What Do You Do When You're Lonesome

"Illuminates with depth and nuance. . . . A superb biography of a singular life."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A rich character study and an insightful appraisal of the toll art can exact from its makers."—Publishers Weekly

"Excellent. . . . a raw and honest portrait of the talented and tormented troubadour. . . . Bernstein provides a meticulous, unflinching illumination of the tortured life and lasting legacy of a remarkable singer-songwriter, gone far too early."—LIbrary Journal

“There's no book on American music like What Do You Do When You're Lonesome. In this brilliant book, Jonathan Bernstein tells the raw and unflinching story of an artist born at the crossroads of so many American myths. But Bernstein turns it into a heartbreaking epic portrait of this country—and the songs that keep haunting our darkest national dreams.”—Rob Sheffield, New York Times bestselling author of Heartbreak is the National Anthem, Dreaming the Beatles, and Love is a Mix Tape

“Jonathan Bernstein approaches this story with the heart of a true fan, the diligence of a veteran journalist, and the empathy of a person wanting to deeply understand the man beyond the music and the mythology.  A beautifully written book about a beloved and misunderstood artist: about the love that binds us together, the flaws that tear us apart, and the songs that keep us going when everything else fails. Impeccably contextualized in the ever-changing world of Nashville and roots music, it sticks with you long after the last page is through—just like Justin’s songs.”—Marissa R. Moss, author of Her Country

“A biographical gut punch. In telling the story of Justin Townes Earle, he manages to explore grand sweeping themes—the nature of creativity, the complexities of family, fame and addiction—while tracing the small, human details of one man’s journey. A beautiful portrait and a profound investigation, harrowing and heartfelt all at once, it’s a work that will stay with you for a long time.”—Bob Mehr, New York Times bestselling author of Trouble Boys

"Bernstein chronicles with the meticulous but compassionate objectivity of an old-school Rolling Stone researcher." (**** four stars)—Mojo