This book is an example of friendship that has no room for jealousy as two powerhouse women, Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline, support and encourage one another at a time when Country Music was dominated and controlled by men. The first person account of Loretta's friendship with Patsy is both interesting and heartwarming. It's an honest account of triumphs as well as the struggles the faced not only in the music industry but also in their personal lives. It is a simple book written like one would imagine Loretta would talk if she were sitting down on the front porch to share her story with the reader. The audio version is read by her daughter and it's easy to hear Loretta herself through her daughter's voice.
There were points in the book when Loretta Lynn discussed her relationship with her husband, Doolittle Lynn, and it sounded like to me she was providing excuses as to why she tolerated the emotional abuse that comes from being "cheated on" for example. And, she also stated that although it was rumored that Patsy's husband, Charlie Dick, beat her so badly that she had him arrested, she knew that Charlie loved Patsy. ( Loretta admits that she never knew this for certain because Patsy never admitted to it but there was high cause for suspicion in this regard.) It did concern me that Loretta made these excuses for Doolittle and Charlie but I also listened as she talked about all the ways she stood up to the abusive mentality of a male dominated industry as well as held a career in show business and raised a family, breaking ground for future female singers and songwriters. I had to view the story from the perspective of someone from Loretta's background and era and realize the significance of her success and how truly revolutionary it was for her to push the boundaries she pushed.
The overwhelming theme of the book was women supporting one another and friendship that lasts long after death has severed the physical ties. Loretta and Patsy's friendship certainly provides women of all ages with the challenge to encourage and support each other and rejoice in each other's success.
I enjoyed the story and gave the book three stars on Goodreads.