Scotty McCreery - Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream

PRAISE FOR GO BIG OR GO HOME

Being an artist takes you out of your comfort zone and thrusts you into the world. Some of what you experience you are prepared for and some of it you arent. To quote the country music prophet Aaron Tippin, Youve got to stand for somethin or youll fall for anything. Scotty McCreery stands for something. You hear it in his voice. You see it in his actions. And you feel it in his songs. This book outlines the wild ride hes been on being thrust into the world.

JOSH TURNER, Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum-selling MCA recording artist and author of Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood

In what can be a fast-paced world, Scotty McCreerys decision to mindfully and wholeheartedly pause with gratitude and reflect on the past few years is both impressive and inspiring.

ELISABETH HASSELBECK, daughter of God; wife of Tim; mom of Grace, Taylor, and Isaiah

My favorite part about reading Scottys book is seeing how his life before American Idol prepared him for the place he is in now. I love reading how the Scriptures he read and the life lessons he learned when he was younger have helped him stay true to who he is. This normal guy who loved Elvis may have become a star, but he is still the same Scotty he has always been. Weve been friends for a few years now, and I can honestly say that Scotty McCreery is a good man. Im glad he wrote this book so everyone else can see that too.

SADIE ROBERTSON, star of A&Es Duck Dynasty

Revealing, touching, and often humorous, Go Big or Go Home takes fans behind the scenes of Scotty McCreerys journey so far and pulls back the curtain on American Idol and the music industry while McCreery navigates the tricky waters of instant fame with grace, insight, and, above all, gratitude for the gifts he has been given.

MELINDA NEWMAN, music journalist

Scotty McCreery became Americas favorite teen when he won American Idol and became an overnight success. However, as he reveals in Go Big or Go Home, not everything was as easy as it appeared to the rest of us. He shares his struggles along his record-setting journey in his debut book, and that is what makes it so inspiring and relatable to the rest of us. Whether you want to be a singer or a businessperson, everyone can learn something from Scottys life. This book will make you love Scotty even more!

BEVERLY KEEL, music journalist, professor, and chair of the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University

Millions have gotten to know Scotty McCreerys commanding voice and winning smile, thanks to his win on American Idol and his continued success as a country star. Go Big or Go Home gives Scottys fans a chance to discover firsthand the spot-on wit, rock-solid faith, and incredibly big heart that fuel his larger-than-life talent.

HUNTER KELLY, Rare Country senior correspondent

Like his heroes Elvis and Garth, Scotty McCreery knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life from a very young age. In Go Big or Go Home, McCreery allows fans an all-access pass to his life and the moments that led him to where he is todayone of musics best. Reading about his love of music and unwavering desire to succeed, I have no doubt he will fulfill his destiny as one of musics brightest superstars.

SUZANNE ALEXANDER, TV host, Great American Country

Scotty McCreerys book reads more like a casual conversation youd have with a close friendthat kind of friend who is fearless while facing incredible odds. Scotty challenges you, by example, to dream the dream. Endurance. Integrity. Family. Faith. All are lessons well received when you read Go Big or Go Home.

BLAIR GARNER, host of Nash FMs nationally syndicated Americas Morning Show

Go Big or Go Home is a must-read for those of us who love to dream. Scotty McCreery takes us through his extraordinary young life, which inspires you to believe in yourself. The story shows that with love, faith, and family, anything is possible. A real feel-good book!

LISA KONICKI, editor in chief of Nash Country Weekly

Go Big or Go Home is the captivating story of a talented young man with an unforgettable voice. This is only the beginning for Scotty, last name McCreery.

CHARLIE WILSON, R&B legend

Scotty McCreery is an old soul. Hes a talented twenty-two-year-old who possesses the wisdom and discernment usually associated with people decades older. This book is a delight to read, not just for the behind-the-scenes stories about American Idol and the music industry, but for the revelations about Scottys strength of character; for his love for his family, friends, and fans; and for his deep, uncompromising faith. You might find yourself asking, What can I learn from this kid? Dive into this book, and be inspired by the answers.

DEBORAH EVANS PRICE, author and CMA award-winning journalist

He was the country boy with the deep voice on American Idol. But there was always more to Scotty McCreery than that booming baritone. Go Big or Go Home offers a window into the life of the small-town boy who followed his dreamsand the big-hearted man he has become.

CYNTHIA SANZ, executive editor of People magazine

Scotty McCreerys humor, enthusiasm, and passion for a life well-lived far surpass the clich of his often-misperceived boy next door image. Spend ten minutes with him, and youll realize theres a lot more than a reality show cardboard cut-out. He astounds me every time were together. As an artist. As a man. And for his best qualitya guy you just want to hang out with.

STORME WARREN, host of the Storme Warren Morning Show on Sirius XM Radio The Highway channel 56

ZONDERVAN

Go Big or Go Home

Copyright 2016 by Scotty McCreery

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ePub Edition May 2016: ISBN 978-0-310-34523-7

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: McCreery, Scotty, 1993- . | Thrasher, Travis, 1971- author.

Title: Go big or go home : the journey toward the dream / Scotty McCreery, with Travis Thrasher.

Description: Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 2016.

Identifiers: LCCN 2016000003 | ISBN 9780310345220 (hardcover)

Subjects: LCSH: McCreery, Scotty, 1993- | SingersUnited StatesBiography. | Country musiciansUnited StatesBiography.

Classification: LCC ML420.M341236 A3 2016 | DDC 782.421642092dc23 LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2016000003

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Cover design: Curt Diepenhorst

Cover photography: Jeremy Ryan

Photo insert: All photos courtesy of the McCreery Collection unless otherwise noted