Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road

The latest in a collection of anecdotes and essays from singer-songwriter Nelson (The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes) serves to reinforce his image as a sentimental country veteran who isn't averse to firing up the occasional joint or two. A mix of mundane diary entries ("It's a nice plane ride.... Thanks, American"); philosophic musings ("They say there are no ex-wives, only additional wives"; "once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results"); the stories behind songs like "Shotgun Willie"; and pointed essays on the Occupy movement and Farm Aid, peppered with the occasional dirty joke, the book makes for an irreverent, entertaining read. Humble, optimistic, and quick to give credit to those around him for contributing to his success, Nelson is a charming narrator, lurching from subject to subject, but always with a point in mind. Readers interested in linear recounting of Nelson's colorful life are better served by his 2000 autobiography, but those who want to know him will do well to seek out this volume. It's the next best thing to an audience with the star performer. (Nov.)