Highways and Byways: Tall tales and short stories from the long way round

by Jimmy Barnes

From larger-than-life adventures to vivid and poignant tales of the imagination, Highways and Byways is a collection of stories taking readers on an enthralling tour (complete with the odd detour) through the raucous, well-lived life of one of this country's most successful and beloved artists.

Told with Jimmy's signature verve and flair, and richly coloured by his distinctive voice and wit, Highways and Byways sees him sharing a 1970s Texas stage with a dream line-up of US musicians; flirting with disaster in a Hawaiian high-rise; discovering a life-changing cassette tape; unearthing shattering family secrets in Glasgow; encountering charismatic and not-so-endearing superstars, ghosts of the recent and distant past, superfan traffic cops and shady salesmen; and confronting his own mortality - while pondering the more amusing effects of hospital medication.

Charming, personal and poignant, Highways and Byways is a collection that celebrates Jimmy's Scottish heritage, family, friends, music and the adventure of a grand life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music, Biography

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2024

Reviews

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy Barnes is an absolute Aussie rock legend 🎸

Highways and Byways is a collection of true stories of Jimmy’s life on the road as well as with his family, and short fiction stories. I loved the true stories, hearing behind the scenes tales from his Cold Chisel days, on the road solo up until present day and his health issues and holidays back to Scotland. Jimmy has a way of telling a story that just draws you in, and believe me when I say that I was reading it in his voice.

He is a family man, a rock star, a gardener, a friend and sounds like cut a fun guy to have in your life. I have been a fan of his music for a very long time now. I have seen him on stage solo and in Chisel and he is just incredible.

If you are a fan grab this and settle in for some stories, he has plenty of them. They will make you laugh I promise you.

Thanks so much to Harper Collins Australia for sending me a copy of this book to read.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wonderful thing about all of Jimmy Barnes books, is the way in which he without airs and graces, without pomp and ego just tells his story with a brave rawness and genuine warmth. He doesn’t hide from his failings, nor does he pretend his life was anything but what it was.
I really enjoy reading about the Jimmy behind the Jimmy Barnes that stands front and centre and has done in the music industry for 50 years.
Once again he explores his vulnerabilities, the realities of alcoholism and the true meaning of what family and home means to him.
His priorities have changed over the years, don’t they for all of us, but above all else he has wanted to create a home where he could nurture and raise his kids to feel loved, cared for, safe and have a belly full of food.
Any fan of Jimmy Barnes and all his evolutions of his music career will enjoy reading about the man behind the music.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

A collection of assorted tales from the Working Class Man himself. Some are funny, others poignant and some even sad. Barnes writes well, considering this isn't his day job.

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Jimmy Barnes. He is such a story teller. Really enjoyed this book.

[Julie Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy is a great guy it's fun reading his tales and stories

[Stacy Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highways and Byways is only one book more in line of Jimmy’s Barnes engrossing and compiling books. Of course, my attention was captivated straight away with the book introduction. Mr. Barnes shared in short notes his inner wisdom connected with his Scottish roots while sharing a Scottish proverb giving it great life meaning: If something is meant to be, then it will be so. Mr. Barnes pointed it out obviously believing in human destinies and life predisposition for each person.

His book consists of short stories which are not related to each other and deals with fiction and non-fiction stories. In the book introduction Mr. Barnes points it out and leaves it to the reader to decide which story covers what. Many stories inside the book are about people who performed music with him and events covering part of his life. This was obviously a nonfiction part. Some of the stories are fiction such as The Swarm which was among my favorites. In this short story Mr. Barnes describes the enthusiasm of elderly man for bees. I was especially captivated by follow citation as found some poetic elements Mr. Burnes turned into prose:

“That was when he saw her. Bigger than all the others, she was sitting quietly on the sleeve of his shirt, as she was assessing situation. The queen. Second later, she gently lifted off from his arms and landed gracefully by the entrance of hive. She was magnificent.”

This observation of the world is so unique and beautiful. I could not pass it and not share myself with the world.

Furthermore, As author and avid reader, I found Mr. Barnes' way of telling/writing stories beautiful but most of all I was captivated by his deep and unique understanding, vision and experience of life which he is able to transfer in stories and put on paper. His ability to connect reader with story and make him/her part of it is also important skill of every author and only the best one as Mr. Barnes is able to do this on such a high level of personal connection.

Jimmy Barnes is one of the Australian authors to watch for. In my modest opinion his magnificent career in the author's field is just starting.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 2 out of 5]

Iconic lead singer and Australian National Treasure, Jimmy Barnes, is back with another trip down memory lane as he regales us with a series of true anecdotes and fictional short stories. I loved his first three memoirs but found this one less engaging, I’m guessing because all the really amazing and emotional memories made it into the previous books. That said, there were still some fun ones here. What I found bamboozling was the fictional short stories scattered amongst the true stuff. It wasn’t about their quality, some were quite poignant. It’s just that the book tried to be two things at once: one minute we were in an upbeat Barnesy anecdote, the next we were with a melancholy fictional character. 🎧 Jimmy always narrates his own books and he does it with such relish and emotion—he’s a great storyteller.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highways and Byways is a wonderful collection of stories for legendary Australian singer Jimmy Barnes.
Each story within this book has been written with heart and shared with compassion by Jimmy.
I laughed and cried reading Highways and Byways, and I look forward to reading more stories from one of Australia's best entertainers.

[judy jende · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable. I’ve read the other books Jimmy has written also enjoyed them. Loved his stories and how he left the reader to work out if they were True or not ??! I couldn’t put it down an easy read. Definitely recommend it.

[lpondage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always gets me feeling - Jimmy Barnes just knows how to make me laugh or cry! Such a beautiful and wonderful storyteller. I really recommend listening to him read this book, his tone and pace really make the stories come to life. I love the different voices he uses for the characters.

[Rae Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

More short stories
Some non - fiction, or not, says the author.

[April Alonso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it a lot more than I would, with laughs out loud

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Barnes, this will be a fun light book to enjoy. If not, there aint much here for you. The stories aren't particularly insightful or well-written.

[Michael Walley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with a mix of true and fictional stories. An easy read that is a pleasant break between heavier stories or nonfiction.