Review Detail

‘Sister, Brother, Family: An American Childhood in Music’ by Willie Nelson & Bobbie Nelson, co-written by Chris Barton, and illustrated by Kyung Eun Han, is an inspiring story of family, music, and determination to see one’s passion through.

The story is told from two different perspectives, as Willie Nelson and his sister, Bobbie Nelson, share memories of growing up, from their first piano to their time at church to how writing poetry turned into writing music. As loss of family members tugged at their family’s heartstrings, the siblings continued to love music, playing it any chance they got. They always performed, whether at church or at school for dances and the like. It’s astounding and quite beautiful how more than eighty years after the two started playing music, they still find time to play together and to allow their music to be there for the world.

The illustrations paint a vivid picture of their life, from childhood to adulthood, providing an open, unyielding glimpse into who they are, what matters most to them, and how hope can truly ring eternal.