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List Price: $15.00 | | Publisher: Ballantine Books
Salesrank: 830993
Released: July 6, 1999 |
| Our Price: $7.97 |
| Used Price: $0.01 |
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| Media: Hardcover |
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Editorial Review:
For the millions of fans who have made Garth Brooks the biggest solo musical artist in history--and for everyone else who wants to know what all the excitement is about--here is the whole amazing story of Garth's wild ride to the top. New York Times bestselling author Jo Sgammato shares the fun-filled stories--many of them never-before published--from the songwriters, managers, publicists, agents, journalists, and industry insiders who witnessed the Garth Brooks phenomenon and helped to make it happen.
On April 12, 1989, Garth's first album was released, and since then, the entertainment world--and America--haven't been the same. He was an ordinary guy from Yukon, Oklahoma, who hoped to become an athlete-- until he discovered his own unique ability to harness the power of music and reach into people's hearts and souls. By giving his all to his fans and combining the flash of rock 'n' roll with the music and values of country, Garth has created some of the most spectacular hits and concert events of our time, selling a monumental 89 million albums in just ten years.
In a book that's (almost!) as much fun as being there, go backstage and into the recording studios . . . travel from Texas Stadium to Central Park and to the concert halls of Europe and Australia . . . and learn the stories behind the songs like "The Dance," "The Thunder Rolls," and the all-time party anthem, "Friends in Low Places." Discover the real Garth Brooks--from his childhood and college years in Oklahoma to his ordinary-guy struggles with questions of success, family, and the meaning of life. From his tough early years in Nashville to his latest venture into the movies with The Lamb, celebrate the man who created a new kind of storm: American Thunder. If you own even one Garth Brooks album--you must read this book!
American Thunder: The Garth Brooks Story Reviews:
A Garth Bio At Last 
2006-08-30 - 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.
Only officially endorsed autobiography of Garth Brooks 
2005-05-16 - 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.
Garth Brooks Story
2001-10-12 - 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.
good book
2001-02-19 - i thought that this book was a great book. i've liked garth since i was in 2nd grade and now i'm a senior and i still like him just as much. some people thought this book was a bad book and said bad things about it but i disagree with them. i learned a lot of things from this book that i didn't know about him, so if you are wondering if you should buy this book i would say yes. i bought it the day it came out and i've read it many times since then.
Very Highly Recommended
2000-05-24 - 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.
