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Summary: One of my favorite books
Review: This book still makes me laugh even now. I suggest to everyone
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Summary: CRAZY FOR CRAZY!!
Review: I'm crazy for 'southern' novels. If it's flavored with beans and cornbread and biscuits and gravy, and lust and power and life at its best and worst in the south, it's for me, and Crazy in Alabama has every ingredient. FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, CRAZY LADIES, and THE BINGO QUEENS OF PARADISE (to mention a few) are equally fine and memorable. Novels such as these keep me reading into the night. Thanks Mark Childress. I await the movie.
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Summary: Crazy combo of tragic truth and just plain fun!
Review: Crazy in Alabama is the perfect name for a book choch full of hilarious improbable scenes, outrageous Southern stereotypes, murder, mayhem, and the universal desire to escape the mundane--all juxtaposed against the 60's civil rights movement, complete with Martin Luther King and George Wallace, and the terrible and heartbreaking tragedies that actually occurred during those times in the South. Anyone who grew up during the 60's civil rights movement in the South is familiar either first hand or by osmosis, with the hate and inhumanity that stirred emotions and actions. It seems hard to believe, 25 years later, that such hate and intolerance could have existed, but the facts stand for themselves. Crazy in Alabama brings to the forefront the story of a few courageous Southerners against a mob of angry rednecks out for blood. Just reading those chapters brings shame and regret. However, the book offers more than a shameful retrospective. The hilarious and picaresque storyline of Lucille Vinson and her efforts to become the woman of her dreams lightens the mood and reveals the family she left behind in all their grief, horror, and plain desire to see her succeed. Read this one before the movie comes out! There's no telling what Hollywood will do to a truely good read!
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Summary: Brilliant, funny and sad at the same time.
Review: I will never forget the rich, fascinating characters Childress has created. I'm looking forward to the movie. (Having just gotten back from Paris, the movie posters were everywhere on the street and in the Metro: There it is called "The Head in the Hat Box.") Hope the movie holds up to the brilliance of the novel.
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Summary: A great book, easy reading that will make you want more.
Review: I was given this book by a friend who said what a good book it is. I was struggling to stop turning the next page when I had to go to sleep at night. I can't wait to read more Mark Childress books. Highly recommended.
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Summary: Number 1 on my list of best books
Review: My family recommended this book and I loved it. I even named my cat "Peejoe" after the main character. I have recommended it to many friends and each one has thoroughly enjoyed it. I have reread it many times and have been looking forward to the movie for almost a year. The characters are appealing and the story is full of humor and tremendous insight. I have never laughed so much while reading a book. The author paints a vivid picture of the era and creates characters that will remain with me forever.
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Summary: Two wild rides in one...I loved it.
Review: I really could not put it down. I was that fool reading in the elevator and at each stop light..I could not help it. Aunt Lucille is a fun heroine...Go girl!
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Summary: Childress is BRILLIANT!!!!
Review: Great book! As a native southerner, believe me, this is as real as it gets in so many ways. I grew up during this same period in NC where the civil rights battle was not as concentrated as it was in many other southern states. Alabama was a hot seat, I think due to George Wallace, the governor at that time. As a young white girl growing up in Charlotte, NC, I recall an instance when a 7th grade african american girl was going to integrate our school. I vividly remember all of the student body sitting on campus or standing to watch that morning. She was accompanied to school by guards. I never felt so sorry for anyone in my life as I did for that little girl. Don't think there was much commotion, but don't think this child ever actually attended the school. Maybe it was just an attempt to raise attention. I had been taught to love all people and have no prejudice towards anyone, thank goodness. Racism is still a problem, we must keep working on it!At any rate, Childress' character, Peejoe, reminded me of my feelings - so very real. Of course, I adored Aunt Lucille. Wish Mark would just write an entire book about what happened to her after the end of his story. She is like Auntie Mame, Marilyn Monroe and Bonnie (of Bonnie and Clyde) all wrapped up in one person! What a hoot. This is a book you just don't want to miss!
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Summary: Remarkable!
Review: The story is totally off the wall, but the characters involved make it totally believable. You will fall in love with Peejoe, and applaud Lucille. The story of racism which ties the whole book together is remarkable. A definite must read.
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Summary: Great contrasting stories in one book; quirky, unexpected
Review: This book really held my interest, moving from the serious aspects of a southern family at the height of the civil rights movement, to the crazy antics of one of their own who peppers the story with the outlandish, the unexpected and her down-right hysterical behavior as she travels her own road. It was solid from page 1 to the very last word.
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