My latest read is Gretchen Wilson's autobiography, "Redneck Woman: Stories From My Life," which is, in addition to an account of her story thus far, it's also a celebration of the strong women in her family who have gotten her to that point. With a childhood that was certainly no fairytale, Gretchen exhorts other women, "If there's hope for me, there's hope for you."

I've enjoyed the two albums Gretchen's released (bona fide country albums which I believe are greater than the sum of their parts. Standing alone, Gretchen has "good" songs. In the context of a full album, she has "great" songs), but my favorite work of hers is not included on either Here for the Party or All Jacked Up. My favorite "Gretchen Wilson" song is a cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down," included on a compilation called "The Pilgrim: A Celebration of Kris Kristofferson." There's just something about a female interpreting such a dark song that makes it even more depressing and hopeless. Gretchen writes in her autobiography, "I don't think I have ever sung a song that heavy." But according to Mrs. Kristofferson, Kris seemed to think she'd done it justice. Gretchen goes on to write that Kris's wife had called her after the recording session, saying, "I've only seen those blue eyes cry a few times and he cried when he heard your recording of this."

And maybe Gretchen was able to do it because she knows her country roots so well - and not just the classic hits. My favorite line in Gretchen's book is "People ask me all the time, 'So, what's in your CD player right now?' And the answer is, 'It's the old-timers, man, and they're making music better than ever and no one in commercial music seems to be paying attention.'"

Luckily, Gretchen is.