Diamond in the Rough: A Memoir

By Shawn Colvin

After learning to play guitar at the age of ten, Shawn Colvin was determined to make a life in music—a decision that would send a small-town girl out on the open road for good. In 1997, two decades after she started, she got her big break. Like the troubled would-be arsonist and survivor of her smash hit "Sunny Came Home," Colvin knows a thing or two about heartache—and setting fires. Diamond in the Rough recounts this passionate musician's coming-of-age, from the prairies of South Dakota to the dark smoky bars in Austin, Texas, to the world stage at the Grammys.

Humorous and deeply honest, Colvin relates the experiences behind her best-loved songs in vivid color in this memoir. Diamond in the Rough captures her years of touring cross-country in bands and vans full of guys; falling in and out of love; meeting heroes like Joni Mitchell; searching for her musical identity; and making friendships that would last a lifetime. It is also an unflinching account of Colvin's struggles—weathering addiction and depression, learning to care for not only herself but also a child—and, always, channeling those experiences into song.

With the wit, lyricism, and empathy that have characterized Colvin's performances and inspired audiences worldwide, Diamond in the Rough looks back over a rich lifetime of highs and lows with stunning insight and candor. In its pages, we witness the inspiring story of a woman honing her artistry, finding her voice, and making herself whole.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jun 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9780062099167

Reviews for Diamond in the Rough

[boyred · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting read by troubled soul. There is nothing starry eyed about this account of her life and career. It doesn't fall into the trap that many music biogs do and by presents her as an ordinary girl trying to get through life doing what she has a talent for. She talk of the highs quite modestly, of being star struck meeting her idols, and deals with the passages covering her depression, drugs and alcohol as an ordinary person. There is no self pitying "why me". As many of her songs are autobiographical I went back and re-listened to many of them and found new depth in them as a result.You don't need to be a fan to read this but you may well be by the end. A good read, well written.

[tgamble54 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

She seems to have had some success despite alcohol/drug addictions and depression. Even when she cleaned up her personal life stayed a mess. She likes men, but doesn't have the greatest taste. Her lack of fidelity didn't help. I think I'd classify her has "high maintenance".I suppose if you were a big fan you might find more of interest here.

[nlmanchester_9077480 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An open, no-holds-barred portrait of an extraordinary, beautiful, talented and complex artist. Her music is as textured and rich as her self portrait. So glad that she wrote her memoirs-so delighted to read them.

[Tom · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Everything Colvin recounts is coloured by her depression. She has an addictive personality and self-medicated for years before stopping. She's also very high maintenance - someone who would definitely drive you crazy. The fact that she's been able to maintain a music career is to her credit.

[cheriedooryard · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you like memoirs to be a deep, insightful commentary that use one person's life in order to shed light on society as a whole, this is not the memoir for you. If you just like to read anecdotes from someone who has had an interesting life and is also unexpectedly amusing, this will suit just fine.

[ghostwriter57 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well written, interesting