Rating: 
Summary: delightful humor and honesty ........
Review: This is a beautiful Southern novel that moves at it's own pace to paint a picture of a small town populated by unique individuals. It is told through the eyes and ears of a young boy, Louis Benfield. There is no pretense to the tale Louis passes on to the reader, merely a child relaying what he has heard being said between adults or to him by an adult. The naivete and the simple artless manner that Louis passes on the information he has heard in conversations is the key to this delightful tale. The stories all center at some point on Miss Myra Angelique, who was the beloved sister of the former Mayor.
The stories each take on a life of their own, but eventually find their way back to Miss Myra Angelique. This book is full of wonderful Southern sayings and "wisdom" that will leave you laughing at their simplicity and homespun quality. There is however an underlying complexity to this wisdom that weaves it's way into the Southern tale. T.R. Pearson leaves no stone unturned, even delving into the realities of prejudice and intolerance, not with any judgement involved, but as a part of the history of the town of Neely observed and interpretted through Louis's young eyes, heart and soul. T.R. Pearson can truly join the ranks of the true, great Southern writers. He portrays the Southern culture with delightful humor and honesty that evokes thoughtfulness and deliberation on the true meaning of the tale that has been carefully crafted with a casual feel.
Rating:
Summary: delightful humor and honesty ........
Review: This is a beautiful Southern novel that moves at it's own pace to paint a picture of a small town populated by unique individuals. It is told through the eyes and ears of a young boy, Louis Benfield. There is no pretense to the tale Louis passes on to the reader, merely a child relaying what he has heard being said between adults or to him by an adult. The naivete and the simple artless manner that Louis passes on the information he has heard in conversations is the key to this delightful tale. The stories all center at some point on Miss Myra Angelique, who was the beloved sister of the former Mayor.
The stories each take on a life of their own, but eventually find their way back to Miss Myra Angelique. This book is full of wonderful Southern sayings and "wisdom" that will leave you laughing at their simplicity and homespun quality. There is however an underlying complexity to this wisdom that weaves it's way into the Southern tale. T.R. Pearson leaves no stone unturned, even delving into the realities of prejudice and intolerance, not with any judgement involved, but as a part of the history of the town of Neely observed and interpretted through Louis's young eyes, heart and soul. T.R. Pearson can truly join the ranks of the true, great Southern writers. He portrays the Southern culture with delightful humor and honesty that evokes thoughtfulness and deliberation on the true meaning of the tale that has been carefully crafted with a casual feel.
Rating: 
Summary: A wondrous book, told through the eyes of a child
Review: This is a book that I did not ever want to come to the end of. I thoroughly enjoy reading storiestold through the eyes of children (To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom Sawyer, Catcher In The Rye, to name a few), and A Short History Of A Small Place ranks with the very best of those stories. I admire the author of this book greatly because I think adults are quick to forget how we viewed the world as children, and T. R. Pearson remembers incredibly well and is able to remind/involve his readers and take them back to those times. This is a book that literally makes you laugh out loud and leads you to re-reading certain parts because they were so enjoyable and made you think to yourself "Hey, I remember exactly how that felt!" How wonderful that Pearson could so succinctly put into words feelings and senses that are all too often unexpressable. I truly admire Pearson for his magnificent writing. It's a wondrous story that I will always remember. And I will read it again and again.
Rating:
Summary: The Best American Novel I Have Ever Read!
Review: This was the first novel of author T.R. Pearson's I read. Although I read most of his other offerings, none can match this book for the enjoyment and pleasure it offers.I read it at least once a year. I have a well-worn softback and a new softback I keep just to own. Now I am finally getting to purchase my own hardcover copy. Pearson's writing style makes you feel was though you know the people of Neely, N.C. and wish you really were a native of the town and allowed to be a participant in the events that swirl around their small town. I have wished repeatedly that this novel was offered as an audiobook. I have often had my doubts as to whether any 'audio-book-reader' could get through the dialogue and the detailed wordy descriptions of the various events without breaking into peals of laughter. Many times I have endeavored to share my favorite portions of this novel with friends, who either have or have not read the book, however I can never complete these passages aloud without tears in my eyes, an ache in my stomach, and becoming completely unable to verbally articulate. The vividly-drawn rambling descriptions sketch such hilarious mind pictures that reading the pages without laughter and enjoyment is impossible. Pearson's southern composition style is actually how my mind works (maybe because I am just a southern girl) and this makes the book read like my own thoughts. I would love for every individual who enjoys reading for pleasure to read this book, which I believe is destined to be a classic. To miss it is a travisty. Get your copy and become acquainted with the citizens of Neely today.
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