Bobby Braddock is one of country music's most venerated songwriters. He's also an engaging memoirist, leaving me wanting more at the end of Down in Orburndale, the story of his first 24 years.

Growing up in Auburndale, Florida (locals pronounced it "Orburndale"), Bobby developed a reputation as a high-strung youth who played a mean piano but couldn't hold a job. His early love life, two-and-a-half-year struggle with panic attacks and depression, and lifelong passion for music fill the pages with honesty and humor. His impulsive decision to be baptized because he thinks he's dying of a heart attack will have you hooting with laughter. But Bobby also offers an intriguing portrait of a solid family in a grove-surrounded small town in the midst of old Florida. I, for one, will be waiting to read about the next 24 years.
--Donna Florio