Musician John Hiatt has long earned his reputation as a master storyteller and a songwriter loved by songwriters. Few writers can express universal truths as he can, and he infuses his tunes and performances with a blend of power, razor-sharp observation, levity, and, always, raw emotion. In this long-overdue biography, Hiatt and his illustrious peers, closest friends, and collaborators reminisce; their firsthand stories make up the core of the book. Hiatt’s life has contained moments every bit as harrowing, joyful, light, and dark as his music. He speaks frankly about a childhood that included abuse from a brother who eventually died by suicide, the death of his father, his struggles with his weight, and his discovery of alcohol at the age of 11. But Hiatt’s early hardships make his later personal and professional successes that much sweeter. Elliott (staff writer, No Depression journal) centers the book on Hiatt’s 1987 album Bring the Family, which remains perhaps the brightest star in his musical constellation, but also finds much to savor in virtually every recording Hiatt has created. VERDICT Readers will be left feeling like they’ve just listened to Hiatt’s music or attended one of his concerts--appreciative of the time spent with an American treasure, and eager for more.