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At age two, John’s interest in and talent for music began to appear. By seven, he had written and sold a #1 song for the young, rising country star, Tanya Tucker. John didn’t have many friends and was different than other kids, but what John did have was a passion for music and a natural ability to write, sing, and play songs. However, being a musician does not make an easy life, especially for a child. This book follows John on his journey beginning when he and his family decide that John will dedicate himself to be a pop star and leave the world of a normal childhood behind. No one could have told him what lay ahead. John would soon have to interact with and overcome crazy fans, vindictive record execs, crowds, fame, humiliation, and entertainment icons.
Wilson writes a detailed story that feels like a biography complete with an author’s note and listings of his character’s television and concert appearances. The book includes commentary not only from the protagonist but also from his producer, Bob Etton, and his personal manager and friend, David Landau. Wilson gives us an intimate portrait of the life of a child musician, including hiring band members and security, recording albums, booking shows, and dealing with a child’s whims amongst the hysteria of fans. The reader may note a few grammatical errors, but they don’t hamper the readability of the story. Although the repeated descriptions of concerts, tv appearances, and book signings could grow tedious to some readers, they are a realistic depiction of show business, and Wilson does a good job creating his young musician’s world. This book could satisfy those wanting an inside look at a celebrity life without all the excess and hedonism of a Motley Crue or Kiss biography.