Go Big or Go Home

The Journey Toward the Dream

 

Published May 3rd 2016

 by Zondervan  

Synopsis:

It was just a simple singing competition that would be fun to audition for. Who knew what kind of doors it might open for a sixteen-year-old from Garner, North Carolina.

Go Big or Go Home is the story of a kid with country songs in his soul. The special thing with Scotty McCreery, however, is that he has this God-given ability to sing those tunes the exact way they should be sung. Daring to enter the limelight at such a young age, Scotty finds himself embraced by the nation, and even overseas, as he competes on "American Idol". This is his journey from his North Carolina roots to winning America’s most popular singing competition and launching a musical career he had always dreamt about.

Go Big or Go Home narrates Scotty's journey from a kid imitating Elvis on the school bus to 30 million across America tuning in to see him win Season 10 of "American Idol”. Now as he completes his ground-breaking fourth album, Scotty shares a glimpse of where he came from and the impact his faith, family and friends have had on a humbled guy who keeps asking “why me?”

 My Thoughts:

I loved this book as Scotty McCreary opens up about his journey, faith and life that lead him to become the next American Idol.  

Scotty begins his story by telling about his grandmother picking up a book about Elvis at a bookfair when he was in preschool which started his obsession with Elvis. Two years later his mother bought him his first Elvis cd which sealed his fate.  He tells about how growing up in Garner, NC and how living in this small community outside of Raleigh not only grounded him, but made him the man he's grown into.

He says that home isn't just a starting point; it's also a place that can ground you and keep you normal, even if your life has suddenly been uprooted and feels anything but. 

He describes his first idol competition which was actually in Clayton, NC.  His mother signed him up for the Clayton Idol without his knowledge.  He sang Living Color by Jamie Johnson and suddenly found himself not singing anymore, but more like breathing.  During the performance the lyrics stirred his soul and it felt more like releasing rather than reciting mere words.  

He discusses his faith and how he was saved at the age of 12 during a youth retreat.  He says that there are lessons in our struggles.  Some lessons we figure out; some we might not figure out until we are on the other side of heaven.  He describes the bible as basic instructions before leaving earth.  One of his favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11.

He discusses in depth the journey from Garner, NC to the huge stage in California, from audition to winning American Idol. The ups and downs of the journey and how the idol judges and other contestants became, however briefly, his home away from home.  I really like how he shared all aspects that made him into the young man and performer that he is.  

If you like Scotty McCreary then I urge you to read this book and see how he is more than you ever imagined. I was impressed with him while watching American Idol, but after reading this book I am more impressed with the man he has become. 

** I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”