Pretty Paper

by Willie Nelson, David Ritz

Willie Nelson's inspiring Christmas fable, based on his holiday classic Pretty Paper.

More than fifty years ago, Willie Nelson's beloved Christmas song Pretty Paper first hit the airwaves. And for all these years, Willie has wondered about the real-life Texas street vendor, selling wrappings and ribbons, who inspired his song. Who was this poor soul? What did his painful trials say about our loves, our hopes, our dreams in this holiday season and in the rest of our lives?

It s the early sixties and Willie Nelson is down and out, barely eking out a living as a singer-songwriter. The week before Christmas, he spots a legless man on a cart, selling wares in front of Leonard's Department Store in Fort Worth, Texas. The humble figure, by the name of Vernon Clay, piques Willie's curiosity, but Vernon is stubbornly private and despite Willie's charming queries has no interest in telling his story. Willie is tenacious, though, and he eventually learns that Vernon is a fellow musician, a fine guitarist and singer.

When Vernon disappears, he leaves behind only a diary, which tells an epic tale of life-altering tragedies, broken hearts, and crooked record men, not to mention backroad honky-tonks, down-home cooking, and country songwriting genius. Deeply moved and spurred on by Vernon's pages, Willie aims to give the man one last shot at redemption and a chance to embody the holiday spirit."

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Music, Inspirational, Holiday, Novels, Adult Fiction

283 pages, Hardcover

First published November 22, 2016

About the author

Willie Hugh Nelson is an American singer-songwriter and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the most beloved and notorious country music singers. He reached his greatest fame during the so-called "outlaw country" movement of the 1970s, but remains iconic, especially in American popular culture. In recent years he has continued to tour, record, and perform, and this, combined with activities in advocacy of cannabis, as well as a well-publicized 2006 arrest for cannabis possession, have made him the subject of renewed media attention.

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this story begins, it’s the Holiday Season in 1960s Fort Worth, Texas; the hustle and bustle of Christmas is evident along the street. Sidewalks crowded with shoppers. Decorations abound. Pretty lights, pretty decorations and a quiet song in the air from a street vendor selling his papers.

But then, all of a sudden, a few steps down from the store’s main entrance, I saw someone who stopped me in my tracks: a man, whose legs had been amputated above his knees, supporting himself on a large wooden board resting on four wheels. The board held not only the man but an array of neatly arranged products that he was selling – wrapping paper, pencils and ribbons. In addition to the traditional Christmas colors of green and red, his merchandise also came in blue, orange, purple and yellow. He easily moved around the board, supporting himself with his long, strong arms.
“Pretty paper!” he sang out in a strong and emotional voice. “Pretty ribbons of blue…wrap your presents to your darling from you … pretty pencils to write ‘I love you.’”

The vendor’s name is Vernon. Vernon Clay. Willie hears a song in Vernon’s “sales pitch” and tries to learn his story, but Vernon doesn’t want his pity or his help. Willie is pretty persevering, wanting to find out more about Vernon. He just feels there is a story there waiting to be told.

Willie Nelson wrote the song “Pretty Paper” based on Frankie Brierton, a street vendor. Brierton, who never even knew this song was written about him, was the inspiration for the song, and the song is the inspiration for this story. “Pretty Paper” and was a collaboration between Willie Nelson and David Ritz.

I loved this story; it’s charming, and heartwarming. While it is based around Christmas, this is not your typical Christmas book, but it is my favourite kind of Christmas story – one that holds your heart in its hand tenderly and delivers a lovely story that is enjoyable no matter what holiday you celebrate (or don’t), and serves as a nice reminder of the goodness in others that we sometimes don’t see, and sometimes overlook.

Vernon’s story is heartwrenching and heartwarming, told with the most tender, loving care.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a life-long Willie Nelson fan, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this Christmas fable written by Willie and inspired by by his famous song of the same title.

The premise of this short tale is the imagined back-story of the disabled street vendor upon whom Willie Nelson based his real-life hit "Pretty Paper." At times I found myself confused wondering how much was true and how much was fiction since this book includes Willie, in the first person as himself, telling the story. I ultimately had to go to do a bit of research online to set myself straight and determine that the story should be judged entirely as fiction.

As a story, the book is much like Willie's songs. There's poignancy in the spartan prose, but it's best enjoyed if one just goes along for the ride. And just as the song "Pretty Paper" isn't a standard Christmas Carol, this book defies the genre. You'll find more honky-tonks and BBQ joints here than sleigh bells and reindeer. But if you're looking for something a bit different than the standard holly, jolly Christmas tale, you've come to the right place.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blue Rider Press for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to imagine that Christmas brings out the best in people. The time of year when people look to help those in need.

Willie Nelson (yes, the singer/musician) wrote this story after encountering a man selling “pretty paper” on a street corner. This man’s legs were both amputated above the knees. He was the inspiration for Willie’s song “Pretty Paper”.

This story about Vernon Clay is Willie’s take on what maybe happened to him to get him to this point.

It’s a story about helping your fellow man and living life through music.

How much is true and how much is made up, I am not sure. All I know is that it is a heartwarming tale, perfect for this time of the year!

[Petra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely story of looking behind the misfortune and seeing the person, the whole story. Also, a story of friendship and lending a helping hand. A lovely story to read, especially in the Holiday season.
Willie's story is warm and human. It's about helping our fellow man and really listening to their story and their needs.
I listened to the audio which was very casual and easy going.
Although the book revolves around several Christmases and it a Christmas story, it can be read at any time of the year. The main focus is about hearing a person, seeing a person and helping a person.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Willie Nelson was a man barely making a living as a singer-songwriter in 1960's Forth Worth, Texas when he met a man outside of Leonard's Department Store selling colorful paper and ribbons for Christmas.  
The vendor was a legless man by the name of Vernon Clay and their brief meeting inspired Willie's hit song "Pretty Paper".  

Willie is interested to learn Vernon's story but the private man refuses to share much about himself.  In a series of coincidences, Willie encounters Vernon over a period of several months and learns he's a talented guitarist and singer.

Vernon eventually disappears and leaves behind the story of his life that has been filled with tragedy, heartbreak, good food, and great music.  

Moved by Vernon's story, Willie attempts to track down the man and offer him a chance at redemption during the holiday season.

Willie Nelson is a talented storyteller and I loved that this book imagined the story of the man who did in fact inspire the song "Pretty Paper".  
This was a feel-good Christmas story that (like most holidays tales) starts with bad luck and tragedy but ends with hope and redemption. It may be a little cheesy but it's a heartwarming cozy read for the Christmas season!

For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Christmas time in the 60’s in Texas and everyone is hustling along the streets, going in and out of the gaily decorated stores doing their Christmas shopping. On the sidewalk is a man with no legs, selling Christmas wrapping paper and calling out “pretty paper”. His name is Vernon Clay and he catches Willie’s eye. Willie takes an interest in Vernon and is determined to learn Vernon’s story and to help him out any way he can.

For those of you familiar with Willie Nelson’s music, you’ll be well familiar with his Christmas song, “Pretty Paper”. The song was inspired by a real-life street vendor named Frankie Brierton. Willie always wondered who the man was who inspired his song and now Willie has written this charming Christmas tale. It’s written by Willie in collaboration with David Ritz.

Willie Nelson has proved through his music that he knows how to pull on the heartstrings so it’s no surprise what a warm, heartwarming story this is. It’s written in a down-to-earth, forthright manner. It’s hard to say how much of the book is true. At the beginning of the book, Willie is married with three children and he was married with three children in the 60’s. I’ve read, too, that the story he includes about himself and Charlie Pride is true. However, the disability of the real street vendor, Frankie Brierton, was due to a spinal disorder, unlike the reason for Vernon’s disability.

Whatever is true or not true, read this book with the expectation of being charmed. There aren’t particularly any surprises in this story but it sets up a lovely Christmas atmosphere perfect for that time of year.

This book was given to me by the publisher through First to Read in return for an honest review.

[Asheley T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Willie Nelson and I love Christmas music. I just had to grab this from the library when I saw the cover. It was an impulsive library loan.

Pretty Paper isn't the typical holiday romance story; this is basically the backstory to Willie's classic Pretty Paper song, based at least in part on truth. It's a tearjerker in some parts and reminds me of a Hallmark movie--many holiday stories are like this and I think that is what many of us like about them. It is warm and cozy and inviting and ends on a positive note. There is an easy conversational tone about the narrative that makes it feel like Willie himself is reading the story to us even though he is not the narrator for the entire story.

Interesting structure: book-within-a-book for a large part of the story to tell Vernon Clay's story.
Recommended for fans of Willie Nelson, fans of holiday stories.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than fifty years ago, Willie Nelson’s beloved Christmas song Pretty Paper first hit the airwaves. And for all these years Willie has wondered about the real-life Texas street vendor, selling wrapping and ribbons, who inspired his song. Who was this poor soul?What did his painful trials say about our loves, our hopes, our dreams in this holiday season and in the rest of our lives? It is the early sixties and Willie Nelson is down and out, barely eking out a living as singer-songwriter. The week before Christmas, he spots a legless man on a cart, selling wares in front of Leonard’s Department Store in Fort Worth, Texas. The humble figure, by the name of Vernon Clay, piques Willie’s curiosity, but Vernon is stubbornly private and despite Willie’s charming queries has no interest in telling his story. Willie is tenacious, though, and he eventually learns that Vernon is a fellow musician, a fine guitarist and singer. When Vernon disappears, he leaves behind only a diary, which tells an epic tale of life – altering tragedies, broken hearts, and crooked record men, not to mention backroad honky-tonks, down-home cooking, and country songwriting genius. Deeply moved and spurred on by Vernon’s pages, Willie aims to give the man one last shot at redemption and a chance to embody the holiday spirit.
I recommend this book to anyone in the holiday spirit.
I don’t remember this song and I couldn’t imagine a book by Willie Nelson being any good. I was so wrong. This book had me hooked and read it within a day. The story draws you in and you can’t wait to hear more of the street vendors story.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because I really like Willie Nelson's song "Prety Paper". This book is based on the song and is a fable about a singer songwriter who decides to help another singer songwriter. When Willie first sees Vernon, Vernon is selling pretty paper and ribbons outside a department store in Fort Worth, Texas shortly before Christmas. Vernon is a double amputee and sells his wares standing on his stumps on a rolling wooden platform. Willie is Christmas shopping in the department store and decides that he will buy his wrapping paper from Vernon on his way out of the store but can't find him. This precipitates a search that goes on for a year as Willie tries not only to find Vernon, who he learns is also a singer songwriter, but to right some of the wrongs done to him. I found this to be a very touching story as Willie perseveres in his mission even when Vernon rejects his help. In this tale we see many people helping each other which I think really gives the book real Christmas spirit. I would not want a true to life Vernon to suffer the losses that he does in this story, but otherwise, I wish this story were true.

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book from Willie Nelson is the first I've read by him. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that he, in fact, did write books. I am well aware of what a prolific song writer he is, though. This story is about how he came to write his popular Christmas song, "Pretty Paper" in 1962. I found his story compelling, sad and funny.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly didn't think this book would amount to much. I was pleasantly surprised because it was very good, very interesting. It was difficult to decide how much was truth and how much was fiction. I enjoyed the story line a lot.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and powerful story of the true lifestory that created the song "Pretty Paper."

[Laura Paxson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not really sure how to rate this. Do I rate this based on what it is and what I knew going in: that's it's a feel-good holiday tale? Or do I rate this based on comparison with other books I read (I.e. How much I liked it)?

It really was a good, warm hearted story that was easy to read and had a lot of old time country music references. The main thing that disappointed me was that the jacket leads readers to believe that this is a true story. Even 1/3rd of the way into it was still trying to hold on to the idea that this was all based on true events (with added flair, of course) but by the time I hit the halfway mark it became glaringly obvious that this was a totally made up tale. I was very disappointed as I'm not into happy-ending holiday fairy tales. I picked this book up because I wanted to hear the story beyond Willie's hit song.

I feel like this book will have a hard time finding an audience. It strikes me as something my grandmother would read but there is enough references to sex, violence, and pot to disgust the age range of ladies who are into this kind of fluff. That's not to say that is is gritty in any way. In fact, I think there are too FEW references to sex, pot, and gritty bar fights to interest most fans of willie's music.

It was nice to read a story with a happy ending for once...

[Walker Creswell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is nearly complete fiction. It is all about a man that Willy never met; yet Willy has made tons of money from telling the story he made up about the man. The legless man that the story is about has a daughter in real life and she too never knew willy or was aware that willy was profiting off her father. The reason it has 2 stars instead of 1 is because the made up story that willy has contrived is good, but as I have stated above, it is too good to be true.

[Elise · Rating 2 out of 5]

An embellishment to Willie Nelson's song Pretty Paper. The song was inspired by a real person, a crippled man who sold wrapping paper in downtown Fort Worth. There are a lot of interesting background details about life in FW in the early 60s.
The embellished story was ok, but was not very well written for my taste.

[Nadine Augustyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

...maybe 2.5 stars.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not sure I would like this one but I really enjoyed it.

[Vicki Edkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story telling.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a touching story. I was intrigued from the start. So intrigued, in fact, that I read the entire book in the same day that I started it. It was based on the Willie Nelson song, Pretty Paper. I had never heard the song and didn't listen to it until after I finished the book.

The story was based on a street vendor with no legs, that Willie encountered in his early days as a DJ in Fort Worth, Texas in the 1960s. Many people in the area were familiar with the man, because he yelled out, "pretty paper". Apparently, he left a lasting impression on Willie, and when he made it to Nashville, Tennessee he wrote a song about him.

It sounds like Willie never really knew this man, so the story and the name of the street vendor is fiction. However, the street vendor is real. After I read the book, I was able to find some information and learn a little bit about him.

I am working on a challenge where I have to read a book by authors with a name beginning with a different letter of the alphabet, A-Z. I am down to a handful of letters. With my husband waiting in the car, I ran into the library and pulled two books from the shelf for my "N" and my "Y" authors. I feel so fortunate that I chose this book as my "N". I would have never read this book otherwise. I hope my "Y" is as enjoyable.

[Nanksy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really thought I was reading a true story! It was that true to life.
I did not know that Willie could write like this; which was stupid of me considering the songs he had written over the years.
It is not just a Christmas story.
I found it in a dollar store and picked it up because I like Willie Nelson's songs. Never having been a real C&W fan I still like Willie. I have admired his ability with words since I first heard "I Fall to Pieces", back in the fifties. My niece bought the album "Red Headed Stranger" and later I saw the movie. I was impressed that a song writer/singer could weave a tale so smoothly. I don't know when I first heard the Christmas song "Pretty Paper" but I remember it was a song that tugged at the tear ducts and it has been around a long time. So when I saw the book it was an easy decision to pick it up.
It is an easy read in a single sitting. I read it all the way through in one night. It has enough detail and poetry to it that I re-read it the following week.
If you like Willie's songs or if you like touching stories, with a touch of Texas color, this is a good read.

[Aria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad story. It moves along alright, but does start to drag the closer one gets to the end. It had a simple, pat ending. I kind of expected it, but it was just so neat it left no satisfaction; a Hallmark ending. Part of the problem is that the story runs around too much before it gets to that pat ending. I started skimming b/c there really was no longer any need to read every word. It was just so obvious at that point anyway what the resolution would be.

The 1st part of the book was a nice 3-stars. Even if it was a simple story, it was enjoyable enough. Had the last 1/3 been edited down to a tighter form I believe it would have kept that easy enjoyability, & perhaps the predictable ending might not have been such a lackluster bore. It didn't though, & all that running around didn't add anything to the story. The momentum was therefore lost & the priority of the reading experience moved into that territory where arriving at the end of a thing & calling it done is the whole goal. So, that was disappointing.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a man with both legs amputated above the knees selling “pretty paper” at Christmas time, across from a department store in Dallas, TX. Willie Nelson became infatuated with him and tried to get to know him. The man had no interest in getting to know Willie. Willie found an outstanding Texas chili restaurant and he got to know the owners, who happened to have a room out back, where the man with no legs lived.

One thing led to another, and Willie realized that the man had formerly been a musician, and a good one. His ex-wife had stolen some songs of his and made it big with them.

Willie helped the man to learn to like life again and helped him to benefit from the stolen songs. The story was heart-warming and well-written. I had no idea that Willie Nelson had such a good, compassionate side to him, or that he could write so well. I’d like to read more of his books.

[Chanele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a light, feel-good read written by one of my favorite people, so naturally I enjoyed it. Willie tells a story to give more life to his hit Christmas song "Pretty Paper." (The song was based on a real peddler, but Willie never got to know the real story, so he created this beautiful little tale.) After encountering a legless, seemingly homeless peddler selling "pretty paper" outside a Fort Worth department store in the late 60s, Willie can't get the man off his mind. The tale unfolds as Willie reconnects with the man, Vernon, and learns his tragic story of love, loss, success, and failure. This is set against the backdrop of Willie's own career starting to take off. It is a beautiful tale that keeps coming back around to Christmas, all finally ending on a happier, optimistic note. It was quick, enjoyable read, and it would be perfect to curl up with alongside a mug of tea on a cold winter day.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued when I saw a Christmas book written by Willie Nelson. I found it very cheap on a shelf in Ollie's, a discount store. I've always enjoyed Willie Nelson's songs even though I am not really a country music fan. Willie decided to write a backstory (called a fable here) about the man he saw years ago selling pretty paper and wrappings out on a busy street. It was a very interesting read, not really very Christmasy though. It was sort of a "Christmas Carol" for modern adults. There wasn't a lot of bad language, drug use, or other bad behavior in the book, which was nice. I like the idea of the man writing his story on different colors of paper, depending on his mood or outlook for that part of his memoir. I would recommend it to fans of Willie Nelson or touching stories. It is a quick read. I finished it in just half a day, less than three hours total.

[Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

What seems like may be a Christmas story, is actually a heartwarming story about the man that Willie Nelson wrote the song Pretty Paper about. (Yes, I know Roy Orbison recorded it, but Willie wrote it.)

The song is written about a man with no legs selling wrapping paper and ribbons outside a department story during the Christmas Season. That's pretty much where the true story ends. Willie takes this beginning and creates a story about how Vernon Clay was a musician and lost it all and ended up hawking his wares in the snow, on a wheeled cart.

Great emotional run on this one. Don't miss it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a delight! I was interested in this book because Tis the Season and I went to Nashville last month. This book has an It's a Wonderful Life feel to it. It's not the same story whatsoever; there is a character enduring hardship and a good friend trying to help this gentleman out. "A friend is someone who cares" A line in the book :)

Willie Nelson is a character in the story living the country music scene and trying to make it big in Texas and Nashville. He sees a legless man selling "Pretty Paper" and he just can't let this guy go after knowing his story.

I highly recommend this for a holiday read.

[Diana Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The writing flowed and it made me love Willie even more. As a songwriter I especially enjoyed the storyline- but so can anyone. What a kind hearted- colorful, interesting, poignant- read. Would be curious how they cowrote it- but it has the ring of Willie's voice. Lovely work and insights. Bravo. And the visuals are amazing, stunning, sweet. I met Willie once on my birthday- and he seemed sweet as can be- his personality really comes through wonderfully here.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning was interesting to read as it gave insight into the inspiration for Nelson's excellent song "Pretty Paper". I find this type of insight usually allows me to appreciate a piece of music, art, writing, etc. to a much greater degree. However, in this case, I found I was not particularly interested in the larger story beyond the first few chapters, and thus that made the book a bit of a slog to get through.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at The Dollar Tree. It packs a lot of schmaltz, as well as a raw look at music copyright law, for a buck. Did a disabled street musician really inspire Nelson's hit holiday song, "Pretty Paper"? Is the struggle for stardom as seamy and heartless as depicted? Is there really a restaurant that serves the 5-star chili described in the book (and where can I find it?)? Despite a supporting cast of kind characters, the world described in this book is harsh and hard-hearted.

[Hannah Crisp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up with a Christmas loving musician in mind and for that I think it was super perfect. I appreciated being transported to that time via all the details of current music. Perhaps a smidge less textbook wholesome than I anticipated but even still. Good stuff. Easy read. I grew up on Christmas movies, but this opened me up to a cozy novel tradition. Favorite elements gotta be the simple but strong move of saying ~I'm using this color paper to show this feeling~