Ken Abraham

This book was part biography of George Jones, part autobiography of his widow, Nancy Jones, and part religious testimonial. Nancy Jones was George Jones' fourth and final wife. She is widely credited with saving George's life by eventually being the catalyst for George quitting cocaine and then alcohol. They were married for over 30 years and George did not get straight until 16 years into the marriage. She doesn't sugar coat the bad years and reading about the abuse may be triggering for some readers. She credits God with helping her get through the tough times and with getting through to George. She also claims a near death experience while suffering from COVID with giving her the inspiration to tell the story. The last part of the book is her testimonial to Jesus. I think most old school country music fans will find this an interesting, if not enjoyable read.

Full disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a LibraryThing giveaway.… (plus d'informations)

Nancy Jones has written a book that invites you into her life with George Jones. In reading the book you felt like she could be sitting across from you telling her story with such honesty. I grew up listening to George Jones when I would stay with my Grandparents. He had the most wonderful voice. Reading this book brought more depth and understanding to a troubled soul who finally decided to give up drugs and alcohol and to the woman who stayed with him through such trying times and leaning on her faith with God to put them both in a better place. Nancy Jones has turned her life to spreading the word about Jesus after nearly dying from Covid. She is also keeping the legacy of George Jones alive and this book will go a long way in doing that. She clears up the misinformation that has been spread about George Jones. The book ends with the Lord's Salvation Prayer as she wants to spread hope to people. This is a book that I will read again and recommend to others to read. I could not put the book down.… (plus d'informations)

Nancy Jones provides the reader with an intimate look inside the life country music legend George Jones. She does not hold back in detailing his addiction to drugs and alcohol or the hardship of being married to a man with such self-destructive and abusive behavior. However, she also shares the almost miraculous turnaround in his behavior and his decision to follow Christ.

I read the book as an outsider and not an obsessed fan, so I had no knowledge of George Jones beyond recognizing his name as a well-known musician. Nancy went well beyond what most would do when discovering George’s problems and her decision to stay with him most certainly was a huge positive influence in his career…and one that likely extended his life.

The book is a well written and in-depth study of Nancy’s memories of her famous husband. And while she certainly helped guide him on the right path, I felt this book is as much her story as it was his. Obsessed fans will likely love this book, but other readers will simply find it an interesting story without being drawn into the musician’s world.

I received my copy of Playin’ Possum through the Early Reviewers at LibraryThing with no promise of a positive review. Any opinions given here are strictly my own.… (plus d'informations)