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 159554237X

Book Description

Johnny Cash. The Apostle Paul.

Passionate. Controversial. Fiery. Destructive. Redeemed.

Two legendary men. Two thousand years apart-yet remarkably similar.

Both struggled with a "thorn in the flesh." And both had powerful visions from God.

Paul's encounter with the Man in White knocked him to the ground and struck him blind. It also turned him into one of the most influential men in history.

Johnny Cash's vision was of another man entirely-his recently deceased father-a vision that helped spark his imagination to write this historical novel about the amazing life of the intriguing figure with whom Cash identified so deeply-the Apostle Paul.

See Paul as you've never seen him before--through the creative imagination of one of the greatest singer-songwriters America has ever known. Subsequently see Johnny Cash, the man in Black, as you've never seen him before--as a passionist novelist consumed with the Man In White.

Customer Reviews:

Great novel in words of Johnny Cash.......2007-01-11

I think Johnny Cash did a tremendous amount of research & thought to write this novel of the Apostle Paul. I was impressed how Cash put it into simple words, easily understood in the flow of the very interesting story line.

Great Novel.......2007-01-11

This helps put the greatest evangelist in a human perspective. I would highly recogmend it to any Christian or any Johnny Cash fan. Johnny Cash's autobiography "Man In Black" is also an incredible book. Bottom line, Johnny Cash was a wonderful author, not to mention an incredible musician.

Forever changed.......2006-10-23

I would not call myself a huge fan of Johnny Cash, but I'm certainly a huge fan of this book and its story. Making direct application of Biblical characters is the whole point of the Biblical characters in the first place. If we don't live vicariously through ancient personalities we don't learn a thing from them. Mr. Cash draws an uncanny parallel between himself and the converted Paul. He too had a blinding flash of the obvious. I am so impressed when a celebrity shares his/her faith in Christ unashamedly with no intent to criticize or for self-gain. The direct connection with scriptures teaches life changing experiences.

Blinded by the Light.......2006-06-04

Anyone familiar with the tenets of Christianity know the conversion story of the apostle Paul, a persecutor of Christians, who came to faith in Jesus. After his conversion he became one of the early church's biggest missionaries, converting hundreds upon thousands and building churches wherever he visited. His life story is astounding, and Johnny Cash has done a remarkable job in telling his story in "Man of White", a fictional account of the life of Paul.

"Man in White" paints an overwhelmingly realistic portrait of Saul of Tarsus, a zealous Jew who felt called to persecute his fellow Jews who had turned to faith in Jesus. His conversion and blinding on the road to Damascus changes his life; his encounter with the Man in White affirming that his mission in life is not one of persecution but of love. Cash's narrative is fast-paced, Biblically grounded and well-written. The reader is swept into the time and trials of the early Christians, the deadly persecutions they suffered and the fearlessness they had to have in order to give their lives over to Christ. Cash has created a backstory for the apostle Paul that fills in the gaps with clarity and intuition, a daring task for anyone, but one that Cash accomplishes with seeming ease.

For those familiar with Johnny Cash only through his music and his history of drug problems, it may seem strange that he chose to write a novel about the apostle Paul. Yet one could draw parallels between what Cash went through to overcome his demons and finally get his life on track, with what Paul went through as he tried to run away from the Lord. Cash is a fitting author for this novel because he knew all about running away from a calling; this novel ate away at him for years before he was able to finish it. He didn't think himself worthy to write about Paul, struggled with the conversion scene, until he too had a dream about a vision on a road. Johnny Cash was the "Man in Black" who wore that color for "those who never read / or listened to the words that Jesus said", and talks straight to those who would listen through the "Man in White".

Should have been a classic.......2005-03-14

As an avid reader, I find many books today are written and then published when they should be going through edits and re-writes. Characters are flat, mistakes in timelines, and no attention to flow, but the effort and commitment of Johnny Cash in this novel is obvious. It is extremely well written so that the reader becomes engaged and able to vividly see the story as it is read. The reason I think this book isn't a classic (yet) is that it is so long out of print.

Johnny Cash: Reads The Complete New Testament

Average customer rating:

Excellent Work!!!
JC as read by JC
wonderful, wonderful !
The best.
Wooden Delivery but Fun Idea for Johnny Cash to Read the New Testament!

Johnny Cash: Reads The Complete New Testament
Johnny Cash
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0718006771

Book Description

The New Testament of the New King James Version is read in its entirety by music legend Johnny Cash.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Work!!!.......2007-01-03

This audio Bible is great. Johnny did a fantastic job and paced himself nicely. His pronunciation is well done. I enjoy these CDs immensely.

Thanks Johnny and I'll see you in heaven!

JC as read by JC.......2006-11-02

No frills or fancy workings, just plain old Johnny Cash reading the New King James version of the New Testament. It's straight-forward and understandable, delivered in a matter-of-fact tone that leaves interpretation open to your own mind. Johnny Cash does his best to read without flair and dramatics, allowing the words to speak for themselves.

I enjoy unwinding after a long day by throwing on some headphones and relaxing to the soothing words of JC.

wonderful, wonderful !.......2006-09-18

this set was everything i could have hoped for. it was amusing that someone reviewing this product would describe Johnny Cash's reading voice as "wooden" ... have they never heard him speak or sing ? if you have heard his voice you know what to expect. personally i find his voice rich, comfortingly real, and ideally suited to a project such as this

there is no annoying music in the background, which is ideal for people who suffer from diminished hearing, like me, or people who find such unwelcome additions to be nothing more than a distraction

his reading is often described as slow, but i think it might be better described as casual - about the speed he spoke in public or on TV : he typically seemed unhurried when he spoke, but having a "script" allowed him to talk faster than i'd anticipated. his cadence is not too fast, just faster than i had been led to believe

the books are broken up into chapter-length files (important if you wish to rip to MP3 files as i've done) and sometimes span from one CD to another (important if you're considering getting this for an elderly person who might need to search for the next CD, as well as possibly complicating the operation of a CD player for a person with visual limitations)

this is a wonderful product and i would gladly purchase it again. the only "improvement" i can suggest is offering an MP3 version for people who may lack the technical ability to convert the CDs themselves (they are Legion)

The best........2005-12-17

The guy proclaims the Word of God beautifully and simply. If you're not much of a believer, it just is done well and straight forward.

The New King James Version is more modern English (without all the "unto's" and "ye's" and "thou's"). Easier on the ears. Also, no accompanying music. Just him reading slowly and with understanding.

The above comments are in comparison to James Earl Jones reading the New Testament. The guy has a voice like no one else, but the original King James version language- lame backround music - and a whispery, momontone reading (if you can imagine James Earl Jones doing that) - makes this far inferior to Johnny Cash's.

Wooden Delivery but Fun Idea for Johnny Cash to Read the New Testament!.......2005-10-06

JOHNNY CASH: READS THE COMPLETE NEW TESTAMENT is a nice idea, but a bit less than inspiring, when it's all said and done.

His reading style is a bit wooden. He is better than a grade school kid reading from a text book, but very similar in the unsure delivery of it all.

Johnny gets the job done, but does no dramatizing or voice inflections to help flesh out the text and dialogue. I would have enjoyed it more if he had tried to emphasize highlights or emotions in the text and dialogue. He sounds like he has great reverence for the Bible, but seems too unfamiliar to be comfortable adding pertinent emotions in the correct passages.

This is probably best for folks who aren't into the Bible, but they are willing to listen to the novelty of having Johnny Cash read from the New King James Version.

It is easier to follow this narrative of the New King James Version with Johnny Cash, than another, similar celebrity project of JAMES EARL JONES--KJV--NEW TESTAMENT, which I also recommend for fans of either celebrity.

Johnny Cash's CDs collection of the New Testament has no background music, which is a blessing in itself, as the background music on most Bible CDs is usually cheesey or too redundant and irritating. There are also no commentary introductions, as often appear in non-celebrity Bible reading CDs. That's too bad, because it would have been more personal if Johnny Cash had introduced each book in his own thoughts and words.

A more entertaining Bible reading would be one of the DRAMATIZED versions, with multiple voice actors, which sound a lot like a radio play. That makes it VERY easy to follow the words being read! I would suggest the Zondervan company's NIV version for that, for most people. Go for a King James Version only if you REALLY enjoy the Olde English wording.

My current favorite CD Bible is THE MESSAGE! It is a paraphrased version, so it's not completely accurate, word-for-word, but it is in a contemporary wording, which can often make some passages more easily understood, more rich in meaning, (but can sometimes be mis-interpreted, so it's not perfect, either).

If you are reading these reviews about the Johnny Cash New Testament CDs, then you probably will be interested enough to enjoy this CD set, and you will surely get your money's worth out of this collection. I would recommned buying this!

The Man Comes Around: The Spiritual Journey of Johnny Cash

Average customer rating:

Good for the beginner, not the advanced fan
The Man Comes Around.....
2nd best Cash bio I know
Check it out of your local library instead.
The Man Comes Around...

The Man Comes Around: The Spiritual Journey of Johnny Cash
Dave Urbanski
Manufacturer: Relevant Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0972927670

Book Description

Who Was Johnny Cash? Rock star? Country boy? Folk hero? Preacher? Poet? Drug addict? Rebel? Sinner? Saint? In truth, the Man in Black lived long enough and hard enough to embody all of the above-and much, much more. He was a musical legend, a one-of-a-kind communicator, an American icon-but you could never pigeonhole him or pin him down. You never completely knew him...or what he was going to do next.

Cash's faith in God was no different: "I'm still a Christian, as I have been all my life," he once said. "Beyond that I get complicated." Cash's faith wasn't smooth, slick, or sweet-it was grizzled, challenged, broken, and messy. Worlds away from perfect. But it was transparent ... and real. Always real. The Man Comes Around: The Spiritual Journey of Johnny Cash explores with vivid, narrative detail the wild ups and downs, the highs and lows, the ebbs and flows, that took place within this man's soul-from beginning to end. It's his spiritual chronicle. His sacred story-yet one that no doubt describes, in one way or another, where we've all been...and perhaps where we're all going.

Foreword by Dan Haseltine, Lead Singer for Jars of Clay

Customer Reviews:

Good for the beginner, not the advanced fan.......2007-05-29

While well constructed, this book is largely constructed from previous interviews and press articles. If you've read a lot or seen a lot about Johnny Cash, there won't be a lot that's new to you here.

That being said, this is a good introduction to the spiritual and philosophical side of Johnny Cash. Cash: The Autobiography is also a great starting point.

The Man Comes Around............2006-10-29

I can only sum up my personal experience in reading this book..EXCELLENT! A must read. From the 1st day I received it, I was unable to put it down. I wish I knew then what I know now about his love for the Creator of the universe and his deep love to be loved.

2nd best Cash bio I know.......2004-11-21

The complexities of Cash's personality will keep biographers busy for years. Johnny Cash was a man of baffling contradictions. Steve Turner, in his superior bio., The Man Called Cash (2004) relays an event that is illustrative: Cash goes shooting and wounds a crow. He is so moved with compassion for the bird that he goes to great lengths to nurse it back to health. Turner writes, "...it encapsulated Cash's contradictions. Here was a man, though capable of destruction, who became overwhlemed with the desire to repair what he had destroyed; a nonviolent man who had a love affair with guns; an artist who could cause suffering and then turn that suffering into art..."

Cash's Christian faith was deep and abiding and passionate, but complex. Urbanski makes a good effort at portraying this, and generally succeeds. It is lovingly written and organized (if somewhatly shallow at times). Don't look for much critical engagemnet -- this is pure hagiography. I really should subtract one star for publishing this with "Relevent Books." What a STUPID name! Proof positive they are irrelevent.

Publisher aside, this book is a must have for diehard Cash fans. But if you are only going to get one bio., definitely make it the Turner one.

Check it out of your local library instead........2004-09-12

As a long-time Johnny Cash fan, I really wanted to like this book since I thought a spiritual biography was such an interesting concept but the book ended up feeling, as someone already mentioned, like a high school term paper.

The author constantly made use of other previously published books and articles about Mr. Cash so nothing truly new was covered. Instead of actually writing anything fresh, the author pieced together a collage of quotations from Rolling Stone and Cash's autobiographies. And I felt the author's tendency to name-drop was embarrassing and insulting to Mr. Cash. A country legend doesn't need the approval of musicians with 15-minute careers. It felt like a blatant attempt to prove how relevant Johnny Cash is to current music (which is totally unnecessary- Johnny Cash is in a class by himself).

This book came out right after Mr. Cash's death so I can only speculate that it must have been rushed out to capitalize on public interest. Maybe if given more time, more resources, and a more polished author, the product could have been worth more than 2 stars.

I do hope another author tackles this subject material soon though since an in-depth spiritual biography would be fascinating to read.

The Man Comes Around..........2004-03-07

I'm not sure why everything written about Johnny Cash is so entertaining. This book is no exception. It is a quick runthrough of his career and the spiritual journey underlining it all. It is very informative and very inspiring! The book is for any fan of Johnny Cash's. You don't have to be a religious person to get a lot out of this book.

I Was There When It Happened: My Life with Johnny Cash

Average customer rating:

Fun read
HUH?
He WAS there when it happened!
From the inside
An insiders look at the touring Johnny Cash

I Was There When It Happened: My Life with Johnny Cash
Marshall Grant , and Chris Zar
Manufacturer: Cumberland House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1581825102

Book Description

While many have heard the music of Johnny Cash, few know the whole story behind his extraordinary career and the stories of those who helped him attain his success. Marshall Grant, Cash's long-time bassist and one of the founding members of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, chronicles their rise to fame from humble beginnings to world renown.
The genesis for I Was There When It Happened was a rousing speech by Grant during the nationally televised memorial service for Johnny Cash. After receiving multiple standing ovations, Grant was approached by several people, including former Vice President Albert Gore Jr., to consider writing a book. The result is a touching, revealing, and inspiring memoir about the Man in Black.
Beginning with Grant and guitarist Luther Perkins's initial introductions to Johnny Cash and the jam sessions that followed, readers will marvel at how their musical inabilities drove these three men to musical greatness. From Grant's humorous story of placing adhesive tape on his upright bass to learn the notes prior to landing their Sun Records recording contract and witnessing Johnny write "I Walk the Line," to his experience of playing with Cash at Folsom Prison, readers are taken backstage into Cash's inner circle.
"Johnny Cash was the greatest human being to ever walk the face of the earth," states Marshall Grant. While Grant and Cash experienced remarkable success in their careers, the most profound success was their enduring friendship until Cash's dying day. Through the good and the bad—and there was plenty of both—Marshall Grant shares how John and he "walked the line" for each other and those around them. I Was There When It Happened is a testimony to friendship and to the unique qualities behind one of the most respected and beloved entertainers of all time.

Customer Reviews:

Fun read.......2007-10-02

Not great literature, and definitely the author writes probably a bit too much about himself, especially his contributions to making J. Cash the success he was, but a fun read. A lot of inside kind of info. Johnny Cash fans will really enjoy the book. Marshall Grant will be at the Johnny Cash Flower Picking Festival in Starkville, Mississippi on November 3 to discuss his book.

HUH?.......2007-10-02

I've known Marshall all my life.
I love him and Etta very much.

I enjoyed part of the book. I do think he should have stuck with what he KNEW though.

After he "left" Dad's organization, the story should have picked up after he and Dad started speaking again.
The second hand information from "other employees and people close to Dad" was not fact. It was gossip, and I was very surprised at the "information" he was fed from people that were working for Dad at the time!

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you...

I was not only working for Dad at the time, but around him all the time. I found myself shocked at some of the
things Marshall was told. I'm sad that people Dad trusted in his office, home and on the road were so back stabbing.

I always knew it, but this book made me cry at the traitors he paid very well.

Love to Marshall and Etta though...Kathy

He WAS there when it happened!.......2007-09-28

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The account of the Sun Records era and the origin of the Johnny Cash sound was well written and, despite what other reviewers have stated, consistent with other written accounts.

Johnny Cash's drug use during the 1960s was well documented. There is no question in my mind that Marshall Grant, June Carter, and Vivian Cash all loved Cash and wanted to free him from the drug demons that threatened to destroy him.

For most of the 1960s, the drug use transcended Cash's recording and performing career. Cash cleaned up his life (with, apparently, a few relapses), and his career underwent a resurgence. Sadly, in the early 1980's the drugs seemed to re-emerge as an issue and strain a lot of key relationships in his life. Marshall Grant was one of the casualties of that era.

To his credit, Grant chose not to write a tell-all book as retribution while Cash was alive. It was also good to hear that Cash and Grant were able to reconcile and resume their friendship in the end.

I did not consider the book self-serving, as other reviewers have stated. It seemed to me to be a series of anecdotes from a friend. It was an easy read and I would recommend it highly as a biography of Cash.

From the inside.......2007-08-17

For all Cash fans. We forget that we all have human faults when someone dies. Grant has exposed Johnny's demons that exist in all of us. This, in no way, makes Cash less a great human being but shows the world and Johnny's fans that he had many of the same weaknesses we all do. You will not regreat reading. I attended a show in 1964 when Cash did not appear and Tex Ritter played for over an hour vs. his 20 minute set and then announced that Cash was "ill" and would not be appearing. Johnny came back a month later and our original tickets were honored for a second show that was terrific!

An insiders look at the touring Johnny Cash.......2007-07-30

While many reviewers note that Marshall Grant's writing may not be as scintillating as they had hoped, it is important the reader take this book for what it is - an insider's look at touring with Johnny Cash written by the bass player in the Tennessee Two. I found this book very insightful and easy to digest. If you are not a big Cash fan, you may not be able to get through some of the writers' stylistic nuances. However, if you are a true Cash fan, buy this book. It will be well worth your dollars and time. Thanks to Marshall for providing this for us.

Anchored In Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash

Average customer rating:

More of the story
A Loving Son Remembers
Book Review
Who could not love June Carter?
Truth,Tears and Laughter

Anchored In Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash
John Carter Cash
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0849901871

Book Description

June Carter was born in the rugged mountains of Maces Springs, Virginia, to Ezra and Maybelle Carter, pioneers of country music. On stage from a very young age, June found her niche in the spotlight with her vivacious personality and down-home sense of humor. Her confidence and spirit were what attracted Johnny Cash to her in the late 1950s. On the road together, they quickly bonded. June was his helpmate and closest companion. They were married for forty years, through addiction and success, tragedy and triumph.
Anchored in Love is an inside look into the life of June Carter Cash, through the eyes of her only child with Johnny Cash-John Carter Cash. With skillful prose, he reveals new information about the legendary woman through his tender memories and heartwarming stories.

Customer Reviews:

More of the story.......2007-10-18

My husband and I were anxious to purchase and read several of the books regarding June and Johnny Cash. This book was a surprise. I really didn't expect so much new information and such candid accounts of painful times. The movie Walk the Line was only the love story of Johnny and June, it didn't address his first marriage or children except in light of their relationship and it didn't go past them getting married. This is a much different and personal story than anyone else has told. No doubt, John Carter loved his mother but he also had a need to tell "his truth." Addiction is not beat overnight, it is beaten one day at a time for the rest of your life. June and Johnny didn't pretend to be heros but point the way to strive. Seems like John Carter may be following in their footsteps. Thanks for the book.

A Loving Son Remembers.......2007-09-27

John Carter Cash has written a loving memory of his mother, June Carter Cash. He tells how his mother, in particular, dealt the good times and the bad times shared by his parents. I enjoyed it, the book was hard to put down.

Book Review.......2007-09-18

This is a good book giving one an insight into a person who uses her faith to triumph over personal pain. However I believe June Carter Cash's addictions should have remained a private matter. Dealing with an addictive personality in one's life can sometimes lead a person to resort to addictive medicines to cope. June Carter Cash is an inspirational person in the way she had the faith and strength to keep going in the face of much adversity.

Who could not love June Carter? .......2007-09-09

I have read just about every book i can get my hands on about John and June Carter - What fascinates me about them the most is how such a destructive man became such a wonderful Christian , became clean and overcame such addiction and alcohol problems! Not only did God intervene but this woman June Carter whom he loved forever was the saint sent to him from God and so was the Carter family ! - I truly believe this - Their son has written a beautiful book about his mother and even told some things about her which i did not know but they do not change my opinion of her in the least - I just wish i had seen one of their shows in my life time - I watch Walk the Line which i own every chance i get - Thank goodness the son made this movie happen! It is beautiful both the bad parts and good and the music is terrific. June and John were lucky to have chosen such great actors to play their roles in such an honest manner - They should be very proud. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in this amazing family!

Truth,Tears and Laughter .......2007-09-05

This book was one of the history of The famous Carter Family singers,and one of tears and laughter.John Carter Cash's book about his mother is one of the most honest stories I have read about this family,ever.The human side that John reveals,in his mother's,father's,and his own life,is sometimes shocking and overwhelming at times,but,neccessary,to tell the complete story of his heritage and legacy.You will admire the family,even more than you do now,because John,with his heart-touching words,exposes them with love and compassion,for all the world to see.The story of both his parents' deaths are particularly poignanat,because they were our "family" too.

Million Dollar Hold'em: Limit Cash Games

Average customer rating:

Great refresher for the experienced but struggling player.
Pretty hopeless.....
Middle limit hold'em 101
One of the best poker books out there!
Rather Delusional.

Million Dollar Hold'em: Limit Cash Games
Johnny Chan , and Mark Karowe
Manufacturer: Cardoza
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580422004

Book Description

Chan, who regularly plays against and defeats the best players in the world, shows how to win money consistently at poker's most popular game-limit hold'em. Players get an opportunity to get into the mind of a champion, as Johnny picks out illustrative hands and shows how he thinks his way through the betting and the bluffing. No book so thoroughly details the thought process of how a hand is played, the alternative ways it could have been played, and the best way to win poker session after poker session.

Customer Reviews:

Great refresher for the experienced but struggling player........2007-09-15

I took a break from limit because I moved up to a level where I couldn't seem to win anymore! Then I saw this book and it was just the thing I needed to set me on the right track.

The people who would benefit the most are people who have studied all the great books on limit hold'em and have lots of playing experience, but are still not confident about their game. This book will get you back to the proper aggressive strategy required to win in limit. Like a previous reviewer said, it is like having Johnny sit next to you and tell you how to play and why.

The book has only two shortcomings:
1. It is an incredibly easy and fast read, I finished it in a few hours at the bookstore.

2. Most of the hands are won by the narrator, we don't get too many hands that we lose despite making the correct play. This is still a gambling game and we are maximizing our percentages, so more losing (but correct) hands would be great.

This is a book to buy and keep on your bookshelf so that you can get a quick refreshing read everytime you have a downswing or are doubting your game. It will get you winning again!

Pretty hopeless............2007-09-05

This book is a really strange one- I can't really figure out exactly who it is written for. Beginners won't find the explanations they need of limit hold 'em fundamentals since the book basically is just a collection of sample hands and advanced players will learn absolutely nothing new and in fact, will probably disagree with a lot of the advice. The book's jacket says that a lot of the ideas contained within have never before appeared in print. Huh? I couldn't find anything in there that was even remotely interesting or novel.

The book starts with some very uninteresting introductory text and then jumps into page after page of hand examples. Each example takes up several pages using a ridiculous amount of space. The whole book literally took me a couple of hours to read cover to cover and it is 368 pages long! What a joke. The actual text and information easily could have fit into a book a quarter the size of this one.

The hand examples are also pathetic and some of the advice is downright bizarre. Chan often suggests just cold calling with big pocket pairs like aces in multiway pots, cold calling hands like AK instead of 3 betting, checking top pair on the flop from early position on scary boards and all kinds of other weird advice. Most of the hand examples are along the lines of; "You raise and get called in two spots, you bet the flop and get one caller, you bet the turn and he folds." great, thanks for that.

This one is a real weakie- give it a miss.

Middle limit hold'em 101.......2007-04-11

This is a great introductory text on middle limit hold'em. If you are a white-chip player looking to move to the red-chip games, this will help. Covers the basics of continuation betting, bluffing, betting for value, check-raising and some isolation plays.

I really enjoyed this book. The layout of the hands are very easy to read - similar to the Harrington books. The thought process behind each move is very well explained - it will get you thinking in more advanced ways. I would love to see more poker books written in this layout. For a visual person such as myself, it was just a pleasure to read.

But realistically, you will need more that this to take-on 10/20 limit and above. For a more through examination, see Ciaffone's "Middle limit Hold'em", Byron Jacobs' "How Good is Your Limit hold'em" and of course Sklanski's "Advanced Players Guide".

P.S. To Bob Ciaffone: Rewrite your classic text in this format! It would be 3000 pages long, but what a learning tool it would be.

One of the best poker books out there!.......2007-01-27

This is one of the best poker books I have ever read. It is rather unconventional, in that it does not have a traditional table of contents or follow a step by step outline. In this way it is very much like how I learned to play poker at the tables.

The book is a series of hands with commentary about how you should consider playing each one. The types of things covered are playing from the blinds, the importance of blind structure, how to avoid traps, value betting and how to get max value, slowplaying big pairs, how to benefit from aggressive play, how to play weak hands, making tough folds and tough calls, how to get and avoid giving free cards, continuation bets, isolation plays, defensive play, semi-bluffing, playing middle pairs, and mixing up your play. There are a lot of other things covered as well, but the list is so long, it's too much to include in this review.

In addition to the commentary, there are graphics of almost all the hands which really helped me to visualize what was going on.

I especially liked all the discussion about how to get maximum value out of your hands. As I was learning to play, it took me a long time to understand how important getting max value out of my hands was. I notice that most of the losing players fail to get the value they should out of their hands. It makes sense, because limit poker is mostly about getting maximum value out of your hands over and over again. People who miss this don't have much of a way to accumulate profits.

In addition to all the hand examples, there is a lot of information about things you don't get from other poker books like where and when to play, the importance of playing your best game at all times, choosing your environment carefully, the importance of taking vacations, and the importance of having a stable home life.

The discussion of bankroll management is worth the price of the book alone. Many players don't understand how to manage their money. Methods to protect yourself from going broke and how to move up in limits are more clearly laid out than in any other poker book I have read.

One of the only drawbacks to this book is that it's true value will be lost on many of the readers because of it's unconventional layout and subtle but advanced concepts. Frankly, though, I don't mind that a bit, because that's why poker is such a great game to play.

Rather Delusional. .......2007-01-15

I love Johnny Chan and think he's a great player and hero but this book was a serious disappointment. Million Dollar Hold'em is not the type of timeless work which will bolster his legacy. It will not make novices into average players nor average players into stars. Overall, it is a rather forgettable offering, and one that fails to enhance our cumulative knowledge of the game. Certainly though, it does possess some positive aspects. The tips concerning the specifics of a professional's life and career are illuminating. Some of its advice is quite practical such as the way it highlights all the major and minor things one should look for before selecting a card room. Game quality is mentioned along with which seat to occupy in relation to other players as are essential elements of casino safety and geographic proximity. His bankroll section is also helpful as Chan recommends having at least 500 big bets for whatever limit you play. The observation that one must play no lower than the 3-6 limit to have any chance of beating the house rake was excellent.

The biggest problem though is that there is little that is new here. Million Dollar Hold'em does not live up to its own hype. What's even worse is that many of its examples could actually prove detrimental for a novice's understanding of limit hold'em and his ensuing performance. Frankly, the overly optimistic results which are described in the individual limit scenarios proved baffling. The river outcomes will not remind readers of the games they actually play. They are more reminiscent of the way we would like to see the action go than of the action which we in fact witness. By the reviewer's count, forty-four out of the fifty-five hands not decided pre-flop end in victory for the hero. A ratio that skewed was alienating as it seemed like everything the player did worked out in the end. Is that limit hold'em? There were few surprises as his value bets and bluffs got continuously rewarded. Such a plot has more in common with a poker movie than with an actual limit poker game.

If the Orient Express really wanted to be of service to readers then he would magically transport us to whatever location which held the games depicted in these examples. Your average limit player would be most grateful as he would immensely profit from raising to death the lightweights who fold their way across these pages. Should the reader be new to the game or just starting out in limit hold'em, then they would be advised to spend their money elsewhere. Manuals like Small Stakes Hold 'em: Winning Big with Expert Play, Winning Low Limit Hold'em, and How Good Is Your Limit Hold 'em? are all recommended over this one.

The Man Called CASH: The Life, Love and Faith of an American Legend

Average customer rating:

Great book
Fantastic biography of a true ledgend
piety and weakness
Hello, I'm A Johnny Cash Book!
Informative and In-Depth! A Good Biography to Start Learning About the Life of Johnny Cash.

The Man Called CASH: The Life, Love and Faith of an American Legend
Steve Turner
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0849918200

Book Description

Johnny Cash is one of the most influential figures in music and American popular culture today. While he was an icon to people of all ages during his life, Cash's legacy continues after his death. His remarkable story is captured in this exclusive authorized biography, addressing the whole life of Johnny Cash-not just his unforgettable music but also his relationship with June Carter Cash and his faith in Christ. His authenticity, love for God and family, and unassuming persona are what Steve Turner captures with passion and focus in this inspiring book.

Different from other books written about him, The Man Called CASH brings Cash's faith and love for God into the foreground and tells the story of a man redeemed, without watering-down or sugar-coating. Unquestionably one of the biggest book releases of 2004, The Man Called CASH will be a huge success with his millions of fans and will draw in many new fans with this inspiring story of faith and redemption.

The audio book, ISBN 084996377X, is narrated by Cash's close friend and musical partner, Kris Kristofferson.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-02-09

The Man Called Cash is a very good book. very informative.I think a child 11-12 years old could read it and beable to understand what they are reading.I think it gose behond some of the other books I have read on Johhny Cash.I would recomend it to any one who is interested in seeing where Johnny Cash were he came from and the legacey he left.

Fantastic biography of a true ledgend.......2007-01-11

I am a legally blind man and and I usually get my books to listen to through the library, but after I saw the movie walk the line I felt I had to know more about the ledgend of Cash through an audiobook if I could find one. I was lucky to find this one. I love the way Kris Kristofferson reads the book. Since he was a friend of cash's, he put feeling into the reading like no other person can. Through the author's extensive research on Cash, I found out things I never knew about him. The Movie is good, but if you really want to know who Cash is, just by this and Listen to Kristofferson tell you about his friend. The man in black.

piety and weakness.......2006-08-25

I learned a lot about Johnny Cash, as well as people like Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and many others who were the ones that generated so much buzz about music in the 1950's. Toward the end of the book, I was sad because I knew that it would speak of his death. I found myself not wanting to hear about it, because I had loved learning about his life so much.

My favorite story in the whole book was about a prayer he prayed at dinner. His dinner guest recalled the story:

Cash prayed and said, "... and we thank you Lord for this food, and we ask that you would bless it to our body. We pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen. When he finished praying he winked at me and said, "I still miss the drugs though."

It is precisely that juxtaposition of piety and weakness that I think I love about him. It reminds me of another man who is known well for his writing when he said:

I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do ... What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

In case you didn't catch that, the other man to whom I referred is the Apostle Paul. He happened to be one of Cash's favorite people for obvious reasons. I have wondered why I am so enamored by people like Johnny Cash and Paul; these men of such conviction, but at the same time so open about their transgressions. I think it is because they knew themselves well, and they never allowed the good in them to elevate them to a place where they could look down at others. They knew the darkness, and that it was always waiting if they would just relent and turn to it.

Cash turned to it a lot. However, like Paul, he also said:

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

At the end of his life, after June Carter died he hung around for a few months more. He could barely walk, was in massive pain, and was eighty percent blind. In this state, however, he still had the Bible enlarged big enough so he could read it. Others spoke about his love of Jesus, his kindness, his generosity, and his faithfulness to June.

So many want to be cynical about people who struggle, fall, get up, and fall again. They like to point and yell to expose someone else's flaws. I am more convinced that the ones who yell the loudest are the ones who are the most scared of having their flaws exposed.

One of my favorite lines in music comes from a song sung by Cash. It was written by Bono and performed with U2 (yeah, I know big surprise). The line goes:

I went out there,
In search of experience,
To taste and to touch,
And to feel as much,
As a man can,
Before he repents.

Isn't that all of our stories? I know it's mine. I also know that it is mine everyday. I walk around, and like a little kid test the boundaries of God's love. Some days, I may not go far, other days I may feel restless and I just want to run. Yet each time I return home to talk with God I find myself speaking the words of Paul:

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Hello, I'm A Johnny Cash Book!.......2006-06-10

I usually don't read many biographies, but I received this one for Christmas one year since I am a huge Johnny Cash fan. I was glad to see that this book was very well written and also a very easy read. I knew it was going to be good when the first chapter was pretty emotional, as it starts off with June Carter Cash dying. The book also focuses well on some key moments in Johnny Cash's life that made the most significant difference - the first being the death of his brother, Jack, and the others that revolved around June. Like other reviewers have stated, Walk The Line used a lot of moments from the book and I would recommend reading the book as well as watching the movie. I think what was great about Johnny Cash, and what we can all relate too, is how open he was with how he was a sinner and how he had made a lot of mistakes (ie. drugs, affairs, etc.), but he changed his ways when he fully committed himself to Jesus and his faith. I think this book can be a great tool to those who have struggled and have difficult pasts because Cash showed that it doesn't matter what you have done, that you have forgiveness and that you can always start over. Great message and this book has a lot of interesting and funny stories that will want to make you laugh, smile, shake your head, or make you feel sad. Steve Turner has done a great job and had made me rethink biographies. If you're a Johnny Cash fan, this a must-have!

Informative and In-Depth! A Good Biography to Start Learning About the Life of Johnny Cash........2006-05-10

Before I read this book, THE MAN CALLED CASH, by Steve Turner, from 2004, I had also read the 1997 book called CASH: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY (with Patrick Carr). They both cover similar ground. The 1997 book seems more homey, like Johnny Cash is talking to you, but this book, by Steve Turner, seems more accurate.

Having know Johnny and his family for over a decade, author Steve Turner was actually hired to help write another autobiography, but June and Johnny died unexpectedly, and the book turned into an in-depth research research project, instead of just helping Johnny write with decent grammar, or whatever it takes two authors to do with an AUTObiography.

Both books seem to be equally long in content, though the page counts and page sizes differ between the hardcover of this book and the small paperback of THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY book that I read.

Though both books cover a lot of the same incidents from Johnny's life, this book, THE MAN CALLED CASH, features some highly interesting coverage of the last living days of June and Johnny, before they both passed on in 2003. There is also plenty of more in-depth coverage of events told in THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY, and there are also plenty of events from Johnny's life that are not mentioned in the 1997 autobiography. I recommend that you read both books, actually.

The author also points out that since he had to do research, instead of just typing out whatever Johnny told him, he has discovered that Johnny Cash never had trouble telling a good story, or making a good story even better! For example, Johnny Cash has written and talked about how rowdy he was in the Air Force, fighting with the military police, etc., but Steve Turner points out that the people who were in the Air Force with him don't remember any of that kind of rowdiness from Johnny, who never got into much trouble, and would have been widely known on the air base if he HAD fought with the guards, etc. This book also tells about how Johnny would play music with other airmen in his dorm, and Johnny was the worst of the bunch, learning a lot from the others!

There are many interesting b/w photos, although mostly small, but in high quantity! There is a photo of his brother Jack, whose childhood death affected Johnny for the rest of his life.

This book also has a chronology of major events in Johnny's life, and a discography of his primary releases, which is good to use as a shopping list, for me.

This book does have some distracting typos that I hope get fixed in future printings. On one page the same sentence appears twice in a row. In the Chronology, the death of his father, Ray Cash, appears twice on the list, in 1985 (correct), and then again in 1993 (incorrect). This is unfortunate, but these two are the worst distractions that I found without even trying.

It is also interesting to see how the movie WALK THE LINE compares to what is contained in both of these books! For instance, both books say that June Carter never really met or toured with Johnny until he was a big, established star, years into his music career, while the movie gives me the impression that they met on Johnny's first fledgling tour.

THE MAN CALLED CASH gives information about the the saw accident and his brother Jack. This book says that actually there was another 12 year old boy there, who witnessed the event, and Johnny suspected him of being involved in a bad way, though none of the adults thought so at the time, or ever! Both books mention how Johnny would see Jack appear in his dreams for the rest of his life, always a few years older than Johnny at whatever the age Johnny dreamed the appearance.

This book talks about Johnny's friendship with the evangelist, Billy Graham. I personally enjoy Johnny's Gospel albums and projects, but I am a little bit disappointed over the wasted years of drug abuse and family neglect from Johnny, who thought of himself often as a lost Christian, but a Christian none the less. What do you think about that?

The Bible says, "What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." -- Philippians 1:18. Using this Bible verse as a model, it tells me that Johnny Cash's Gospel works, as good as they are, are also totally legitimate as long as they correctly preach the Word of God--regardless of the depths of sin and abuse that Johnny heaped upon himself and his loved ones.

As long as Jesus Christ is being preached correctly, the sins of the messenger do not negate the message itself (and we are all sinners, just not as extreme as Johnny was, I suspect)! I do not and cannot condone his sinful abuses, (though I have done most of them myself, before I got Saved 8 years ago), but I will let God judge his own servant, and I will continue to enjoy the many beautiful Gospel projects which Johnny Cash was always eager and happy to work on!

GOSPEL GLORY is my favorite Johnny Cash Gospel CD, so far. His movie, THE GOSPEL ROAD, is on DVD and is also really cool! My favorite Gospel project from Johnny Cash is his spoken word reading of the entire NEW TESTAMENT on 16 CDs, very affordably priced from amazon.com, and all three of these items come highly recommended by me!

I can recommend both of these books for anybody who enjoyed the WALK THE LINE film.

Bottom line: read CASH: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY for a fun time spent with Johnny Cash in his own words, then read this book, THE MAN CALLED CASH, for the REAL story on how many of those stories actually went down!

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