'I had no idea the extent of Nick’s connection to Elvis’ family and hometown. I think this is one of the most honest, touching and truthful books I’ve read about Elvis. And it’s especially important because of Nick writing it so early in Elvis’ career. They both had no way of knowing how 'big' Elvis would become and it’s that period of time before he lost his ability to live almost a normal life. Nick was especially good at capturing the regular guy activities and life that Elvis had during that time in Memphis. We never hear much about his mother and father. Nick brings them to life. It’s fascinating stuff'. Tom Brown : VP, Turner Classic Movies, Original Programming.
Following is an excerpt from one of the chapters of 'The Rebel & The King' called 'THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ELVIS' where Elvis is talking to Nick as they are driving along Sunset Boulevard, in Hollywood, CA, on the way to meet Natalie Wood. 'I sincerely believed that someday a miracle would happen and sure enough it did because God saw fit to let it happen. And don’t think that I’m not grateful to him. God answered my prayer so fast that I still don’t know where it all started. I still recall the words, 'All good things come from God'. And if more people when something good happens to them in life and makes them happy or if something is given to them if they would just stop and think and thank God for it and say, 'God, thank you for this wonderful blessing you have bestowed upon me'. Then they would have more good luck and more blessings. That’s my honest, sincere, way of thinking. And if tomorrow, should all my success come to an end, I wouldn’t stop thanking him. And I would go on for the rest of my life telling people what a wonderful blessing he once gave me. This is my way of thinking and the words are coming directly from my heart', Elvis Presley.
'The Rebel And The King' by Nick Adams.