Take Me to the River

Al Green's new autobiography, written in 2000, is a riveting story for anyone who has ever been curious about Al Green, how he came to be a famous soul singer, and the story behind his music. I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up. It was easy to read and very entertaining. He starts off describing his childhood and his experiences in Jacknash Arkansas as the middle child of a sharecropping family. He tells about his parents whom he loves very much and how they had the courage to sell everything they had and move north for a better life. "Al," he said, "go wake up your brothers and sisters. Tell them to get dressed and start packin." Al explains how much he learned from his parents and how much he respects them for taking this gutsy move. His childhood was hard but he pursued his dream of becoming a soul singer and when he teamed up with legendary producer Willie Mitchell, he was on his way. This autobiography tells of his rise to the top of the music industry, his attempted murder and suicide, his immense struggle between his religious side and his secular side, and how this struggle is reflected in much of his music. Al eventually chooses God over his million dollar career but left us with some of the best soul music ever recorded. I was very surprised at the candor with which Al told the details of his life, good and bad. He talked as honestly about the problems he had with drugs and money as he did about his numerous successes. It made his story sound very earnest and sincere. He covered all the bases of his life and answered all the questions I had about the artist that I have been listening to for many years. The only negative about this book was that it wasn't longer. I was not ready for it to end and have a strong desire to read as much more as I can about him. I am only 17 years old but have been listening to Al Green for over five years. This book was very well written and very interesting to me. I am sure it will be just as riveting for other fans.

I absolutley could not put it down until i finished the whole incredible thing. Being a die hard Al Green fan, this book only made me a bigger fan. His honesty and sincerity was so refreshing. I'd been sceptical of buying another autobiography after reading Aretha Franklins' disaster of a book. However, i was highly pleased with Al Green's story. This book could serve as a "real life" lesson for American history. His story offers a first hand account of the Black American experience after the Great Deprression. From sharecropping to the great migration of Blacks from the south to the north, he's lived it all. Anyone aspiring to write their life story can benefit from this book. He tells just enough to keep you turning the pages, not bogging down with a lot of trivial ideas or heady musical facts or unimportant details. i feel like i've gotten to know a legend, who is acknowledges that he is only human. I recommend this book to anyone who loves music and loves to read. I definately plan to readthis one again!!

I'm just on the 8th Chapter and I'm loving this book. I am very surprised at Al's candor about his sexual life and spiritual calling. This book is an inspiration to me as I sometimes go through the same predicament; choosing between my own spiritual calling and yet wanting to fulfill my own fleshly desires to the "fullest." Thanks Al for being honest about your life! It let's me know that there is hope for us all and that we all go through the same spiritual "tug of war."

I had the pleasure of having my book personally signed by Reverend Green at a book signing in Atlanta, GA. He is the most personable man I have ever met. I enjoyed the book immensely although I was left with a feeling of wanting more. His honesty was refreshing. He spoke candidly about the thin line between the secular and the spiritual and how it affected his career. He was a man torn and it was evident in the lyrics of most of his songs. I recommend this book to all who are true fans of Al Green, you are sure to blessed by his story.