Publishers Weekly
12/18/2023
Grammy Award–winning vocalist Williams recounts in his candid debut memoir how he clawed his way out of addiction and built a redemptive relationship with God. Williams grew up in a tight-knit religious family in 1980s and ’90s Arkansas , listening to worship music at church and poring over contemporary Christian albums with his father. He began playing basketball seriously in grade school while also becoming something of a rebel; by the time he started middle school, he was drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes (“If I wanted to hang with my buddies, I had to do whatever they did”). After an injury in junior college ended his basketball dreams, Williams developed a prescription drug habit, which—along with his drinking—worsened as he found success in music, becoming the frontman for the Southern rock band Zach Williams and the Reformation in 2007. Following an intervention by his father in 2012, Williams dedicated his life to Christ, abandoned his vice-fueled rock and roll lifestyle, and struck out on a solo Christian music career. Williams is brutally honest as he details how relationships with his loved ones were tested by his ruinous drug and drinking habits, and he remains effusive about his faith without slipping into self-congratulation: “I have to constantly rely on the grace of God to make it through,” he acknowledges. This inspires. Agent: Dave Schroeder, WTA Media. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
As a fan of his music, as his friend, and as a brother in Christ, I'm proud of my buddy Zach Williams. If his songs have spoken to your heart the way they have mine, then I know his memoir Rescue Story is going to be a powerful and inspirational experience for you. Chris Pratt, actor, producer
Failure is not final, and our faults don't define us. Zach Williams's new book is a deeply personal telling of his own creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, set to a story and song that will ignite an old church choir singing in your soul, hands raised, reminding you that God does not treat us according to our flawed performance but is forever committed to us because of His unfailing love, demonstrated by the blood of Jesus Christ. Kirk Cameron
I need to be surrounded by people who are brave enough to be vulnerable. In these pages, Zach points to his Rescuer and not his own understanding. The humility in this book gives a proud reader like me full permission to need a savior. Walker Hayes, multi-platinum recording artist
Zach Williams definitely has a story to tell. As hard as it was for him and those around him during his worst times, his words shine a light on hope and the realization that nothing and no one is ever lost in the eyes and the hands of God. God does work in strange and mysterious ways, and he performed a miracle by transforming Zach into who I believe he is meant to be now. Zach is a great talent and a great inspiration for millions, including me. This is a hard yet wonderful and inspiring book to read. Dolly Parton
