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Somebody Everybody Listens To
Retta Lee Jones is blessed with a beautiful voice and has big dreams of leaving her tiny Tennessee hometown. With a beaten down car, a pocketful of hard-earned waitressing money, and stars in her eyes, Retta sets out to make it big in Nashville. But the road to success isn?t a smooth one in a town filled with dreamers, and Retta begins to have doubts: can she make her mark while staying true to herslf?
From the breakout author of Artichoke?s Heart, this bighearted novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever chased a dream (or hummed along with Taylor Swift).
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2010
17 people are currently reading
1526 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Supplee
5 books94 followersSuzanne Supplee is the author of When Irish Guys Are Smiling, a Students Across the Seven Seas series book, and Artichoke’s Heart. Currently, Suzanne is working on her third book, untitled as of yet, but due out in the spring of 2010.
Suzanne is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and she earned a masters degree in creative writing from Towson University in Maryland. For a number of years, she has worked as both a teacher and a writer.
Suzanne is married and has three daughters. Her favorite hobbies include exercise, reading, and, of course, writing
Suzanne is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and she earned a masters degree in creative writing from Towson University in Maryland. For a number of years, she has worked as both a teacher and a writer.
Suzanne is married and has three daughters. Her favorite hobbies include exercise, reading, and, of course, writing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
March 30, 2012
3.5
This is one of those novels that is pleasant, undemanding, funny, enjoyable but still required a little something else to make it memorable. Perhaps it suffers from that unnamed condition that most "happy" realistic fiction books suffer from. If it's a real life setting and doesn't have fast-paced drama, a heart-breaking problem story, or some outrageous sex scandal then it isn't easy to hold the reader's attention - Bunheads is one rare example of a novel that does this. With that in mind, Somebody Everybody Listens To should be praised for not boring me.
If you like country music, as I do, you simply have to read this book. There's something about country music that speaks to a part of my heart, it's usually simplistic and beautiful, the twang in the tunes speaks of wide open meadows on a summer's day, with a pleasant breeze in the air and the smell of honeysuckle on the wind. For me, as someone who has grown up in a very urban environment, the countryside seems somewhat exotic. Think of the isolated and seemingly magical world of Cider with Rosie. Beautiful. And this book pays homage to decades of country music artists.
And if you're not a fan of country? Well, this book is actually first and foremost about having a dream, a big dream. The kind of dream that you have to give up a whole part of your life to chase and still know in the back of your mind that the chances of you making it aren't that big. Do you go after what you've always wanted? How long do you put your life on hold to take a chance on something that might never happen? Even for someone like me who has always known that I would go to university, get a degree, and hopefully work my way up in a career like journalism or something similar... yeah, even for me this is something that interested me. Making big life choices, taking chances or playing it safe.
I also really like it when realistic fiction authors write novels about topics they have a lot of experience with. Suzanne Supplee spent years working for the Country Music Association in Nashville, Tennessee and her knowledge of the city, the business and the way nearly everyone in Nashville has come searching for the answer to that dream they have is evident throughout this book. The only thing I can actually say that I didn't like was a few occasions of casual slut-shaming. It's mild, it's a throwaway statement, I'm sure it meant nothing, but it's still there and it annoyed me. Otherwise, I highly recommend this novel for anyone looking for an easy-going teen read about a small town American girl with a dream so big she's just not sure what to do with it.
July 2, 2010
I didn't know this about myself but I'm harsh on main characters. I want to like them within a few pages, and be rooting for them once the book starts. When I first cracked the book open I didn't take a liking to Retta quickly. It's not that I hated her or anything, but I guess I was kind of peeved. She seemed to think that her dream of becoming a country music star mattered more than other things, but once we see her go off to Nashville we get to know who Retta Lee Jones really is and why she deserves to be somebody everybody listens to.
The story starts off with Retta Lee Jones graduating from high school. She really isn't into it and just can't wait to get out of the small town of Starling, Tennesse and get a chance to become a country singer. At first it seems the dream is far from reach. The money she earns from working at the Bluebell diner goes towards things needed at her house, and not so much for her fund of getting to Nashville. Her dad has a bad back and the family needs all the help they can get. Somehow Retta finds a way to get to Nashville only to be confronted with problems attacking her from the start. She wonders is she really cut out to be a country music star?
It was fun to see that before every chapter the author put little bios of famous country singers. I'm not really into country music (more of late I am), but I do have friends who are so I did recognize some of the names and a handful of the songs mentioned in the book. I would imagine that true blue country fans would simply just gobble this book up. It gives the sense of why people gravitate towards this music and it's because it tells a story and the fans own the music in a way. I can't exactly explain it, but you'll find that in this book. Along the way Retta learns just how much she wants this. She ends up sleeping in her car many a night, washing her hair in sinks, going hungry, and the list goes on and on. Plenty of people help her along the way, from the sweet fatherly Ricky Dean to the stylish and smart Emerson.
The book also reveals things about her home life, and I was actually glad how things played out. Retta comes to realize how blind she was about things. The story is truly soulful and I did enjoy it. The later half of the book is what made me bump up my rating. Looking back I can see Retta had some growing up to do and that it was really ok that I didn't get her at first. It's like when you meet someone in the beginning you don't really know them, it takes time. It's a truly original story, but at the same time it's everybody's story. No matter who you are you take your home everywhere you go.
The story starts off with Retta Lee Jones graduating from high school. She really isn't into it and just can't wait to get out of the small town of Starling, Tennesse and get a chance to become a country singer. At first it seems the dream is far from reach. The money she earns from working at the Bluebell diner goes towards things needed at her house, and not so much for her fund of getting to Nashville. Her dad has a bad back and the family needs all the help they can get. Somehow Retta finds a way to get to Nashville only to be confronted with problems attacking her from the start. She wonders is she really cut out to be a country music star?
It was fun to see that before every chapter the author put little bios of famous country singers. I'm not really into country music (more of late I am), but I do have friends who are so I did recognize some of the names and a handful of the songs mentioned in the book. I would imagine that true blue country fans would simply just gobble this book up. It gives the sense of why people gravitate towards this music and it's because it tells a story and the fans own the music in a way. I can't exactly explain it, but you'll find that in this book. Along the way Retta learns just how much she wants this. She ends up sleeping in her car many a night, washing her hair in sinks, going hungry, and the list goes on and on. Plenty of people help her along the way, from the sweet fatherly Ricky Dean to the stylish and smart Emerson.
The book also reveals things about her home life, and I was actually glad how things played out. Retta comes to realize how blind she was about things. The story is truly soulful and I did enjoy it. The later half of the book is what made me bump up my rating. Looking back I can see Retta had some growing up to do and that it was really ok that I didn't get her at first. It's like when you meet someone in the beginning you don't really know them, it takes time. It's a truly original story, but at the same time it's everybody's story. No matter who you are you take your home everywhere you go.
June 27, 2020
How refreshing to read a y/a novel with a young female protagonist that is not a romance! At first I thought this would be a 3 star book, but it's better than that and I have opted to round it up to 4. My main complaint is that Supplee has written three novels and then nothing. And, although this has nothing at all to do with anything in this novel, I thought it rather cool that the protagonist's name is Retta, because a real Retta is on the cover of this book The Queens of Animation which I am currently reading.
The basic premise isn't new. A young woman from the country moves to Nashville in order to pursue her dream of becoming a country singer. However, as the book moves along and I got past the normal 18 year-olds-do-some-dumb-things, I grew to like not just Retta, but many of the characters in the book. This is y/a, so it doesn't go as deep as it might, and since it's Retta's first person POV it realistically doesn't show us the depths of who her parents are (she's 18--how likely is it that any 18 year old can possibly understand their parents--it's not fair to expect that for many reasons, although that can certainly change with time), but her home life isn't unrealistic. This isn't cheesy.
The basic premise isn't new. A young woman from the country moves to Nashville in order to pursue her dream of becoming a country singer. However, as the book moves along and I got past the normal 18 year-olds-do-some-dumb-things, I grew to like not just Retta, but many of the characters in the book. This is y/a, so it doesn't go as deep as it might, and since it's Retta's first person POV it realistically doesn't show us the depths of who her parents are (she's 18--how likely is it that any 18 year old can possibly understand their parents--it's not fair to expect that for many reasons, although that can certainly change with time), but her home life isn't unrealistic. This isn't cheesy.
April 25, 2010
I think it was last year, when I read Suzanne Supplee's Artichoke's Hearts. I fell in love with Supplee's effortless writing style and realistic type characters. So, I was excited to see she has a new book coming out. I'm lucky that I had an opportunity to read an advanced copy. I'll definitely still buy the book.
This book did not disappoint; actually, after reading some mediocre books lately this was a refreshing change. What I love most about Supplee's writing is the lack of forced dialogue or overly exaggerated character types, like snobby rich girls or the whiny chick who needs to always be saved.
I enjoy the naturalness and realism in the stories Supplee creates. Most times, any one of us can see ourselves in the footsteps of any one character. I felt this book really touched on our ability to dream and pursue the course that makes those dreams come true. I also liked the introduction into each chapter, it told a short summary of some of Country Music's most famous singers and song writers, and one of their well known songs was the center for each chapter too. I loved that...
I thought this was a heart warming story about a young girl who wanted to chase her dream of being a Country singer. Retta was a very likable protagonist, actually most of the characters were lovable.
I look forward to more books by Supplee in the future. I absolutely love fantasy-scifi, but if you are looking for a change from your normal reading routine than I recommend Supplee's books.
This book did not disappoint; actually, after reading some mediocre books lately this was a refreshing change. What I love most about Supplee's writing is the lack of forced dialogue or overly exaggerated character types, like snobby rich girls or the whiny chick who needs to always be saved.
I enjoy the naturalness and realism in the stories Supplee creates. Most times, any one of us can see ourselves in the footsteps of any one character. I felt this book really touched on our ability to dream and pursue the course that makes those dreams come true. I also liked the introduction into each chapter, it told a short summary of some of Country Music's most famous singers and song writers, and one of their well known songs was the center for each chapter too. I loved that...
I thought this was a heart warming story about a young girl who wanted to chase her dream of being a Country singer. Retta was a very likable protagonist, actually most of the characters were lovable.
I look forward to more books by Supplee in the future. I absolutely love fantasy-scifi, but if you are looking for a change from your normal reading routine than I recommend Supplee's books.
July 8, 2010
With real character, real problems, and big dreams I could easily love this book. Retta has a beautiful voice-both singing wise and on the page. Supplee captures what I would image to be the none to glamorous side of trying to get into the music business, but still keeping true to why people still gravitate towards it.
Retta is from a small town in Tennessee and dreams of becoming a country music star. She’s researched it, knows how to play guitar, and has practiced singing. She knows that it will be tough to make it big or even just to make it at all but as usual nothing can prepare her for the actual hardships. Retta is a hard worker but sometimes unexpected things come your way. The details put in like her having to take “bird baths” and buying boy inside shirts because they are cheaper made me smile.
Country music plays a big part in the book, before each chapter they have a little bio from country legends like Dolly Parton and The Dixie Chicks to Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. And even if country music isn't primarily what I listen to I could recognize a few of the songs. If you don’t like country music than maybe you shouldn’t read it. Maybe it’s because I’ve read more southern fiction than usual this year but Tennessee didn’t seem that Southern to me—not like the south south anyways. This didn’t bother me; I just wanted to mention it.
One thing I welcomed in the book was that there is a family dynamic in it. And also that although the story is Retta’s, everyone she knows is still going on with their lives as well. It wasn’t as if everybody else’s life just stood still while she was trying to make it work in Nashville. Like in most realistic fiction books I loved the secondary characters like Ricky Dean. But what really sold it for me was the second to last chapter with her performing at the Mockingbird. It was so sweet and powerful and it just tied it all together. Why she should be somebody everybody listens to.
Retta is from a small town in Tennessee and dreams of becoming a country music star. She’s researched it, knows how to play guitar, and has practiced singing. She knows that it will be tough to make it big or even just to make it at all but as usual nothing can prepare her for the actual hardships. Retta is a hard worker but sometimes unexpected things come your way. The details put in like her having to take “bird baths” and buying boy inside shirts because they are cheaper made me smile.
Country music plays a big part in the book, before each chapter they have a little bio from country legends like Dolly Parton and The Dixie Chicks to Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. And even if country music isn't primarily what I listen to I could recognize a few of the songs. If you don’t like country music than maybe you shouldn’t read it. Maybe it’s because I’ve read more southern fiction than usual this year but Tennessee didn’t seem that Southern to me—not like the south south anyways. This didn’t bother me; I just wanted to mention it.
One thing I welcomed in the book was that there is a family dynamic in it. And also that although the story is Retta’s, everyone she knows is still going on with their lives as well. It wasn’t as if everybody else’s life just stood still while she was trying to make it work in Nashville. Like in most realistic fiction books I loved the secondary characters like Ricky Dean. But what really sold it for me was the second to last chapter with her performing at the Mockingbird. It was so sweet and powerful and it just tied it all together. Why she should be somebody everybody listens to.
May 13, 2015
Have you ever pondered on what it takes to be on the country music hall of fame?
Retta Lee Jones has a dream to chase down and she is determined to catch it even if it means leaving everything she knows. Retta wants to be a country artist and her ambition leads her in to head off from her hometown in to music city where her opportunity awaits her arrival. She runs in to walls after walls but finds her way around it and sometimes she finds her way towards success but they all seam to be the wrong way and filled with mean words from Chat or other unfortunate things until she gets the chance to play at the illustrious Mockingbird but it turns out to be a bust as there were no record label guys that need her.Days after her performance she realized that there was someone that saw she shine but only could help by naming her in an article which is widely read specially if it writes NEW & NOTED as they were not her topic. Will Retta make it on the the country music hall of fame or just visit it?
This book is really diffrnet form other books as it has some country songs mentioned in it, the title of the chapter are country songs, the title is somehow related to what the section is about and it has a one-page biography on the creator of the song that is mentioned as the name of the chapter, this makes the book quirky. I think this book is great as it tells the story of the struggle it takes to become a musician and they should be treated with respect, this book had be on the edge cause it is so exciting with all the twits and turns. This book is a must read book for country fans as it is 100% pure country, The book also uses real locations in Nashville so if you might go to music city there are hotspots to visit in the book.
Retta Lee Jones has a dream to chase down and she is determined to catch it even if it means leaving everything she knows. Retta wants to be a country artist and her ambition leads her in to head off from her hometown in to music city where her opportunity awaits her arrival. She runs in to walls after walls but finds her way around it and sometimes she finds her way towards success but they all seam to be the wrong way and filled with mean words from Chat or other unfortunate things until she gets the chance to play at the illustrious Mockingbird but it turns out to be a bust as there were no record label guys that need her.Days after her performance she realized that there was someone that saw she shine but only could help by naming her in an article which is widely read specially if it writes NEW & NOTED as they were not her topic. Will Retta make it on the the country music hall of fame or just visit it?
This book is really diffrnet form other books as it has some country songs mentioned in it, the title of the chapter are country songs, the title is somehow related to what the section is about and it has a one-page biography on the creator of the song that is mentioned as the name of the chapter, this makes the book quirky. I think this book is great as it tells the story of the struggle it takes to become a musician and they should be treated with respect, this book had be on the edge cause it is so exciting with all the twits and turns. This book is a must read book for country fans as it is 100% pure country, The book also uses real locations in Nashville so if you might go to music city there are hotspots to visit in the book.
May 10, 2010
One of my library trustees brought this ARC back from the ALA Midwinter Conference.
Retta Jones wants to be a country singer more than anything. After graduation she heads off to Nashville in a borrowed car and almost immediately gets into a series of predicaments that leave her broke. The tow truck driver offers her a temporary position as his secretary since she can't pay for repairs, and Retta does her best to scrape together a life, living in her car, bathing in a convenience store sink, and even finding a job singing at a hotel (mostly for old people). Then she gets news about a family crisis, and she heads back home, not sure if she'll ever get a chance again...
At first this novel was almost exactly like that Dixie Chicks song, "Wide Open Spaces," which I think was quoted at some point. But Retta's specific experiences and her ambitions got it past that. Maybe she made it seem much easier than it really is to break into the music business, but there were just enough setbacks to make it real. I enjoyed the biographical notes of famous country singers before each chapter - some I'd heard of, some not, and in relation to those stories Retta's was just as interesting. It was also a "clean read" - it seems rare these days when romance isn't the main point of the novel - yes, there is more to life! (and I have to say I love that there was a character named Bobby McGee!)
Retta Jones wants to be a country singer more than anything. After graduation she heads off to Nashville in a borrowed car and almost immediately gets into a series of predicaments that leave her broke. The tow truck driver offers her a temporary position as his secretary since she can't pay for repairs, and Retta does her best to scrape together a life, living in her car, bathing in a convenience store sink, and even finding a job singing at a hotel (mostly for old people). Then she gets news about a family crisis, and she heads back home, not sure if she'll ever get a chance again...
At first this novel was almost exactly like that Dixie Chicks song, "Wide Open Spaces," which I think was quoted at some point. But Retta's specific experiences and her ambitions got it past that. Maybe she made it seem much easier than it really is to break into the music business, but there were just enough setbacks to make it real. I enjoyed the biographical notes of famous country singers before each chapter - some I'd heard of, some not, and in relation to those stories Retta's was just as interesting. It was also a "clean read" - it seems rare these days when romance isn't the main point of the novel - yes, there is more to life! (and I have to say I love that there was a character named Bobby McGee!)
November 16, 2010
Best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My absolute new favorite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 29, 2010
Somebody Everybody Listens To is not your typical story of modern success. Retta Lee Hones, a aspirating singer, just out of high school, trying to ‘make it’ in country music capital Nashville, goes through more than her share of heart ache and set backs to follow her dreams of being somebody everybody listens to. It was an emotion filled ride as I transfictuly followed Retta’s journey filled with unconquerable dreams that remained me to capture the day and take all I can get from each moment. I’d recommend this to country music fans and non-country fans alike.
May 19, 2010
Suzanne Supplee’s Somebody Everybody Listens To is 18-year-old Retta Lee Jones’s story of digging deep and finding the courage to do the scary thing — the unsafe thing — even when everything in the world seems to be telling you not to attempt it.
The novel opens with a quote from country superstar Dolly Parton: “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” And bravery is a definite requirement of this adventure. A series of mishaps immediately make her life in Nashville harder, and the idea of a girl traveling to a city alone with so little cash and no real plan made my stomach churn. I’m a type-A obsessive worrier, see, and a planner. And Retta lacked a plan. How does one just hop into an old car, hit the open road and leave her family and friends behind her? The girl didn’t even have a place to sleep. And if it hadn’t been for Ricky Dean, a kind tow truck driver and mechanic, she’d have been unemployed, broke, beat-up and hopeless.
Basically, I spent the entire novel waiting for something terrible to happen to her. It seemed hopelessly naive that someone would just cruise into Nashville with nothing but their dreams and an old guitar to keep them going, but I guess people . . . do. It’s a world with which I’m not familiar, I’ll say that, but if Supplee’s writing about it, I’m going to assume young people head to Tennessee fueled only by ambition all the time.
I read (and adored) Supplee’s Artichoke’s Heart last year. Rosie, the narrator, was such a charming, real and relatable character — someone I loved and rooted for from day one. Unfortunately with her latest novel, I didn’t ever feel an emotional connection to Retta or feel invested in what happened to her. Part of me was actually angry, as I mentioned, that she’d be so cavalier and wanton, drifting where the wind — and her music — took her.
But maybe I’m just a dream destroyer.
Overall, a decent novel about ambition and never giving up, even when the odds are (more than) stacked against you. I wish I’d been more in tune with Retta, though I did enjoy reading about the “behind the scenes” aspects of the music industry — and a subplot involving her parents and the dreams they sacrificed added a little dimension to the story. But if you’re new to Supplee? Pick up Artichoke’s Heart first, one of my favorite reads of 2009.
The novel opens with a quote from country superstar Dolly Parton: “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” And bravery is a definite requirement of this adventure. A series of mishaps immediately make her life in Nashville harder, and the idea of a girl traveling to a city alone with so little cash and no real plan made my stomach churn. I’m a type-A obsessive worrier, see, and a planner. And Retta lacked a plan. How does one just hop into an old car, hit the open road and leave her family and friends behind her? The girl didn’t even have a place to sleep. And if it hadn’t been for Ricky Dean, a kind tow truck driver and mechanic, she’d have been unemployed, broke, beat-up and hopeless.
Basically, I spent the entire novel waiting for something terrible to happen to her. It seemed hopelessly naive that someone would just cruise into Nashville with nothing but their dreams and an old guitar to keep them going, but I guess people . . . do. It’s a world with which I’m not familiar, I’ll say that, but if Supplee’s writing about it, I’m going to assume young people head to Tennessee fueled only by ambition all the time.
I read (and adored) Supplee’s Artichoke’s Heart last year. Rosie, the narrator, was such a charming, real and relatable character — someone I loved and rooted for from day one. Unfortunately with her latest novel, I didn’t ever feel an emotional connection to Retta or feel invested in what happened to her. Part of me was actually angry, as I mentioned, that she’d be so cavalier and wanton, drifting where the wind — and her music — took her.
But maybe I’m just a dream destroyer.
Overall, a decent novel about ambition and never giving up, even when the odds are (more than) stacked against you. I wish I’d been more in tune with Retta, though I did enjoy reading about the “behind the scenes” aspects of the music industry — and a subplot involving her parents and the dreams they sacrificed added a little dimension to the story. But if you’re new to Supplee? Pick up Artichoke’s Heart first, one of my favorite reads of 2009.
June 30, 2010
Taken from princessbookie.com
My Thoughts: I really liked this one! We meet Retta who is a girl from a small town with big dreams. She lives with her mother and father and while they make due with the money they have, they aren't used to having a lot. We has a crush on the cutest guy in town but of course he has a girlfriend so Retta knows she has no luck there and won't stay and focus on a guy. She heads to Tennessee less than 500 and right from the get go, she has bad luck! She gets mugged and has to sleep in her car. All she has ever wanted is to sing and she has a great voice. She ends up getting in a car accident and gets a job helping a guy out who fixed her car. He takes a liking to her (in a fatherly way) and helps her throughout her musical journey.
Its not easy being Retta when obstacles pop up in the way such as her having to make a trip home or trying to pass out cd's.
What happens to Retta? Does she make it? Read the book to find out!
Overall: This was a cute book! Each chapter had a few facts about country singers and I thought that was cute. I don't listen to much country music but I still found it neat to read the facts. This book is basically just about how Retta wants to follow her dreams. There is no romance in this book at all. No love interest beyond her having a crush. I usually always read books with a love interest but this one was pretty good without a broading guy.
Cover: It's cute. I love how she's walking away with her guitar. Very neat.
My Thoughts: I really liked this one! We meet Retta who is a girl from a small town with big dreams. She lives with her mother and father and while they make due with the money they have, they aren't used to having a lot. We has a crush on the cutest guy in town but of course he has a girlfriend so Retta knows she has no luck there and won't stay and focus on a guy. She heads to Tennessee less than 500 and right from the get go, she has bad luck! She gets mugged and has to sleep in her car. All she has ever wanted is to sing and she has a great voice. She ends up getting in a car accident and gets a job helping a guy out who fixed her car. He takes a liking to her (in a fatherly way) and helps her throughout her musical journey.
Its not easy being Retta when obstacles pop up in the way such as her having to make a trip home or trying to pass out cd's.
What happens to Retta? Does she make it? Read the book to find out!
Overall: This was a cute book! Each chapter had a few facts about country singers and I thought that was cute. I don't listen to much country music but I still found it neat to read the facts. This book is basically just about how Retta wants to follow her dreams. There is no romance in this book at all. No love interest beyond her having a crush. I usually always read books with a love interest but this one was pretty good without a broading guy.
Cover: It's cute. I love how she's walking away with her guitar. Very neat.
January 17, 2011
Somebody Everybody Listens To is the story of Retta’s journey to become a country singer. After graduating high school, Retta moves from her small town to Nashville with only a car and a couple hundred dollars. On her first day in town, Retta getts a ticket, gets mugged, and crashes her car into a wall. With no money, Retta pays for the repairs on her car by working in Ricky Dean’s Auto Den. She also gets a second job singing at a rundown hotel, where she spends her nights. Retta faces many challenges like her mother leaving her father, Ricky Dean dying of a heart attack, and being one of a million people looking for their big break in Nashville. In the end, with the help of a friend, Retta gets a demo and is on her way to becoming a star.
This book is unique because at the beginning of each chapter, there is the story of how a famous country star got their big break. This makes the book seem more real and you realize some of the most famous stars had to go through things like this to get their big break. Readers who like country music will love this book. It’s funny and its real and lots of readers will find it enjoyable. People who don’t like country music probably won’t find this book enjoyable.
This book is unique because at the beginning of each chapter, there is the story of how a famous country star got their big break. This makes the book seem more real and you realize some of the most famous stars had to go through things like this to get their big break. Readers who like country music will love this book. It’s funny and its real and lots of readers will find it enjoyable. People who don’t like country music probably won’t find this book enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2012
The first thing I have to say about this book is that, I could never leave home as fast as Retta did. She knows her goals and she knows what she wants. Nothing seems to be stopping her now, but a few mishaps happen on the way, that make it harder for her to get to Nashville. I could never travel to a new city alone. Retta Jones has a ton of guts and thats what made me keep reading. I liked her personality she had through the story. Even leaving home with barely any money would make me nervous. Retta seemed to not have a plan when she left home. She kind of planned as she went, which made things hard for her. She did not even have a place to sleep, let alone, she left her best friend at home. If it wasn't for Ricky Dean, a tow truck driver, Retta would probably been unemployed and broke. A stronger word, "hopeless".
An awesome book, also liked the short biographies of the country singers!
An awesome book, also liked the short biographies of the country singers!
December 31, 2012
Ahhhhh, one of those books, that you wish you could just open it and start all over again. Fresh, authentic, REAL. LOVED this book. The heroine could have been someone I grew up with. Being a West TN. native this book was true to the setting. I loved Suzanne Supplee's depiction of the rural south. I loved her unvarnished approach to the Nashville Music scene. Delightful, breath of fresh air. Great summer read or anytime.
August 23, 2010
Perfect for a country music loving southern girl like myself. A great story with a positive message. Retta, the main character overcomes quite a few struggles and grows a great deal as a person throughout "Somebody Everybody Listens To". Her journey is touching and an inspiration.
I would definitely recommend this book. Makes me want to read more from Supplee.
I would definitely recommend this book. Makes me want to read more from Supplee.
October 26, 2013
My new favorite book. Loved it SO much! I'm going to read her other book, Artichoke's Heart, soon. I looked her up online and it doesn't look like she's posted anything on her blog or on FB for a year or so. I hope she is still writing. I will be really sad if she isn't.
September 16, 2012
Great, inspirational, and realistic. And the end it was a little foggy where'd she end up, but it was good that way.
Read
June 4, 2013This book is about following your dreams, and pushing through tough challenges. It was a great book.
April 4, 2019
SPOILERS
I read the book Somebody Everybody Listens To by Suzanne Supplee. The book begins with Retta in her hometown, going to work, and being a normal teenager who happens to have a good voice. While I began reading the first 50 or 60 pages, I liked getting to know Retta, the main character, and what her day to day life was like. As I continued reading, I lost interest. The title was a little misleading to me. I believe titles shouldn’t give the book away, but I felt like it led me to think Retta was going to be this big country star the second she pursue her career, but it turns out that most of the book was about her relationship with her boss, and her job at the autobody shop. I wouldn’t recommend this book to people who read fairly often. I would recommend it to someone who picks up a book maybe once a week if they have spare time because it’s easy to jump back into, and there isn’t much going on.
Retta lives in Starling. Everyone in her little town knows of her singing abilities. Retta is a waitress at a local diner, and is popular in her town. Everyone knows who she is. She lives with her mom and dad, and spends most of her time either working, or with her best friend. Her best friend is convinced that Retta has what it takes to make it big, and encourages Retta. They often fantasize about a lavish lifestyle, and becoming a country singer. Retta borrows her great aunt’s car, and drives to Nashville to pursue her dreams. Along the way, she runs into some obstacles that drive her to make it big. She has a limited amount of money to cover the costs of gas, food, and housing for her time there, as well as any other money she can scrape up from performing. While driving to Nashville, she has car troubles, received a parking ticket, and can only afford to buy so much gas in fear she won't be able to buy food, or get a place to stay at night. Although all of these situations seem like signs for her to go home, but they only motivate her to work harder to achieve her goals, so one day money wont be an object.
As Retta is feeling discouraged after her car begins to act up, she meets the owner of Ricky Dean’s Auto Shop. Ricky comes off as a tough guy, who is a little rough around the edges. He offers her some advice on the real world, and how to be independent. Retta explains to Ricky her circumstances, and he offers her a job while his secretary is away. Eventually, his secretary quits, and Retta works for Ricky Dean full time, and performs on the side usually in the evening. Ricky becomes Retta’s number one supporter. He attended open mic nights, slides her extra money for new clothes, and even let her sleep in the office at his shop. He treats her like one of his own. One day Ricky suffered a heart attack and passed away. Leaving Retta with no one, and almost nothing. Later that week she dedicates a song to him at one of her performances, and gets a positive reaction from the crowd. This helped her earn a record deal, and she recorded her first real demo. This taught Retta that all of the struggle she has gone through teaches you how to work for yourself, and pays off. Although lots of important aspects of this book unfolded during this section, I didn’t find myself longing to read more. I was okay with putting my book down in the middle of a chapter because nothing was presented to me as a reader in an interesting way.
The storyline of this book seems like it should be built around Retta’s music career, since it’s called Somebody Everybody Listens To, but I feel like it was more about her bond with Ricky Dean throughout the majority of it. Although the author included information about her gigs, and how she prepared herself, and who she met along the way, I didn’t feel like this book was about a teenager struggling to make a living through music.
While reading this book, I never felt compelled to read more. I could understand her struggles, and I felt empathy for her, but I never felt like the book was mainly about a girl who is singing, and eventually becomes successful. I also never felt like I was on the edge of my seat or that I had to continue reading to find out more. I was simply bored.
I read the book Somebody Everybody Listens To by Suzanne Supplee. The book begins with Retta in her hometown, going to work, and being a normal teenager who happens to have a good voice. While I began reading the first 50 or 60 pages, I liked getting to know Retta, the main character, and what her day to day life was like. As I continued reading, I lost interest. The title was a little misleading to me. I believe titles shouldn’t give the book away, but I felt like it led me to think Retta was going to be this big country star the second she pursue her career, but it turns out that most of the book was about her relationship with her boss, and her job at the autobody shop. I wouldn’t recommend this book to people who read fairly often. I would recommend it to someone who picks up a book maybe once a week if they have spare time because it’s easy to jump back into, and there isn’t much going on.
Retta lives in Starling. Everyone in her little town knows of her singing abilities. Retta is a waitress at a local diner, and is popular in her town. Everyone knows who she is. She lives with her mom and dad, and spends most of her time either working, or with her best friend. Her best friend is convinced that Retta has what it takes to make it big, and encourages Retta. They often fantasize about a lavish lifestyle, and becoming a country singer. Retta borrows her great aunt’s car, and drives to Nashville to pursue her dreams. Along the way, she runs into some obstacles that drive her to make it big. She has a limited amount of money to cover the costs of gas, food, and housing for her time there, as well as any other money she can scrape up from performing. While driving to Nashville, she has car troubles, received a parking ticket, and can only afford to buy so much gas in fear she won't be able to buy food, or get a place to stay at night. Although all of these situations seem like signs for her to go home, but they only motivate her to work harder to achieve her goals, so one day money wont be an object.
As Retta is feeling discouraged after her car begins to act up, she meets the owner of Ricky Dean’s Auto Shop. Ricky comes off as a tough guy, who is a little rough around the edges. He offers her some advice on the real world, and how to be independent. Retta explains to Ricky her circumstances, and he offers her a job while his secretary is away. Eventually, his secretary quits, and Retta works for Ricky Dean full time, and performs on the side usually in the evening. Ricky becomes Retta’s number one supporter. He attended open mic nights, slides her extra money for new clothes, and even let her sleep in the office at his shop. He treats her like one of his own. One day Ricky suffered a heart attack and passed away. Leaving Retta with no one, and almost nothing. Later that week she dedicates a song to him at one of her performances, and gets a positive reaction from the crowd. This helped her earn a record deal, and she recorded her first real demo. This taught Retta that all of the struggle she has gone through teaches you how to work for yourself, and pays off. Although lots of important aspects of this book unfolded during this section, I didn’t find myself longing to read more. I was okay with putting my book down in the middle of a chapter because nothing was presented to me as a reader in an interesting way.
The storyline of this book seems like it should be built around Retta’s music career, since it’s called Somebody Everybody Listens To, but I feel like it was more about her bond with Ricky Dean throughout the majority of it. Although the author included information about her gigs, and how she prepared herself, and who she met along the way, I didn’t feel like this book was about a teenager struggling to make a living through music.
While reading this book, I never felt compelled to read more. I could understand her struggles, and I felt empathy for her, but I never felt like the book was mainly about a girl who is singing, and eventually becomes successful. I also never felt like I was on the edge of my seat or that I had to continue reading to find out more. I was simply bored.
April 9, 2019
SPOILERS
I read the book Somebody Everybody Listens To by Suzanne Supplee. The story all starts with the main character Retta. Retta lives in her hometown Tennessee, working at a local diner, graduating from high school, and aiming towards her singing career. In the first few chapters of the book we learned about Retta, and what her life was like as a teenager. I was interested at first but then I lost all hope in the book. I felt the title did not go along with the story at all. When I first picked up this book, I felt as if I was going to be reading about her career and how far she was going to go as a singer. Instead I was reading about all the things she went through to make it to Nashville and then just end up back home in her hometown. I would only recommend this book to people that need an easy book to read and people who are interested in any type of genre. This book did not fit my reading style.
She grew up in a small hometown Starling. Knowing her hometown was so small the whole community knew about her singing talent. She grew up living with her mother and father. Her time was either working at the local diner saving up money for her future or with her best friend. All the people around her encouraged her to go far with her talenting singing. Her best friend and her would think about the future and how life would be when they are famous. After graduating high school, and saving up enough money Retta leaves for Nashville. She begged her aunt to borrow her car and after a battle her aunt gave her the car. The car was not in the best conditions and the struggles of making it to Nashville was not easy. On the way to Nashville, Retta got a parking ticket, fender bender and then a mugging. With no money left, she had to sleep in her car. With the feeling of no hope yet it felt like she should just turn around and go home.
After all of the tough situations, light comes from the end of tunnel finally. Things started to brighten up in Rettas world. The owner of Ricky's Auto Shop, Ricky got her a job answering the telephone. When Retta first meant him, she was not the biggest fan but turns out he was one of her biggest supporters while she was saving up in Nashville. During the time of her working for RIcky, he went to her gigs at the local bars, let her sleep at the shop and gave her extra money once in a while when her clothes started to look rough. After all these good things happening, Ricky suffered a heart attack and died. After his death, Retta wrote a song which received a lot of good feedback. The good feedback lead to her getting a record deal. Earning a record deal was a big step for Retta, it shows on how much hard work pays off in the end.
While reading this book, I was bored. I understood the storyline and the hard work for Retta, but I never felt like it was really about her career and becoming successful. I never felt like I was stuck on a cliff hanger and I had to open the book right back up or keep reading. There was never a reason for me to just want to keep reading because I was just not interested.
I read the book Somebody Everybody Listens To by Suzanne Supplee. The story all starts with the main character Retta. Retta lives in her hometown Tennessee, working at a local diner, graduating from high school, and aiming towards her singing career. In the first few chapters of the book we learned about Retta, and what her life was like as a teenager. I was interested at first but then I lost all hope in the book. I felt the title did not go along with the story at all. When I first picked up this book, I felt as if I was going to be reading about her career and how far she was going to go as a singer. Instead I was reading about all the things she went through to make it to Nashville and then just end up back home in her hometown. I would only recommend this book to people that need an easy book to read and people who are interested in any type of genre. This book did not fit my reading style.
She grew up in a small hometown Starling. Knowing her hometown was so small the whole community knew about her singing talent. She grew up living with her mother and father. Her time was either working at the local diner saving up money for her future or with her best friend. All the people around her encouraged her to go far with her talenting singing. Her best friend and her would think about the future and how life would be when they are famous. After graduating high school, and saving up enough money Retta leaves for Nashville. She begged her aunt to borrow her car and after a battle her aunt gave her the car. The car was not in the best conditions and the struggles of making it to Nashville was not easy. On the way to Nashville, Retta got a parking ticket, fender bender and then a mugging. With no money left, she had to sleep in her car. With the feeling of no hope yet it felt like she should just turn around and go home.
After all of the tough situations, light comes from the end of tunnel finally. Things started to brighten up in Rettas world. The owner of Ricky's Auto Shop, Ricky got her a job answering the telephone. When Retta first meant him, she was not the biggest fan but turns out he was one of her biggest supporters while she was saving up in Nashville. During the time of her working for RIcky, he went to her gigs at the local bars, let her sleep at the shop and gave her extra money once in a while when her clothes started to look rough. After all these good things happening, Ricky suffered a heart attack and died. After his death, Retta wrote a song which received a lot of good feedback. The good feedback lead to her getting a record deal. Earning a record deal was a big step for Retta, it shows on how much hard work pays off in the end.
While reading this book, I was bored. I understood the storyline and the hard work for Retta, but I never felt like it was really about her career and becoming successful. I never felt like I was stuck on a cliff hanger and I had to open the book right back up or keep reading. There was never a reason for me to just want to keep reading because I was just not interested.
January 26, 2022
My favorite part about this book was the creativity of the chapter titles. Each title is a county song that somehow relates to the chapter. The story is an easy, fast read, and would be of interest to someone who loves country music or is interested in a singing career. I thought the ending was too abrupt, so that was my least favorite part of the book. Topics/Themes addressed: country music, aspiring singers, following dreams, friendship, broken family units, overcoming challenges, homelessness.
July 1, 2017
I Didn't like this book. I picked it up and thought "Hey, maybe this will be a good book." It follows the same plot line of many singers and artist, the family is broke, the girl works hard and becomes a big hit.
And then a smoking friend.....
I gave one star because, before each chapter, it tells you about a singer.
And then a smoking friend.....
I gave one star because, before each chapter, it tells you about a singer.
October 27, 2025
✨ I see a lot of people hating on this book for some reason and I agree that it’s not the best book in the world but it’s still good. I’m glad I read it because I know random facts about country singers now!
January 11, 2019
I can't make it though this.
Read
May 24, 2021Sweet.
Read
June 8, 2021i don’t actually remember much of this book??? country singer trying to make it big??? did she make it??? idk i got it in dollarama like 5 years ago and just remembered its existence
December 6, 2022
Nice, light, enjoyable read. Loved the short references to country music singers at the beginning of each chapter.
January 30, 2025
Very good book. Very inspiring for someone trying to reach goals they have set for themselves and see them come true!
June 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book! It’s about a girl who finishes high school and goes down a difficult future path and a lot gets in her way but she doesn’t give up. I personally loved it because I haven’t decided what to do but in the book has wise words.
July 25, 2021
Retta wants to be a country star, and nothing is going to stop her. Retta is a naïve young woman from a small town who wants to move to Nashville to pursue country music. While she's inexperienced, she's also trusting and has a heart of gold. Add that with her true talent and determination, and she might just make it. I really enjoyed Retta's tale of struggle and success as she sought out someone to listen to her. This novel is well-written, and I look forward to reading more work by Supplee in the future.
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