Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio (Nelsonfree)

What a wonderful book you get to know the band on a more personal level and it was done by sharing their lives and what they have been through,things none of us probably ever knew about them. They shared from their hearts.The bonus was to get an Audiobook free after buying the book by downloading it read by their good friend Scott Mckain and them also. It goes a step furthur.You could follow along with the Audio or read or listen to them seperately. I really like that idea. Carolyn Schaefer in Indiana

When given the chance to review Beautiful Mess, I took advantage of it. This is an amazing book. The book begins by giving a teaser that shows Diamond Rio looking as if they are on the way out. We are then taken back to the early days of Diamond Rio before there was a Diamond Rio. We are given a peek behind the scenes in Opryland USA where many of the band members worked, played, and sang. We learn about how the country music industry views park players. We also read of the struggles and dreams of these park players who long to make it big. Of very much interest is the individual biographical sketches. Each band member is given a biographical sketch and we are shown their path as they come to Diamond Rio. Once the band comes together the book takes us into the inner workings of Diamond Rio as they go from broke singers to overnight sensation. We are carried hit by hit through the career of Diamond Rio, and our journey is a very pleasant one. Two things stand out to me about Diamond Rio: 1. They refused to get into the trouble with alcohol and drugs that many groups/singers do 2. They work hard to support charity. Those are very positive points about the group. They did not long just to be famous, but to be different and make a difference. The story finally brings us to where Diamond Rio is today. The reader gets to share in the laughter and the tears as we see the struggles and successes of this great country band. Words fail to truly convey this book. It was a joy and an inspiration to read how these guys worked and struggled so hard, and finally made it. I hope the Beautiful Mess continues a while longer.

When my wife tina got this book I thought why this book? I'll be honest, when A Beautiful Mess the story of Diamond Rio showed up it wasn't a book that I would have chosen for myself since I generally toward the likes of Tom Clancy and Jon Krakauer. I was pleasantly surprised though. I have been familiar with the bands work for a lot of years since country is one of the genres of music that i listen to. Being a country fan isn't requisite for this literary piece though it does help in understanding where the band is coming from. I found it a very quick and easy read. The book discusses the origins of the band and touches on the paths taken by its six members in becoming the award winning band Diamond Rio. It also talks about some of the trials and tribulations that had to be overcome and almost lead it its demise. After finishing the book I found myself having more respect or the fellows of Diamond Rio. One thing that surprised me about this book was that it came with the option of a digital audio book download to have it read by the voices of the band. I had never seen this option available. Overall I would recommend this book to just about anyone because anyone and everyone. I think it could appeal to readers far and wide because it is written in such an intimate way it is easy to understand that these are real people. I give it two thumbs

Diamond Rio, best known for their smooth harmonies and catchy songs, have been around since 1984. These same six guys (Gene Johnson, Jimmy Olander, Brian Prout, Marty Roe, Dan Truman, and Dana Williams) have been making music together for over twenty years. But the road hasn't always been smooth. The new book, "Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio," documents the group's humble beginnings and rise to fame. Highlights include being inducted to the Grand `Ol Opry. The book also shares the hard times the group has experienced when illnesses and other tragedies threatened to tear the band apart. In addition to being a history of Diamond Rio, also included is a chapter on each individual band member. Each man has a unique background, but all are united in their love of music. Special detail is paid to Diamond Rio's charitable work with the Big Brother/Big Sister organization. Diamond Rio's members also share their faith in this biography of the group. Diamond Rio remains a popular act today and its members are active in the music business as well as still being good friends.

Diamond Rio's book "Beautiful Mess" was very interesting. It details their story from the beginning. It tells the story of all six of the band members from early on in their lives until now. The book describes how the six men came together as a band and made their way to the top. It seems slow at first, but once you get into it it's definitely worth reading! I really enjoyed reading this book. It enlightened me about the story of Diamond Rio. I grew up listening to them and I think that they are an amazing band with an amazing story. Reading about the hardships that the men faced lets you see that they are real people with real live, not just famous country music stars. This book is great for any Diamond Rio fans and anyone who has had struggles in their lives. The men of Diamond Rio have overcame their circumstances and made it big in the world of country music. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone I know. I am a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger Program- [...]