Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (unbridged)

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Summary: Fasinating; mysterious and humorous
Review: I loved the "characters" in this book.I was particlarly fascinated with the people of the "elite" society of Savannah.Talk about a bunch of gossips with nothing better to do. My favorite character was Chablis. That person was a hoot. She was outragous with just hint of sadness in her personality. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries mixed with a little "southern flavor".

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Summary: John Berendt brings Savannah to life
Review: This book is more about the eccentric citizens of Savannah than a murder. True, much of the book deals with a murder, but the chracters in this book are what make this book memorable. Just when you think that nobody could be more unique than a particluar character, you are presented with a Lady Chablis. These characters suck you into the story which make putting the book down difficult. Having visited Savannah, I can honestly say that this book does capture the true essence of the city. It is true that when in Savannah the first question you are asked is, What will you have to drink?

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Summary: Great Book
Review: As a teenager, i did not think i would like any book, but however, i loved it emensly, it's quircky characters and story, and i suggest it to everyone.

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Summary: Elegantly Enriching, child
Review: There are quite a few reasons why Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a very worthwhile novel to read. In fact, if the American public would stop wasting so much time reading the latest health fad book (for example, Dr. Emily Poy's Guide to the Twenty-Three Best Herbs for Your Cochlea), then perhaps more time could be dedicated to reading enriching novels like Midnight. The obvious aspect of the book that makes it worth reading is the skill with which Berendt tells about his time in Savannah. Though not all characters are needed to tell of the murder case, the way Berendt brings them to life seems to bring honesty and perspective to the rest of the book. It is easy to see the individuality of a place like Savannah just from one line of the salesman who painted one of his eyes, "I don't do drag or anything sick like that. I just do my eyes." Also, Berendt displays skill weaving the aspects of characters and plot. Joe Odom, the piano-playing free-spirit, gives insight into the trials that other characters or the author himself could not. Chablis, the black drag queen, brings to light social issues that help the reader understand the trial and its impact. In addition to his excellent story-telling ability, Berendt enriches the reader in an informative manner. His journalist background is probably key in helping him tell the reader about much more than just one murder case in Savannah. By reading Midnight, one will learn about life in the South, the customs of Savannah, the social structures the author encountered, and an array of seemingly meaningless things involving glowing goldfish and dressing in drag. The intent to share such information is obvious when Berendt, on the subject of his staying in Savannah, says "I would inquire, observe, and poke around wherever my curiosity led me or wherever I was invited. I would presume nothing. I would take notes." Thus, the informative nature of the book and the skillful writing involved, among other factors, make Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil a valuable piece of literature.

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Summary: Captures the intensity of the characters and raw emotion.
Review: There are several key points in this story that intrigue interests. Book kicks Assssss! Several chapters like Walking throught a streak of Sex, The Grand Empress were two of the most intriguing and thought provoking chapters in this book. It maybe a little explicit yet it was very light hearted and entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: A True Classic
Review: Midnight is such an easy read due to the author's style and flair for such colorful characters. The Book is riviting. You don't know what Savannah character will pop up next. I was glad that the whole book wasn't about the murder, although that is the central story. This is a hard book to put down and I wanted to know more about Savannah's fascinating residents. It makes you want to visit to take in the local color. This book is a modern classic and a must read. Excellent Plus!

Rating:
Summary: Excellently Offbeat!!!!
Review: I loved this book! It was offbeat but it made me keep on reading. I am recommending to anyone who likes a good book. His characters were refreshingly colorful. If you've never been to Savannah, you will feel like you were there also.

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Summary: Eccentricity central!
Review: This book was amazing! I swear that I have never read anything like it! I actually read the book after I had heard about the movie, and I am glad that I did. Mr. Berendt wrote about Savannag so beautifully that I have been wanting to go and visit this place ever since. He keeps you interested all through the way with characters that no-one could possibly imagine! I am glad that he wrote this book, it makes for a nice change from the nitty-gritty books that seem to have taken over book stores these days. It makes you believe that in a place like Savannah the outside world does not matter, and that sounds very blissful to me.

Rating:
Summary: Waste of time
Review: All I knew of this book was that it was about a murder. Throughout the first half of the book, I kept hoping the next new charachter introduced was the murder victim. By the time Danny was killed, I was hoping some type of nuclear explosion went off and killed everyone in that pretentious, egomaniacal, worthless town. I still hope it happens. Every day was a struggle to get through this crap. When I was done, I couldn't say I learned anything, except never to go to Georgia.

Rating:
Summary: Eccentric, but very enjoyable
Review: This was a really enjoyable true crime book. I loved the eccentricities of all the characters! I also very much enjoyed the description of Savannah. I felt like I was there. I was so impressed that a writer from NY could come into a city like Savannah & obtain the kind of detail that Berendt was able to obtain. What a wonderful job of storytelling!