Nothin' Left to Lose

Carl T. Smith's NOTHIN' LEFT TO LOSE is a breath of fresh air. A good story with an exciting cast of characters and all of the other elements missing in so many other contemporary novels. As he goes from Nashville janitor to a semi-successful performer/songwriter, John Ryan Stone passes all of the high roads and low roads of the music industry. Smith is careful not to make the path easy nor to sew the story up with major stardom and an unrealistically happy ending. The book is a story of people who work and play in the music industry, yet it is not a music novel.Unlike many of the light weight 'sex, drugs and rock and roll (country music?) novels, Smith's characters are real and touchable. The author's style and characters remind me of the works of James Lee Burke. A great read and definitely movie material.

If you like music, intrigue, mystery, romance and powerful endings - this is the book for you. The lyrical writing and skillful handling of characters make it hard to believe this is Carl Smith's first novel. A must for any avid reader's Christmas list.

This book was recommended by a friend and I am so glad--I spent the weekend curled up by the fire, listening to Trisha Yearwood and reading this book. One of the best weekends I've ever had. Thank you Carl Smith for a good time.

Nothin' Left to Lose gets an A+. Carl Smith writes in the true Southern tradition. As the Charleston, SC Post and Courier reviewer, John Lyons said--and his review lead me to this book--"Nothin' left to Lose is a southern work through and through". Filled with facile wit and intelligence wrapped a good story, Smith has created a spellbinder. The author's knowledge of the music business, the mob and the struggles one must go through to achieve any kind of sucess could only come from an insider. At times I chuckled and at times I teared-up. The book has everything from suspense, wild and crazy characters that tear your heart out to a romance that is to die for. A great read!

Carl T. Smith is a writer who seemingly effortlessly gives gracious attention to detail, and he has the creative ability to reproduce a scene with few words that are succinct and smooth. His description and dialogue-complete with dialects-are on the mark for accuracy and lyricism. Everyone will find someone they have known in this book. The reader begins a relationship with John Ryan Stone from the very beginning and is hooked. He is easy to identify with. The books' intrigue and romance is for everyone who strives to make it in life. Every page has a quotable line. Definitely film material. "Nothin' Left to Lose" is the product of a true observer who lives life too the fullest and accepts the memorable adventures it offers. It is not a country music book, but a book about life with a memorable score.