All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg was recommended on another book blog I read, though I can't remember which one at present. It is not a new book, by any means, but the first of many stories and memoirs about Bragg's family and growing up in the South.
Bragg grew up the middle child in an extremely poor family in 1960's Alabama. His father was an abusive drunk who, eventually, left his wife and three sons for good. His mother, Margaret, did whatever she could to put food on the table and give her sons the best life she could. They relied on the kindness of her large family throughout their lives. Bragg did not go to college but instead, found his way onto the staff as a writer at the local paper. Lots of years, hard work and amazing events later, Bragg became a Pulitzer Prize winning writer for the New York Times.
That was a brief synopsis and it doesn't really do this book justice. I thought All Over but the Shoutin' was beautifully written. Bragg's imagery is incredible and allows you to peer into the lives and minds of a family who works so hard to make it and a mother at the helm who never lets anyone feel sorry for her. If you're looking for incredibly descriptive and interesting nonfiction, give this one a try!
Rating: * * * *
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