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Beauty in the Breakdown: Choosing to Overcome
Country music singer Julie Roberts is no stranger to overcoming hard times through determination, hard work, and strength. Having escaped the emotional residue of her alcoholic father’s actions and insults, Julie moved from South Carolina to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend Belmont University and work as a receptionist at Mercury Records—all while secretly pursuing her dream of becoming a singer. Filling her nights with music and booking shows at obscure venues, the one requirement when Julie was hired at Universal Music Group was that she not be an aspiring singer. Yet, despite her best efforts to keep quiet, Julie knew God had placed music within her as a child and that it was bound to come out sooner or later. Raw, honest, and sometimes painful, Julie’s lyrics resonated quickly with country music fans, and her emotion-soaked debut album—a reflection of her own painful past—was an instant success. Just as Julie’s dreams were coming true, her life began to unravel. Soon, she was battling debilitating physical illness, the rising waters of Nashville’s hundred-year flood, and a stalled career. Instead of succumbing to despair, Julie proved miraculously resilient—taking the steps she needed to face adversity head on and rebuild her life through her characteristic optimism, hard work, and faith. Journey with Julie as she walks through the highs and lows of her career, the personal struggles she’s endured, the lessons she’s learned, and her sense of purpose as she rebuilds her singing career and contributes her voice to the work of supporting others with multiple sclerosis. Julie’s courage combined with her joyful personality and love for God will encourage readers in a uniquely powerful way.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 15, 2018
I remember loving Julie's song, Break Down Here, so when I saw that she wrote a memoir I knew I wanted to read it.
It was interesting learning more about her life before and after getting her first record deal. Even though the entertainment industry isn't something I'd ever be interesting in getting into, I think that the way she explained her journey into it is something aspiring artists would find helpful.
I'm definitely glad to have read Beauty in the Breakdown and think fans of autobiographies/memoirs would enjoy reading it too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
It was interesting learning more about her life before and after getting her first record deal. Even though the entertainment industry isn't something I'd ever be interesting in getting into, I think that the way she explained her journey into it is something aspiring artists would find helpful.
I'm definitely glad to have read Beauty in the Breakdown and think fans of autobiographies/memoirs would enjoy reading it too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
April 8, 2018
I had the pleasure of working on this book as a proofreader and received an advanced copy courtesy of the publisher.
I was genuinely moved by Julie's story and surprised I didn't have prior knowledge of her life or music. (I've definitely corrected that—and have now listened to almost all of her songs. Spoiler alert: they're great). I think I reached out to at least 5 friends to try to figure out if I was the only one missing out on this talented artist. Julie's passion for music, giving personality, and faithfulness in her life and career are inspirational whether you're a country music fan or not. I appreciated her candor about the faults of the music industry and the mistakes she personally made in her career and thought the book was an overall fascinating glimpse into an industry often masked by glitz and glamour. As this book is the story of Julie's own journey, it is, admittedly, a one-sided account, but I never felt skeptical of Julie as a narrator.
On a personal level, I resonated with her insight about journeying through life and career with a disease—the denial, difficulties, and emotional frustrations are all easy for me to connect with. Overall, this was a super positive, uplifting read and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
I was genuinely moved by Julie's story and surprised I didn't have prior knowledge of her life or music. (I've definitely corrected that—and have now listened to almost all of her songs. Spoiler alert: they're great). I think I reached out to at least 5 friends to try to figure out if I was the only one missing out on this talented artist. Julie's passion for music, giving personality, and faithfulness in her life and career are inspirational whether you're a country music fan or not. I appreciated her candor about the faults of the music industry and the mistakes she personally made in her career and thought the book was an overall fascinating glimpse into an industry often masked by glitz and glamour. As this book is the story of Julie's own journey, it is, admittedly, a one-sided account, but I never felt skeptical of Julie as a narrator.
On a personal level, I resonated with her insight about journeying through life and career with a disease—the denial, difficulties, and emotional frustrations are all easy for me to connect with. Overall, this was a super positive, uplifting read and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
August 25, 2019
In Beauty in the Breakdown, Julie Roberts opened up about her music career and how she dealt with the highs and the lows she faced. Julie grew up in Lancaster, South Carolina with her two other sisters, Marie and Lorie. Julie was the middle child. Her dad was an nuclear engineer and he was a strong man who believed his money was his money. Julie shared countless stories about them having to escape and run to her granny’s house when her dad become violent from his drunkenness. Her mother was abused and had bruises and black eyes many times. He was also cheating on his wife but her mom stayed with him for years because of the stigma of divorce. Julie shared how she started singing in her childhood and how one of her biggest influences was the style of Barbara Mandrell. Her mother would spend her own money on her daughters and she would buy music tracks for Julie where she could perform at different events. She even played at nursing homes where she met Carol a young girl who was in there because she had MS. She opened up about how this girl changed her life and influenced her. Julie shared some stories about going to college and how she eventually landed a job at Mercury Records in Nashville as a receptionist. She was promoted to Luke Lewis’s assistant. Luke was very vocal about how he would fire anyone who wanted to be a singer so Julie vowed to keep her singing a secret. During this time, she mother finally divorced her father and she made the move to Nashville. Julie revealed how she met a producer named Brent Rowen. They recorded one of Julie’s hit songs, “Break Down Here” together. Eventually, he took it to Lewis and a few other top label makers listened to it and Julie was signed to Mercury Records and had a deal for 7 albums. She opened up about touring with Rascal Flatts and Chris Cagle. Julie also shared the highs and lows of eventually being dropped after two albums. She shared the struggles of trying to make a comeback in her music career and what she learnt along the way. She also opened up about how she found out she has MS and legions on her brain and how she has chosen to use her voice to raise awareness on the disease.
I would recommend this awesome book about Julie Robert’s life story. I haven’t heard most of her story before reading this book. I wasn’t aware of all of her hardships and challenges. I was shocked about some of the secrets she shared about touring and the music industry. I didn’t realize that many opening acts don’t get paid by the labels that many times they have to paid the headliner to allow them to join the tour. And I personally think there should be some changes to that. She also shared how hard it is for a female to get radio time which, I agree they should play them more. I remember in the 90’s growing up listening to Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messina, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Dixie Chicks, and SheDaisy. I do feel like they have stopped playing females as much as they used too. One of my favorite songs, that she sings is called, “Somebody Does” and this one talks about when we are at our lowest point and we feel like we aren’t love and nobody cares it reminds us that somebody does. I immensely connected with Julie Robert’s story and I believe many readers will enjoy reading this book. I highly recommend this book if you’re feeling lost and need some encouragement in your own life!
I would recommend this awesome book about Julie Robert’s life story. I haven’t heard most of her story before reading this book. I wasn’t aware of all of her hardships and challenges. I was shocked about some of the secrets she shared about touring and the music industry. I didn’t realize that many opening acts don’t get paid by the labels that many times they have to paid the headliner to allow them to join the tour. And I personally think there should be some changes to that. She also shared how hard it is for a female to get radio time which, I agree they should play them more. I remember in the 90’s growing up listening to Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messina, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Dixie Chicks, and SheDaisy. I do feel like they have stopped playing females as much as they used too. One of my favorite songs, that she sings is called, “Somebody Does” and this one talks about when we are at our lowest point and we feel like we aren’t love and nobody cares it reminds us that somebody does. I immensely connected with Julie Robert’s story and I believe many readers will enjoy reading this book. I highly recommend this book if you’re feeling lost and need some encouragement in your own life!
September 19, 2018
When Julie Roberts released her first album in 2004, I had just given birth to my first son and was struggling with life. I was 19, a new mom, working as a waitress, and in a dysfunctional relationship with my son's father. It was rare that I would spend a dime on myself but Julie's music was hitting the airwaves of local country stations and I felt myself drawn to the words she sang. It was almost as if she'd written an anthem for my life. Two years later, I had a second son and was still struggling in the same situation. Every song on Men and Mascara spoke me to again -- only this time, they spoke so loud that I finally decided to listen. I moved on from the bad relationship and discovered just how much it was holding me back. I anxiously awaited Julie's next album; however, she disappeared as fast as she'd arrived into the country music scene. I didn't closely follow celebrity news so I never knew what happened.
The day after I heard of Julie's wedding (by the way, CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to her for continuing to believe in love!), I received the opportunity to read her book and took it as a sign that I needed to get my hands on it. Her story is one of struggle and a determined stance to push forward. This is a woman who had her dreams come true and ripped out from under her all within a few years. Regardless of what was thrown at Julie, she kept after her dreams. Her inspiring message not only encourages you to be steadfast in your pursuit of your dreams; but her words also help you to understand that sometimes the path takes you in unexpected directions that turn out to be bigger blessings than the path you had for yourself. She's found and lost stardom, loved and lost, had a breakdown or two and still continues to overcome. Her fight with MS lead her to using her talent as a singer to do more than be a famous music artist - she inspires with her story.
For 14+ years, Julie's voice (first as a music artist and now as an author) have helped to keep my inner fire lit. I've been on the verge of throwing in the towel numerous times. Like Julie, I have dreams and goals -- and there is no Plan B and I'm choosing to overcome!
The day after I heard of Julie's wedding (by the way, CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to her for continuing to believe in love!), I received the opportunity to read her book and took it as a sign that I needed to get my hands on it. Her story is one of struggle and a determined stance to push forward. This is a woman who had her dreams come true and ripped out from under her all within a few years. Regardless of what was thrown at Julie, she kept after her dreams. Her inspiring message not only encourages you to be steadfast in your pursuit of your dreams; but her words also help you to understand that sometimes the path takes you in unexpected directions that turn out to be bigger blessings than the path you had for yourself. She's found and lost stardom, loved and lost, had a breakdown or two and still continues to overcome. Her fight with MS lead her to using her talent as a singer to do more than be a famous music artist - she inspires with her story.
For 14+ years, Julie's voice (first as a music artist and now as an author) have helped to keep my inner fire lit. I've been on the verge of throwing in the towel numerous times. Like Julie, I have dreams and goals -- and there is no Plan B and I'm choosing to overcome!
January 14, 2019
This book is insulting to anyone who has a real medical issue that they deal with daily. The description of this book leads you to believe that you are going to read the story of someone who has dealt with MS on a daily basis and how it affected their everyday life and how they overcame the obstacles. SPOILER ALERT: The author did not have a single symptom for the first 5 years after her diagnosis. And then, she only had a few episodes that she had to confront. The diagnosis had no effect on her career or everyday life. Sure, she had to live with the fact that she had this diagnosis, but it caused her no ill effects.
I wanted to read a book about someone who had overcame the horrible effects of an illness that you live with from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep. Because, that is what so many people deal with. I wanted a story that motivated and encouraged me. A story that showed me a new way to look at my daily chronic illness.
This is a just a story about her music career. Yes, it was hard at times. But, whose career isn't?
I'm almost mad after reading this book because I feel it takes lightly the tremendous load that people with daily life alternating chronic illnesses suffer.
I wanted to read a book about someone who had overcame the horrible effects of an illness that you live with from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep. Because, that is what so many people deal with. I wanted a story that motivated and encouraged me. A story that showed me a new way to look at my daily chronic illness.
This is a just a story about her music career. Yes, it was hard at times. But, whose career isn't?
I'm almost mad after reading this book because I feel it takes lightly the tremendous load that people with daily life alternating chronic illnesses suffer.
July 17, 2018
Beauty in the Breakdown
Choosing to Overcome
by Julie Roberts, Ken Abraham
Thomas Nelson--W Publishing
Thomas Nelson
Biographies & Memoirs
Pub Date 18 Sep 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Beauty in the Breakdown through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:
In this book country music singer Julie Roberts openly discusses her childhood. The country music star is no stranger to overcoming hard times, through hard work and determination.
Early her career the country star Julie Roberts is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but went into remission for several years.
On May.01.2010 hardly a week after Luke let her go from Mercury Records, her house flooded.
In 2012 Julie was asked to be on The Voice, unfortunately the experience didn't go as she had hoped.
She talks about about the battle she had once the M.S came back and her struggle to make a comeback in the country music industry.
I give Beauty in the Breakdown five out of five stars for the open, and honesty of this book!
Happy Reading!
On May.01.2010 hardly a week after Luke let her go from Mercury Records, her house flooded.
In 2012 Julie was asked to be on The Voice, unfortunately the experience didn't go as she had hoped.
She talks about about the battle she had once the M.S came back and her struggle to make a comeback in the country music industry.
I give Beauty in the Breakdown five out of five stars for the open, and honesty of this book!
Happy Reading!
November 21, 2018
Thank you Julie, for sharing your story. I have been a big fan of yours since the beginning and loved getting a peek behind the scenes. It was an interesting look into what happens in the music world. There were definitely things I was surprised to learn. What a journey! I particularly connected with your journey with MS. I have a similar nerve disease and movement disorder. Until I was finally diagnosed, MS was first on the list of things the doctors thought it was. Like you, I have not let it get me down and I love hearing stories of others who have a similar outlook.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the music industry and to anyone who wants to read about someone who has persevered through more than her share of heartache but remains positive and persistent in her life and career. I can't wait for the next album!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the music industry and to anyone who wants to read about someone who has persevered through more than her share of heartache but remains positive and persistent in her life and career. I can't wait for the next album!
July 7, 2018
First of all I would like to thank Netgalley for an advanced copy for an honest review. I have always been a fan a Julie Roberts and when I saw she wrote a book, I was thrilled. Now that I have read the book, I admire her more! From her childhood growing up in South Carolina with an alcoholic father to her rise to country superstar to being diagnosed with MS. I loved her faith and how she held true to it while navigating her rise to fame. I have been playing her CD's while I have been reading this and she still gets me every time. What an inspirational read, I felt like I was with her every step of the way.
September 30, 2018
Beauty in the Breakdown Choosing to Overcome By Julie Roberts is an inspiring and inspirational read. Julie is a wonderful singer. I have listened to her music but I did not know anything about her personal life or backstory. Julie has a passion for music, a giving personality, a faithfulness in her life and career that is enduringly inspirational even if you are not a country music fan. You will love her openness and honesty as she shares personal stories about the music industry and life mistakes she has made along the way. Beauty in the Breakdown Choosing to Overcome is an emotional but inspiring read that will stay with you long after reading.
September 27, 2018
When I first received this book I wasnt't sure what I was getting. I truly thought this was another story of rags to riches. Then as I began to read I started connecting with Julie. As an MS survivor myself I truly related to her story.
As a country fan, Julie Roberts was a new name to me so reading her story wasn't something I was expecting. Then as I read and learned she had MS I really became invested as I could relate to her as a person struggling in life as I was.
In the end, I was inspired by her story and her strength. this truly was a beautiful book to read.
As a country fan, Julie Roberts was a new name to me so reading her story wasn't something I was expecting. Then as I read and learned she had MS I really became invested as I could relate to her as a person struggling in life as I was.
In the end, I was inspired by her story and her strength. this truly was a beautiful book to read.
September 13, 2018
I have been a fan of Julie Roberts music ever since I heard "Breakdown Here." I had no idea of all of the trials and tribulations she has been through! She tells her story with hope and faith. Which resonated with me and gave me hope! This book was well written and kept me from putting it down!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest opinion.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest opinion.
October 18, 2018
I enjoyed this candid autobiography by Julie Roberts. She gives an insider's view of what it takes to be successful in country music and it was quite an eye-opener to find out just how hard she's had to work for her success. I was also astounded to find out that she is living with MS which rather threw a wrench into her career. Her strong faith, the love and support of her mother, and her tenacious spirit have seen her through. Julie is a living example of 'don't give up'.
November 24, 2022
Loved this book so much! 100% recommend listening to it! She is full of so much joy/ you find yourself smiling throughout the whole book.
Loved hearing about her rise to fame with her hit song “Breakdown here”, the drama/ ins and out of the country music industry & how she handled her diagnosis with MS.
Loved hearing about her rise to fame with her hit song “Breakdown here”, the drama/ ins and out of the country music industry & how she handled her diagnosis with MS.
September 18, 2018
Moving & Inspirational!
I've been a fan of Julie Roberts' music for a while now. When I saw this, I knew it would be something that I HAD to read.
I've been a fan of Julie Roberts' music for a while now. When I saw this, I knew it would be something that I HAD to read.
September 28, 2018
What an inspirational book.
January 2, 2023
I'm not a big country fan, but I love reading autobiographies.
This was a fast read, I enjoyed reading about Julie's life, how she was able to overcome an abusive father, struggles in the music business and MS.
I most enjoyed reading about the music business and how hard it is for musicians to make money after they have to pay back the label.
I would've liked if she would've delved into how she met her now husband. He was just mentioned at the very end of the book.
Overall, if you enjoy country music or if you enjoy reading autobiographies, you will enjoy this book.
I was given an advance copy of this book by NetGalley for my opinion.
This was a fast read, I enjoyed reading about Julie's life, how she was able to overcome an abusive father, struggles in the music business and MS.
I most enjoyed reading about the music business and how hard it is for musicians to make money after they have to pay back the label.
I would've liked if she would've delved into how she met her now husband. He was just mentioned at the very end of the book.
Overall, if you enjoy country music or if you enjoy reading autobiographies, you will enjoy this book.
I was given an advance copy of this book by NetGalley for my opinion.
August 12, 2019
Great story of this brave professional singer who was diagnosed with MS at the height of her singing career, and how she used it for good...
kindle
June 25, 2018I am not a country music fan, but love to read memoirs and this one caught my eye. I am so glad I read this, as it shows how sometimes things are just meant to happen to you or for you. Julie started her career at a record company, but had to hide her own aspirations of singing since she was told when she was hired that she cannot have the job if she is an aspiring singer. Instead of giving up her dream, she decided to sing at little known venues. As she began to build a.career, she suffered from health issues. Her debut album about the pain of her relationship with her father made her relatable to country music fans and they began to buy her album. If she had not had the struggles that she did, her music would not be authentic and relatable and success may have never come her way. Great writing!
September 18, 2018
I could not get into this book, I tried on a couple of occasions, but just wasn't for me. Will use in a daily challenge in Chapter Chatter Pub and tell the members about its release.
October 23, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc of “Beauty in the Breakdown” by Julie Roberts; Ken Abraham. It was a good read. I always enjoyed Julie Roberts music. I enjoyed this autobiography in her words. I will not give away any of the book but if you’ve been a fan of hers I suggest you give this book a try. Enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews