I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive

Steve Earle's talents are endless -- a treasure!

I've long considered Steve Earle one of our greatest living writers, but until now I had only done so in terms of his brilliant body of work as a singer/songwriter and musician. Sure, I'd read 'Doghouse Roses,' his collection of short stories, and I was highly impressed with it. But only now -- after reading his debut novel, 'I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive' -- has his vast talents as a writer of prose come fully into focus. What Earle has accomplished in this novel is no small feat: an unwaveringly empathetic view of the poor, the dispossessed, the addicted, and the lost; a cast of characters both living and dead, all equally believable and important to the narrative; a melding of old world and new world religion, of Catholicism and native belief systems; a deeply complex understanding of the fine line between morality and sin; and breathtaking portrayals of beauty and violence, of love and loss, of addiction and recovery. What's more, this is a book that must be LISTENED to. Whether you are a fan of audiobooks or not, you would be doing yourself and this novel a disservice to merely read its words. Earle's narration is beyond powerful, slipping seamlessly inside and outside of his characters, delivering his prose with force and grace and not the slightest hint of arrogance, and -- most wonderfully -- occasionally singing the words to the songs of Hank Williams (whose ghost haunts the novel's protagonist). This is an all-around ABSOLUTE MUST of a listen.

2 people found this helpful

The Down and Out get a spiritual renewal

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Steve Earle's voice and twang really drew me in. This is a good story of how the lost make their way in a hard-scrabble existence. The characters are believable and while their actions are questionable, you can it is all they can do to get by.

What did you like best about this story?

I really liked Steve Earle's narration....his pace, twang, expressions, etc. were very good.

What does Steve Earle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I find that audiobooks greatly enhance the written word with tone of voice, pacing, rate of delivery, volume, etc. The book is "performed" for the listener and Steve Earle did this very well.

2 people found this helpful

One of my favorite books.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have recommended it to friends.

What other book might you compare I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive to and why?

It's unique - I think it stands by itself.

Have you listened to any of Steve Earle’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've always enjoyed Steve Earle's music, but it was a real pleasure to discover his writing talent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I purchased this book AFTER I'd already listened to it twice for free as an audio loan from my library. It's like an old friend that's good at making you laugh until you cry - you just want them close by.

1 person found this helpful

Best Audible Book I've Listen to Yet

It takes a lot for me to give five stars all the way around, but this book did it for me.

At first I was scratching my head at the selection of the narrator (not realizing it was also the author) because of his voice and slight slur. But the voice--and the slur--really captured the mood and the character of Doc, the main character. Not to gush, but...Steve Earle was awesome!

The story had sweet moments without being sweet. It had tragic moments without being a tragedy. The narrative carried me along on a wave and sometimes Earle sneaked in a surprising phrase or juxtaposition that just made me belly laugh.

Know what I didn't like? It was just too short. Well, not really. It was long enough to tell the story effectively. But I just wasn't ready to say good-bye to the characters.

1 person found this helpful

Authentic southern voice tells authentic story

What other book might you compare I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive to and why?

Come back to the five and dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean....1950s/1970s Southern states, and a hero (James Dean) that has died.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene is the one where Marge, Dallas, and Graciela get excited about the coming visit of Jacky Kennedy.

Any additional comments?

Lively characters are set in a dramatic context. The roles of Doc, Manny, Dallas and especially Graciela, give me a feeling of the 1950s/1960s at the seamy side of life. What about a junkie doctor who does abortions, and is visited by the late Hank Williams in his weakest moments? It may sound far fetched, but Steve Earle makes it into an authentic slice of southern life as it might have been.

1 person found this helpful

Expect to be a fly on the wall in this story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would and did, the book held my interest from the first paragraph with the totally real characters and places, it put me there with the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The people with their real highs and lows, plenty to be kept wondering what will happen

What about Steve Earle’s performance did you like?

His Texan drawl fit perfectly and the book flowed as natural as as any I've ever heard.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I hope there are more books to follow from Steve Earle

1 person found this helpful

Worth every penny

A genuine
gem of a novel told exceedingly well. Narration is so critical and Mr. Earle was the man to read it. Thoroughly enjoyed

I will replay!

While Steve Earle has proven himself as a great storyteller over the years through his lyrics, he may be even more so as a novelist. This book has realistic characters and a compelling storyline that is truly unique in a world filled with remakes and sequels. While the story unfolded I was interested and trying to anticipate what would "happen next". But what really impressed me was how the story made me think about current events. Several times I had to pause the audio as the events of the story had my mind drifting into social issues relevant in our world today. Thanks Steve, keep 'em coming!

great story and narration.

atmosphere and character is thick and juicy in this story of magic realism. I absolutely love it.

Interesting story. Great performance!

If you like Elmore Leonard, you'll like this. Excellent reading by the author. The man can write almost as well as he sings.