Yesterday afternoon I received a copy of Denise Jackson's book, 'It's All About Him.' I began reading it after work and I had to make myself put it down at 2:00 am this morning!
If you are not familiar with Denise Jackson, perhaps you've heard of her husband, Alan Jackson? Yeah, I thought so! Anyway, the book is written by Denise and it chronicles the Jackson's life from beginning to present. While many celebrities write books and brag and gush about how perfect their lives are, Denise Jackson lays it all on the table. This is not a fairy tale book friends, it's the cold hard truth.
If you are like me, when you think of a big time country music star, you automatically assume that they have it made. Fame and riches out the wazoo and all of the happiness that goes with it. But, did you know that there is a dark side to it all? Something that would make you long for the days of living back before you 
became a big star? Do you think money can buy you happiness? Denise Jackson takes you on a wild ride in her life with country music superstar, Alan Jackson. She reveals what life is really like for the wealthy and privileged. She drags you down into her private hell and torment and then spirals you upward with a message of peace and hope.
became a big star? Do you think money can buy you happiness? Denise Jackson takes you on a wild ride in her life with country music superstar, Alan Jackson. She reveals what life is really like for the wealthy and privileged. She drags you down into her private hell and torment and then spirals you upward with a message of peace and hope. This book is a must read for any married couple. You don't have to be rich and famous to understand the true message that lies among the pages. As the husband of the same wife for the past 23-years, I think I know a little something about marriage and the give and take that is necessary to sustain a long relationship. There is also one other ingredient that in my opinion is necessary for a life of true happiness, Denise Jackson discovered that ingredient and you can too.
I have nine (9) more brand spanking' new copies sitting on my desk. These are really nice hard back editions straight from Denise Jackson's marketing agent. The book is 256 pages from front to 
back, with very easy to read text. It also has 16 pages of color photographs that you can't find anywhere else. Each book also contains an exclusive CD from Alan Jackson that contains 2 songs. This book lists at $24.99 and usually retails at online stores such as Abunga.com for 16.49. I will personally send for free a copy of this book to the first nine (9) people (inside the Continental United States) that emails me and lets me know they are interested. Don't forget to include your shipping address. Please don't ask for it unless you are serious about reading it and willing to discuss your thoughts here on this blog.
back, with very easy to read text. It also has 16 pages of color photographs that you can't find anywhere else. Each book also contains an exclusive CD from Alan Jackson that contains 2 songs. This book lists at $24.99 and usually retails at online stores such as Abunga.com for 16.49. I will personally send for free a copy of this book to the first nine (9) people (inside the Continental United States) that emails me and lets me know they are interested. Don't forget to include your shipping address. Please don't ask for it unless you are serious about reading it and willing to discuss your thoughts here on this blog.UPDATE 3.10.2008 at 1:27 pm: All of the books have now been given away.
The following folks will be receiving their copy this week:
1. Chuck F. - Hilton Head, SC
2. Mark S. - Mascot, TN
3. Renee R. - Powell, TN
4. Cassie K. - Knoxville, TN
5. Sandra Z. - Corryton, TN
6. Rene T. - Maryville, TN
7. Julie W. - Corryton, TN
8. Susan T. - Ellijay, GA
9. Theresa B. - Knoxville, TN
I look forward to reading your responses.
14 comments:
Thanks, Byron! Looking forward to the book. I tried to comment earlier, but Blogger was not cooperating.
Let me know if IOU for shipping etc. Have a good one!
Received my copy in the mail today and will start on it after dinner. I can hardly wait.
Byron, Finished the book today. Let me know when you're ready to blog about it again. Thanks again for sending me a copy I really enjoyed it.
Byron, thanks so much for the book. Starting book on my day off tomorrow. Look forward to commenting on what I know will be a inspirational book
Let me get the ball rolling...
First of all, I approached the book with the notion that Denise Jackson was just some spoiled rich wife to a superstar and had wrote a book. It didn't take me long until I realized that she and Alan came from pretty much the same kind of background that I did. I was probably a little poorer growing up, but the same basic values were there; small town, church, family, music, etc... So I could relate to them right away. As I got deeper into the book I began to realize that fame and fortune isn't all that it's cracked up to be. I also began taking a closer look at my life and sorting out the things that are important to me. I began to realize that I had been focusing waaay too much on trying to be the "all man." The best blogger, the best writer, the best singer, the best church member, the best of everything, but what I really needed to do was focus on being the best father and husband to my wife and kids. You have probably already noticed that my blogging habits have changed drastically over the past 2 weeks. I no longer blog every day. I don't sit around at midnight grasping for something to blog about and surfing the web. I am spending less and less time at the computer and more and more time with my family. We have been watching movies, playing, and just spending time together. I made the mistake of not paying them enough attention once before and it nearly destroyed us. It's a hard thing to balance. But, you have to step back and take a look at your life and sort out what is the most important. Other people and what they think of you doesn't really matter. It's your family and friends that should be more important in your life. You live with them all of the time. Just think for a second, and make a list of the folks that would show up at your funeral if you died. Those are the ones that you should be concerned about because those are the ones that truly love you.
Also, I can relate to how she realized that turning her focus on living the way Jesus Christ intends, helped her marriage and life. My wife and I certainly couldn't have the successful marriage and family that we do without Christ in our lives.
A lot of this book really hit home for me, which seems strange considering how differnt Denise's life is from mine. Even our childhoods were very differnt. I wasn't raised in a religous home, in fact I have never been in a church with either of my parents. I sort of had to find my own way to God. I am a lot like Denise in that I worry about what everyone else thinks about how I look or how my daughter looks. If our home is up to the standards of our friends. Like Denise I let those things set my lifes path. When really the person that I should have been the most concerned about how he saw me was the farthest from my mind. Since reading this book I have begun taking serious inventory of my life and where it is headed. I want my daughter to see a love for Christ in me that I didn't see in my parents. I want to change my focus on many things. When I began reading this book it was more about reading something new and then making sure that I came back and disscussed it on your blog so that I did what I was supposed to do since you sent me the book. However it has turned into SO much more for me. What a crazy way for the Lord to get my attention. Bringing me to your blog. Then you sending me this book that I intended to read, discuss briefly and then put on my bookself. What a blessing this experience has been. Sorry that I haven't really discussed the book as much as how it has affected me.
I also thought of Denise Jackson as spoiled, but I had only ever seen her a couple of times on TV and in a magazine article about their new house (mansion) in Nashville. I started the book, and at first found it hard to sympathize with someone who 'had it all'. She confirmed my impression of her, talking about being so popular in school - class president, homecoming queen, head cheerleader, and then later - the palace in Nashville, the 3 fully staffed vacation homes, the 18 car garage. But 'stuff happens' to the rich as well as and poor, and she experienced a life-changing event that put everything into perspective.
I cannot imagine living with all the success and riches the Jacksons have had. I also cannot imagine what choices I would have made in their place. But they certainly worked hard to get where they are, and I don't begrudge them at all for enjoying the material possessions that come along with success.
I enjoyed reading this story of small town folks making it big. It is refreshing to know that they are still able to cling to their small town values and realize that what they have together, and what they believe in, is important enough to work on and save.
Thanks for the book, I enjoyed it. I believe that books should be read instead of collecting dust on my shelves, so I will pass this around to anyone who wants to read it around here, and then donate it to the local library (if that is okay with you).
First, thank you so much for the book, I am quite an Alan Jackson fan. I had very little knowledge of his family prior to reading the book you so kindly gave to me.
I have had a hard time knowing what I wanted to write. I as a Christian, am always pleased to see someone find that Jesus is the answer to all of life's problems.THis is very true for everyone. But at the same time, I can't help but to feel that Denise appears to be a very materialistic person. The part of her finding Christ in a personal way was powerful, but she spend way too much time telling how she was "Miss Everything" in her past and not enough time focusing on her search of Christ. When she told how she so proudly bought her own new car while Alan and she were separated...I couldn't help but wonder without the nanny's, financial security and the ability to do whatever she wanted when she wanted to do it, if she would have fared so well.
I do not mean to sound bitter, but to me it came off as a poor me rich girl, who in an afterthought type way, found Jesus during her personal tragedy. I am happy she found a close relationship with Jesus, and as someone who struggles with marriage issues, I am thrilled she and Alan worked things out. It was a nice biography...but if the intent was a book about finding Jesus, I feel it missed its mark.
I just felt I had to say what I said. I am sincerely thankful to you for the book, I will keep the Jackson family in my prayers.
Hey ! I got my book already. Just been so busy of late...trying to get the house in order before I'm off for a surgery in April. You know, kind of like Krogers before a snow flurry shower....grabbing all I can think of cuz, momma wont be able to drive ! LOL I showed the book to my hubby and said he would read it too. So, bear with me, when I get my act together....I'll get with the program. Just finally getting to let ya know....
Renee
Caller # 9
=-)
Lots of great comments thus far from everybody! I appreciate you following through with it. I'm excited to read what the rest of you have to say. Oh, and please, just be honest. If you didn't like it or have a different view point than I do, please say it. Discussion is what this is all about. It's not gonna hurt my feelings one iota.
I wanted to stay away from this section of the blog until I had finished the book so I could read it, develop my own conclusions and see how they compared with everyone else. I have just finished it, so here I am.
I had heard that “Alan Jackson’s wife” had written a book about their marriage, their separation, and their reconciliation after she turned to God. In this book, I see Denise Jackson step up and show herself as a woman of faith… a faith that grew, as it so often does, through trials and heartaches.
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience, James 1:3;
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience hope, Romans 5:3-4
This book is a remarkable telling of Denise’s journey and growth along the way and the growth and mending in her and Alan’s marriage. I though it was especially revealing on page 108 where she tells how one day Alan looked over their property, the house, the garages, and whispered, “I’m still not happy.” It reminded me that even with all our worldly possessions, but lacking the presence of Jesus Christ, it all amounts to just what Ecclesiastes says, “..vanity and vexation of spirit;” and “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
I am glad that by trusting in Jesus, things in this couple’s life really turned around. I have always liked Alan Jackson’s music and his songwriting. He has a gift to be able to say so much in such simple words and phrases. I have enjoyed his songs like “Livin’ On Love,” “Work In Progress,” “Let It Be Christmas,” and have sensed God’s influence in each of these. After I heard “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” I was convinced that Alan Jackson just might know the Lord. When I first heard his “Precious Memories” CD, I was sure of it. I am glad, now, having read Denise’s book, to have some background on some of these songs.
I have always enjoyed hearing people’s testimonies of what God has done for them. To me, it is hearing how the Bible has worked and become real to them in their lives. Denise’s book is just that, her testimony, and it is a rich one. Reading of her desire to study the Word of God and pray has helped to stoke up my own desire to read and study the Bible more….and to pray.
Thank you Denise Jackson for sharing your story, and thank you Byron for allowing me to read this book.
Okay, I was going to "save" the book for when I'm off work next month, but I picked it up yesterday and started reading it at youngest son's soccer practice at 530pm and finished it when I went to bed at 10pm. I think I even surprised myself getting read that quickly.
I was able to relate to her growing up on some levels. Not by any means was I a blue eyed/blonde cheerleader/home coming queen in high school. Rather much the opposite, the quiet brown haired glasses wearing wall flower. But I did relate to the home environment and the lack of a christian presence in the home. The feeling of being lost is universal regardless of your street address or your grades in school.
The struggles with their early days could be found with most couples regardless of where they come from.
I can understand how the post partum depression works after having my own children. The struggles and conflicts makes one even more isolated, conflicted, and lost.
The finally giving it up to Him and letting Him take control part was the part of her message I enjoyed the most. Not wanting to give too much away, I could totally relate to her and her story. I do think that this book is written more for a woman's perspective rather than a man's. Not to sound sexist or anything, just the way it is. It is written by a woman about her life and journey with and to God.
I enjoyed the book and already plan on passing it along to the other women in my circle at church tomorrow night.
Thank you Bryon !
Hey Byron, first of all I want to thank you for the book. It was awesome.
One of the things I loved about the book was Denise's honesty. She knew that she needed to change and she allowed the Lord to change her, and as she was changing Alan saw something special in her and fell in love with her all over again. If she had pointed her finger at Alan and his problems that would have drawn them farther apart.
I believe the Lord allowed their marriage to fall apart so He could build it up on a strong foundation (Himself).
I also enjoyed reading about there families and growing up years. They are my age and I could relate to so much of their lives.
I passed it on so someone else can enjoy it.
Thanks Again,
Theresa B.
Thanks for sharing Denise Jackson’s book. I enjoyed reading about her and Alan’s life. I have never been very interested in reading biographies but this one held my attention for the entire book. It is well written and an easy read. Celebrities have troubles and trials just like ordinary people. I tend to forget that they are people just like you and me. They have just been more fortunate than most. It is refreshing to know that some have a relationship with God also. God does bless those that follow him.
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