I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive

By: Steve Earle

Narrated by: Steve Earle

Doc Ebersole lives with the ghost of Hank Williams—not just in the figurative sense, not just because he was one of the last people to see him alive, and not just because he is rumored to have given Hank the final morphine dose that killed him.

In 1963, ten years after Hank’s death, Doc himself is wracked by addiction. Since he lost his license to practice medicine, his morphine habit isn’t as easy to support, so Doc lives in a rented room in the red-light district on the south side of San Antonio, performing abortions and patching up the odd knife or gunshot wound.

But when Graciela, a young Mexican immigrant, appears in the neighborhood in search of his services, miraculous things begin to happen. Graciela sustains a wound on her wrist that never heals, yet she heals others with the touch of her hand. Everyone she meets is transformed for the better, except perhaps for Hank’s angry ghost—who isn’t at all pleased to see Doc doing well.

A brilliant excavation of an obscure piece of music history, Steve Earle’s I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive is also a marvelous novel in its own right, a ballad of regret and redemption and of the ways in which we remake ourselves and our world through the smallest of miracles.

©2011 Steve Earle (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“This subtle and dramatic book is the work of a brilliant songwriter who has moved from song to orchestral ballad with astonishing ease.” (Michael Ondaatje, New York Times best-selling author)

Impressive

I really can’t think of any better or more appropriate word than impressive, damned impressive. I’ve always enjoyed Earl’s music, his interviews as well. I’ve been an Audible customer for several years and have heard my fair share of good and bad audio books. Many of the ones that I have liked the most have had less than all-star reviews. Others that have great reviews I have found, that, the reading just don’t always match the feel or the literary atmosphere for the material. Not the case here. Steve Earl wrote great novel and then narrated it in one of the most engrossing and, well, impressive performances that I can remember. Absolutely awesome.

Only Earle’s narration can do justice to Earle’s storytelling

A captivating story by a captivating story teller. It’s hard to turn off once you start it.

I wish he’d write something else - cmon Steve!

Worth every penny

A genuine
gem of a novel told exceedingly well. Narration is so critical and Mr. Earle was the man to read it. Thoroughly enjoyed

fun listen, until the end.

The narrator was perfect for this book. I enjoyed the story, however the ending was kinda a bummer. still worth listening to. wondering what Hank would think about his role in the story. give it a shot.

Best Audible Book I've Listen to Yet

It takes a lot for me to give five stars all the way around, but this book did it for me.

At first I was scratching my head at the selection of the narrator (not realizing it was also the author) because of his voice and slight slur. But the voice--and the slur--really captured the mood and the character of Doc, the main character. Not to gush, but...Steve Earle was awesome!

The story had sweet moments without being sweet. It had tragic moments without being a tragedy. The narrative carried me along on a wave and sometimes Earle sneaked in a surprising phrase or juxtaposition that just made me belly laugh.

Know what I didn't like? It was just too short. Well, not really. It was long enough to tell the story effectively. But I just wasn't ready to say good-bye to the characters.

Great stuff… Steve Earle shines!!!

A wonderful story with great characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged. Great to hear Steve read his own book, delivering a heartfelt performance. Highly recommend it!!

Steve Earle spins a flawless, entertaining story!

This book is brilliantly littered with colorful, well developed characters and dynamic descriptions that are so well executed, and so darned entertaining that, really, it’s not until reaching the end of the book that the reader realizes, wow, this story is flawless! This book, especially as read by Steve Earle himself, is totally engaging. Love it!

came for the music........

Steve Earl is one of my favorite singer songwriters. he's now a favored author and narrator. the man is simply a gifted storyteller wether he sings or speaks.

An artist transcends to another level

As a former musician I’m inspired by the continued education Earle has achieved. A great song writer and storyteller of just a few minutes to an epic tale. Having grown up in San Antonio, I could follow each and every trip of the story in my mind vividly. Amazing detail and description not only of the physical landmarks, historical events, but the immersion of the culture that is south Texas is astounding. Mr. Earle, thank you for your effort and dedication in your endeavor. The most complete story you ever told… just like the songs, I could smell it, and see it unfold, yet was still surprised and fulfilled in the end. Good job sir!

The Down and Out get a spiritual renewal

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Steve Earle's voice and twang really drew me in. This is a good story of how the lost make their way in a hard-scrabble existence. The characters are believable and while their actions are questionable, you can it is all they can do to get by.

What did you like best about this story?

I really liked Steve Earle's narration....his pace, twang, expressions, etc. were very good.

What does Steve Earle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I find that audiobooks greatly enhance the written word with tone of voice, pacing, rate of delivery, volume, etc. The book is "performed" for the listener and Steve Earle did this very well.