For You to See the Stars

by Radney Foster

Legendary singer/songwriter Radney Foster found commercial success and critical acclaim due in large part to his literary approach to country music. Known for penning dozens of Top Forty, Top Twenty, Top Ten hits for both himself and Nashville's elite, he felt driven to tell stories longer than the three minutes allowed for radio. For You to See the Stars is a testament to his talent, showing the diversity of his voice, bringing lyrical prose to the page, and presenting Radney Foster to a whole new audience. The CD of the same title, includes the ten songs that inspired these stories.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories

170 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2017

Reviews

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radney Foster is, by trade, a songwriter. Probably one of the best. Beyond the more radio friendly offerings, his deeper catalog includes vivid characters, deep insights, and a seamless ability to turn a phrase. "Went For a Ride" and "Easier Said Than Done" (from Del Rio, Tx 1959 album) are, quite frankly, achievements unsurpassed by almost every other artist. And these are but two examples of his unique talent.

And so, I was excited to learn Mr. Foster published a book of short stories. I was curious to see how well he'd do in so different a medium. In the introduction, he talks about the silence from the other end of his publisher friend's phone when he told her about his short stories. Her silence became active encouragement once she'd read some of his work for herself.

Let's be clear. He is not an Ian McEwan or a Padgett Powell. His writing is not surreal or clever. His story lines are not fantastical. His approach presumes no erudition nor playful use of language. Instead his writing has what I can only describe as "earthy". The worlds he creates are easily identifiable to common folk and it is common folk who inhabits them. I don't recall any "wow" turns of phrase but each story resonates on a basic human experience level that is at once comfortably recognizable and yet freshly spun.

In my mind, this book will be a wonderfully pleasing base line from which to chart his growth as a published fiction writer. I look forward to his next works. There is much potential here!

[Karol.holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely collection of short stories with a surprising variety of voices, settings, and tones. I am delighted to know that one of my favorite Texas troubadours is also a fine writer of stories.

[Emily]

I cannot wait to read this book by most favorite singer\songwriter Radney Foster,Can't wait till September, 15,2017!!!!! Just cannot wait :)

[Ashley Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. The stories are authentic and relevant. I have the album and love Radney’s work. I highly recommend doing as he suggests, reading the story than listening to the song.

[Klobetime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radney Foster is a genius. His album Del Rio, TX 1959 is one of those rare records where every single song is brilliant; four of the ten tracks made the Top 40 country charts ("Nobody Wins" was the highest, peaking at #2) but the other six are equally amazing. "A Fine Line" (not one of the four that charted) might be my favorite, but it is honestly difficult to rank them. I wore the CD out when it was released, and it remains a staple in my playlists today. Recently Foster played the Saxon Pub here in Austin (a great venue that attracts singer-songwriters; my wife and I have also seen The Band of Heathens, Walt Wilkins, and The Accidentals among others) and I was finally able to catch him live. Not only did he sing a great set, but he read excerpts from For You to See the Stars, a book of short stories he'd written as a companion to his album of the same name. After the show I snapped up a copy of the book and quickly devoured it and the accompanying music. Out of ten stories, five literally made me cry and one made me laugh out loud. All are exceptional. I truly hope Foster continues to write—both songs and books.

First Sentence (from the Foreword):

The bus was an old Eagle.

[Geoffrey Benn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Radney Foster’s music for a long time – his “Texas in 1880” was the song that first got me listening to country music. I was finally able to see him in concert this year and it turned out that this tour was in support of both his new album and his new book, “For You to See the Stars.” After hearing Radney read a few passages of the book, I decided to read the rest for myself. I’m glad that did – the book is a series of short stories that are well-written, often poignant, and sometimes funny. Some of the stories are what you would expect from a country singer – stories of childhood from simpler times and tales of young love, but others tread unexpected ground including stories about a police detective, a spy, and soldiers in a dystopian future. I really enjoyed reading “For You to See the Stars” and recommend it to both Radney Foster fans and general readers.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fine collection of short stories. Some resonated with me more than others, and many were 5 star standouts, in my opinion... For You To See the Stars, Bridge Club, Belmont and Sixth, Slow Dance and Sycamore Creek were all excellent, but some moments of gratuitous sex marred the reading experience for me. But there you go.

I do love the concept of the companion album, and Radney Foster is a talented songwriter. I remember singing along to Nobody Wins as a kid when the video came out on CMT and TNN. Yep, I'm that old. Alas, I look forward to reading more of his fiction in the future.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book from Radney after one of his shows in Austin. Listened to the record in my car but not per his suggestion to listen to the song after each story. Read it a second time on a flight and did his suggestion and enjoyed the stories so much more. What a talent. Rich stories, lean prose, complex characters, breadth and depth, it’s all there. How can I ever read a book without assigned songs again?

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent read of well-written short stories. The author, Radney Foster, is one of the country’s foremost song writers. He has the ability to touch the reader deeply. I had a knot in my throat several times and maybe even a tear or two. The author grew up in Del Rio, my home town. I enjoyed his use of familiar names. I highly recommend this book.

[Christy Bakke · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books I’ve read in a while. Foster tells stories of the everyday joys of living - from falling in love to finding God in nature to working through hardship in your family. He brings you right to it. Especially for those who grew up in rural areas, this is a must-read!

[Dearwassily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when my musical and literary lives meet.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a collection of stories, all different with an accompanying CD. The music is wonderful and so are the stories. At least one of the stories will touch close to home. They did for me and one had me in tears. You know you have a good writer when that happens. A must read.

[Norm Hartwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner!

Growing up in Laredo makes these short stories all the more relevant oblivious to the racism in my naivety. Well written as his music Radney Foster captivates your attention.

[Cindy Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Songwriters make my heart sing...

Not only have I loved Radney's music for a long time but his songs captivate my soul. Every line unread had me hearing the melody in time. By far, one of my very most favorite works in a long time.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid collection of short stories inspired by songs Radney Foster wrote. “Sycamore Creek,” the final story in the collection, is a beautiful, elegiac coming-of-age story of love, tragedy and the power of music.

[Jay Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

39-2023. Radney is a tremendous musical talent who has written dozens of big songs for Nashville folks. This collection of short stories was a wonderful surprise. Several times, he brought me to tears, made me smile, or caused me to remember a time or two in my own life. Highly recommended.

[Grant Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun & Deep. Wish I could hang out with some of these characters and absorb their wisdom. Gives a whole new lens to the tunes. Bravo.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must do the audio version! Reminded me how much I love short stories. Rainey has a wonderful reading voice too!

[Peter McGough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love his music, love his story writing!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories by a song writer. Picked it a signed copy on the clearance rack at Buxton Books in Charleston SC.... who would have guessed that.

[Eric]

I try not to dissuade anyone from reading anything, but this was very disappointing. He's a great songwriter. These stories were great songs I'm sure, but not super sophisticated or high lit. Still like Rads though.

[Greg]

Not as good as the companion album but close.