All Over But the Shoutin'

Rating:
Summary: An honest, powerful, can't-put-down memoir!
Review: This book has everything: beauty and beastliness; triumph and tragedy; humor and pathos. The writing is without peer. And, true to Rick Bragg's philosophy, it is always honest. I dare any reader to read the passage of his mother's visit to New York City without laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time! A triumph in every way.

Rating:
Summary: This is the best book I've ever read. A must read !!!!
Review: This is the best book that I've ever read. It is a must read!!! Rick Bragg writes from the heart and it is quite evident in his story. I too am from the south and I have felt some of the same feelings he showed us in his book. I can identify with many parts of the story especially the one where he finally buys the house for his mom and then the two brothers ruin everything by fighting in the front yard. How typical! I have never read a book that touched my heart like this one did. When I started it I couldn't put it down.

Rating:
Summary: pay no attention to those who didn't like this book
Review: this is an extraordinary book and no need to go into detail here. i would just like to say to those of you who didn't like this book - you have no soul. In addition to not understanding the south or southerners, you can't seem to realize the honesty of Rick's story. He is who he is and makes no apologies and tells his story just the way it all happened. You silly people who can't see this are either too cynical or too stupid. So everyone else, read this book and be moved like no other book has moved you.

Rating:
Summary: This is one messed up family.
Review: Unlike Pat Conroy, who fictionalizes his family, Bragg lays his wounds open to all in this story of his life. Rambling, at times even repeating, but never dull.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: Rick Bragg is a brilliantly gifted writer and the world is better off because he writes. My soul was stirred. My faith in humanity was strengthened. My heart was warmed with his determination to make his mother's life better. I am putting this book in our local library.

Rating:
Summary: Self-centered
Review: Lewis Grizzard has the real stuff from the South; ignore this pretentious Harvard wanna-be. Poorly written and executed

Rating:
Summary: At the expence of sounding trite, it's a "must read."
Review: I have just finished reading Bragg's book. Never before have I read anything more honest, open and unassuming as this! Excellent! It should be in every home; right next to the Bible. Bragg does more than any other author I know of to demonstrate, with great clarity, why mothers deserve to be honored. As a burgeoning writer, I have learned a great deal about the "hows" of writing something truly meaningful. The combination of humor and stark honesty blend well to tell a truly interesting and deeply compeling story. Way to go, Rick!!!

Rating:
Summary: A marvel of Southern charm mixed with White Lightn'ing.
Review: This book is more than it ever needed to be. The love therein skipped across the teary distance yet unclaimed by other's slack. It's the kind of book that allows you the temptation to run up toward Mr. Bragg and give him a vial of tears. All over lept from mission to majesty without even leaving the room. I never wanted it to be over until it occured: the truth, that would be impossible. It was so unforgettable that even it's unforgettableness was unforgettable. Above rareness, above being unique, moreover to the corner of an unfathomable triumph. Rick Bragg, you done good, you beat the odds and you came home with Mother's lace. Jean Howard Monk (novelist)

Rating:
Summary: I've recommended this book to everyone!
Review: Rick Bragg's book touched my heart, not only because it was brilliantly written, but also because he captured the joy and pain of being poor and white in Alabama in the 1960s. Before I finished the book, I had to rush out and buy a copy for MY mother! This book is a "must read" for everyone!

Rating:
Summary: Superb reading!!!
Review: Bragg's passion literally jumps off the pages! I would've recommended it for the Pulitzer. I don't believe there could be a better autobio of growing up in the south, as well as his experiences as a major newspaper writer. I could not put it down. The prose are superb! I can't wait for Bragg to beat it!