Blood

A Memoir

By: Allison Moorer

Narrated by: Allison Moorer, Shelby Lynne

Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Grammy and Academy Award-nominated singer-songwriter's haunting, lyrical memoir, sharing the story of an unthinkable act of violence and ultimate healing through art

1986, Mobile, Alabama. A 14-year-old girl is awakened by the unmistakable sound of gunfire. On the front lawn, her father has shot and killed her mother before turning the gun on himself. Allison Moorer would grow up to be an award-winning musician, with her songs likened to "a Southern accent: eight miles an hour, deliberate, and very dangerous to underestimate" (Rolling Stone). Now, Allison turns her lyrical storytelling powers to recount the events leading up to the moment that forever altered her own life and that of her older sister, Shelby, with whom she shares an unbreakable bond. Gorgeously written, Blood delves into the meaning of inheritance and destiny, shame and trauma - and how it is possible to carve out a safe place in the world despite it all. 

With a foreword by Grammy winner Shelby Lynne, Blood is a familial Just Kids that reads like an intimate journal - vivid, haunting, and, ultimately, life-affirming.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Allison Moorer (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"Written with brave, clear-eyed compassion for all involved, Allison Moorer's Blood is an astonishing and moving meditation on family inheritance and acceptance. Despite her family's singularly tragic circumstances, Blood tells a universal story about the things our parents pass down to us - what we learn to be grateful for, what we release ourselves from, and what we simply leave alone." (Jennifer Palmieri, author of Dear Madame President)

"Grit and grace, beauty and pain, on every wise page. Allison Moorer has given us a memoir as bloody, rich, and complex as red Alabama clay." (Alice Randall, author of The Wind Done Gone)

"Like her songwriting, Moorer's prose is steeped in a rich sense of place, vivid characterization, and a story you will never forget. Not since Joan Didion's Blue Nights has grief been explored with so much beauty and complexity." (Silas House, author of Southernmost)

Compelling, BUT terribly sad!

The story pulled me in from its beginning. First because I loved the mellifluous southern drawl of the narrator/author; second because it brought back a similar chilling story of my own family (without the murder), and third because the memoir is written so well. I first heard Allison Moorer interviewed by Terry Gross on Fresh Air. After listening to the book I went back and listened again to the interview; googled photographs of Moorer's parents; and listened to Moorer and her sister's singing both together and alone. That follow up is how taken I was with this book. I've also recommended it to others with a warning about the violence and utter sadness that permeate the book (though there are some uplifting and funny parts, but very few). With that warning I recommend this title to anyone. Allison Moorer is a terrific writer and narrater.

Wow. My life in book

I want to thank Allison and her sister for this book. This was my life and I saw so many things I do and feel. It was a hard book to listen to but, I think will help others

Brave

Brave of Allison Moorer to write this memoir. The listener needs to be brave, too.

A Must Listen!

One of the most beautifully touching and heartbreaking memoirs I've ever read/listened to. Moorer's writing and delivery of her words in the audiobook are unmatched. I've been a student of domestic violence and teach about it in my sociology courses, but I understand it now at a level I did not. Specifically, the life-long effects of intimate partner violence on children. The description of what the intimidation, violence, and domination did to Shelby and Allison and how they must fight it every day hurts my mind, body, heart, and soul. I could sense their pain when I saw them perform at The Kessler in Dallas on their "Not Dark Yet" tour, but I didn't know the specific details. Now that I do, I can't stop thinking about them. Their strength and resilience are sacred lights for us all.

Thank you for writing this book, Ms. Moorer! It is in the same class as "Educated" by Tara Westover.

with thanks

this was one of the most important books I will read. it gave voice to memories and times of my own that in this spoken word comforted. beautiful.

Surviving a tragic teenage family trauma

Allison tells her story in a wounded yet sweet and soothing tone. A grown woman trying to make sense of her teenage family tragedy. She comes shining through as a powerful yet vulnerable evolved woman. I highly recommend this book/audio book and any other book she will ever write.

Brace yourself to be stirred

This telling of the lives of the Moorer family is equal parts devastating and beautiful.
I have been a fan of the musical talent of Allison and her sister for years, but I had no idea the tragedies that underlined the soulful sounds of their melodies.
Allison’s reliving and telling of those painful memories is brave and vivid in detail. Her story is one of utter devastation, yet it is tinged with moments of grace and mostly importantly- love.
Beautifully written and I hope this is just the beginning for her new career as an author.

Beautiful brilliant and necessary

Two types of readers should love this book as much as I did. Those who appreciate lyrical writing that tells important truths, and those who have witnessed or experienced child abuse or domestic abuse. And anyone interested in either of the above. The reading voice is also gorgeous.

Actions....

Loved it, Just sad to know what one persons actions can do to two peoples lives.

Incredible story

Well written and captivating. Hearing Allison Moorer read the book is a special treat. I know that this book has and will continue to shape my past and help me move on and hopefully heal.

A moving memoir

I listened to this memoir as I really enjoy the music of Allison Moorer and her sister. Her honesty and openness brings with it all kinds of emotions. Beautifully written and read. I would definitely recommend this memoir it definitely evokes tears. Thank you for sharing your story and your music.