Jimmy Wayne

What a story, the fact that Jimmy Wayne is successful is a testament to him and the people who would not fail him when he needed it the most. This book shows the power of a couple of people that can transform a life. Most of the book deals with his growing up with a bi polar mother and the constant change in his life. A teacher and counselor who would not give up and then Bea and Russell Costner who took him and help him grow up. His music careers up and downs. Finally he walks across America to draw attention to the plight of foster kids aging out of the system. A very powerful and inspiring read.… (mais)

I wanted to read this book for a couple of reasons. First because I love dogs, secondly because I wanted to find out more about the walk Jimmy Wayne did to bring awareness to Foster Children Aging Out ans lastly because I saw him at the Grand Ole Opry a few years ago talking about being a Foster Child. The story was a good one. You have to suspend belief because Ruby talks to humans as she narrates this story. Many of them understand her and talk back. I loved the relationship Mr. James and Ruby develop. They had to learn to trust one another and Ruby had to rely on him as well. This book has several messages. When the book opens, Ruby is in a shelter that is more of an animal warehouse. They talk about euthanizing animals that have been there more than 18 days. There is also some discussion about puppy mills. There is a plug about adoping a dog from the local shelter, that they should not be thrown away. The main plotline of course is about the walk. In 2010, Jimmy Wayne walked halfway across the US to bring awareness to Foster Children who aged out and had nowhere to go. They often end up in jail, homeless or on drugs. There were a couple of plugs for companies that supported him on this walk, but it was not too bad. Jimmy also talks about his faith and belief in God. He discusses forgiveness and how holding onto grudges makes you feel bad and fills you up with those negative feelings. He also discusses being generous, giving to others, loving and caring for others and the world and knowing what is really important in life. There are some scriptures quoted throughout the book. I really liked the messages that were given, but the story itself was a bit jerky and parts were repetitive. Perhaps writing with someone else might have improved that part of the process. Overall, I would not recommend this to young children, perhaps 10 and over. This would make a good addition to a Church library or Christian School Library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (mais)

I've had this in my Kindle cloud for three years and for some reason never read it. I caught the movie this year and liked the story so much that I decided it was time to read the book. I always appreciate books that tell stories of people who are struggling somehow, and this book was full of mental, physical, and spiritual struggle. I won't summarize the plot because there's plenty of summary already here for you to read if you want to know how the plot goes. I have to tell you about the way the story touched me. It made me realize that we can all give to others, no matter how little we have and no matter how bleak things look. I kind of think we're all paper angels. Each of us needs something that someone else has to give. We're not meant to be alone, especially at this time of year. So I think I'm putting my paper angel up on my imaginary tree and looking for what others need that I can give. This book was a real blessing.
… (mais)

This is an interesting memoir which encompasses the life of Jimmy Wayne Barber, his relationship with God, and his motivation to help children in the foster care system, especially in changing the law that forces them out on their own at 18. Jimmy's early life was both horrifying and inspiring. He was like that toy which gets punched down and then springs back up again over and over. His years in the music business were interesting, but were sometimes more detailed than I needed. I'm sure though they would be helpful to those entering the music business showing them how hard you have to work to make it, how much luck is involved, and how vigilant you must be not to be taken advantage of and/or to keep your eyes and ears open to new opportunities or disappointments. I applauded Jimmy's forgiveness of the neglect and abuse he suffered, but I think he goes too far in adding his parents to his acknowledgements list, especially his father who intentionally turned his back on his children, not once but at least twice. A worthy read.… (mais)