I hadn't planned to go into the family business. I was at an age where I wanted to go save the world. But at that point, I realized I had an opportunity to help my family rather than chase after a bunch of idealistic dreams. I made that commitment, and I haven't looked back.

[Unlike Carter Cash, who was drafted into the family business at a young age, Ms. Witherspoon was a child model and actress by choice. Still, she knows how Carter Cash must have felt as a kid expected to comport herself like a pint-sized grown-up.] That becomes a big, weird part of a person's personality, ... You have to be very adult, businesslike, professional and then have a colorful and childlike personality when you're performing. It's definitely a formative experience.

It was clear to his friends that something was wrong with him. With that revelation, it was good to know that we knew how to deal with it.

We were weighing the pros and cons. I was torn.

I thought it would resonate, but I'm surprised at the size of it.

My dad had a vision of what a bookseller's role in society was.