No Way Out But Through: A Songwriter's Slow Blind Journey from Chaos to Clarity

by Kent Maxson, David Teems

Blending personal storytelling with timeless biblical truths, the author invites you into the raw, transformative journey of creating art and finding meaning amid chaos. Through each chapter, paired with an original song lyric, you’ll witness the struggle and triumph of forging beauty out of disorder— whether it’s crafting the perfect verse or rebuilding a shattered by pain.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Kent Maxson, “Max” to his friends, is an award-winning songwriter. His music has been performed on international radio and TV and he has won multiple industry awards, including an RIAA Gold Record for his hit single, “From Where I’m Sitting,” which he wrote with Garth Brooks and was recorded by Gary Allan. Artists who have most recently recorded Kent's songs include, CMA Texas Country Artist of the Year Will Banister, Multi Platinum Award Winning Songwriter/Artist Buddy Mondlock, Irish songstress Mary Duff, Irish Traditional Country artist Jordan Mogey, and rising young country artist, Alyssa Trahan. Kent keeps a busy touring schedule performing at House Concerts and small venues throughout the South while writing and mentoring young artists on the craft of songwriting. Kent released his latest EP, "MAX" in November 2019. Kent currently lives in Nashville with his wife Cindy.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew—this one got me right in the feels! 💥🎶 I started reading and thought, “Okay, cool, a book about songwriting,” and then BAM—tears, chills, the whole shebang. Kent Maxson doesn’t just tell his story—he sings it straight into your soul. It's raw, it’s real, and it made me want to pick up a pen and write my own life song (bad rhymes and all). If you’ve ever hit rock bottom, stared at the ceiling, and wondered what the heck is next—this book is your jam. 🎸🙏🔥💛

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Way Out But Through is a heartfelt, honest memoir that blends faith, music, and the gritty reality of transformation. Kent Maxson doesn’t sugarcoat his journey—instead, he shares his ups and downs with vulnerability and clarity, using songwriting as both a metaphor and a tool for healing. I really appreciated how the book felt both personal and universal at the same time. Reading it reminded me that sometimes the hardest seasons of life are the ones that shape our most beautiful songs.

[Gaye Maxson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real, unvarnished memoir of a man's journey from great loss and despair to hope and peace.