Born to Fly: A Memoir

Country music singer Evans (Love Lifted Me) sparkles in this down-home memoir about her career and Midwestern upbringing. Growing up on a farm in tiny New Franklin, Mo., where her high school graduating class numbered 35, and as part of a large family, Evans was a self-declared tomboy and discovered her musical aptitude at age five. Despite being hit by a car as an eight-year-old (with a long, difficult hospital stay in traction from multiple broken bones and a severe concussion) and her parents’ divorce, Evans describes an idyllic childhood. She then explores her life’s high points—her second marriage to NFL player Jay Barker, her platinum-selling albums —and difficult moments, such as her divorce from her first husband, the father of her children. Evans’s girl-next-door tone will charm readers, and her quiet but powerful testament to her religious beliefs makes clear her values, but, commendably, doesn’t pass judgment on those with other views. Evans’s fans will devour this humble yet incredible life story. (Sept.)