Garth Brooks: Chart-Bustin' Country
by Paul M. Howey

Publisher:  Lerner Publishing Group
ISBN:  0822598094

I truly enjoyed Garth Brooks: Chart-Bustin' Country. The first chapter reveals Garth's upbringing, and events like the Easter egg hunts the family would have; Garth's parents would tape coins to the eggs, and later they switched to dollar bills as the children grew older.

The Brooks house was always full of kids, often filling up with more than 150 teenagers after high school prep rallies! Garth recalls one of these days:

"Colleen said nothing was ever really damaged -- that is until Betsy's 16th birthday. By the time the all-girl party was over, two steps were broken, a hole somehow "appeared" in a wall, and jelly beans and icing were stuck to the ceiling."

Music always played a big part in the Brooks' home. Each week they would have a special "Funny Night," where family members could perform. Even back when Garth was only two years old, you could see the entertainer in him. He always wanted to be right in the middle of everything.

The book then takes you on Garth's journeys through his days at Oklahoma State, his marriage to Sandy, his first trip to Nashville, his signing by Lynn Shults of Capitol Records, his cheating on Sandy, the controversy over "The Thunder Rolls," all three of the girls' births, his TV specials, being named People Magazine's Worst Dressed, and his performance of "The Change" at the American Music Awards.

Would I recommend this book? You bet! I loved learning about Garth's early life, before he became popular. The photos are great, and the book is small with larger size type, and can be read easily, fairly quickly.

Paul M. Howey is a freelance writer, photographer, and country music fan, who makes his home in Chandler, Arizona.

Shelly Lahman, your Guide for Country Music