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“Fans of Clark’s music will be grateful to Saviano for completing the book…. Without Getting Killed or Caught is a moving, revealing portrait of an artist whose literary storytelling set the standard for several generations of country songwriters.”
“Because Clark’s songs were so personal, Saviano tells us a lot about his music simply by telling us a lot about his life. Want to read up on the series of childhood experiences that inspired ‘Desperados Waiting for a Train’? They’re here, complete with a major cameo from Clark’s one-legged grandmother.”
“There is never any ultimate biographical explanation of talent like Clark’s, but Ms. Saviano’s book goes a long way toward revealing how he became who he was and why his elevation of the homespun succeeded.”
“Without Getting Killed or Caught delivers an intimate, affectionate, sometimes sad, often hilarious, and vibrant chronicle of one of our most memorable artists; Saviano’s richly detailed prose and her vivid storytelling — along with Clark’s own lively words — create an unforgettable portrait of a songwriter whose own words live on in our hearts. It’s not too much to say that it may just be the best music book of the year.”
“Without Getting Killed or Caught is a warm look at Guy Clark’s life and the impact he made, and Tamara Saviano has crafted one of the best memoirs in recent memory.”
“Tamara Saviano’s much anticipated biography of the incomparable Texas songwriter arrives with a poignant and appropriate sense of closure and testament. It also serves as powerful witness to the last painful and triumphant years of a larger-than-life figure whose music set the bar for several generations of songwriters… Saviano captures the full story of an extraordinary life and talent, told with both an unwavering honesty and loving admiration.”
“Saviano’s close personal relationship with Clark allows her to provide intricate details, along with broader brush strokes, that make for a damned good story. In the end, it seems that Saviano may know more about her subject than he knew himself.”
“The book has a hundred or more reproductions of photographs, drawings, notebook pages, song lyrics and journal entries which truly bring Clark’s life history alive, and the facts appear to be beyond reproach. If you have any curiosity at all about Guy Clark or the crazy lives that many singer/songwriters—especially the Texans—lived back in the 20th Century, Without Getting Killed or Caught is probably a good place to start learning. It’s a great read. ”
“Saviano has patiently compiled a must-have addition to the library of any actual or amateur musicologist, and a compelling story of love, friendship, tragedy and cultural magic for the rest of us. Between the lines, it also suggests that we consider the toll, as well as the fruits, of the production of a commodity that to its true artisans, in its truest form, is worth more than life itself.”
“Only the second book written solely about Guy Clark, this is a well-informed, in-depth look at his life and career, suitable for any fan or country music lover.”
“Without Getting Killed or Caught is a lengthy, detailed, and fascinating read – a lovingly crafted homage that is essential reading for any music lover.”
“This is the mesmerizing story of the singer-songwriter and ultimate Texan…it is the one of the very best musical biographies in many years. Unfortunately, by book’s end the trio have all departed for the next world, and history is left to give them their due in Texas’ illustrious firmament.”
“Part memoir, part biography, Saviano’s skillfully constructed narrative weaves together the extraordinary songs, larger-than-life characters, previously untold stories, and riveting emotions that make up the life of this modern-day poet.”
“Saviano’s book offers lively context for Clark’s music through his life.”
“Tamara Saviano interviewed more than two hundred people to paint a loving but gritty portrait of the inimitable and uncompromising Clark, who lived life just the way he (and Susanna) wanted. Guy insisted on the truth, and Ms. Saviano certainly delivers.”
“An honest look at one of America’s most revered musical storytellers.”
