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One reason Rick Bragg won a Pulitzer Prize for his feature articles at the New York Times is that he never forgets his roots. When he writes about death and violence in urban slums, Bragg draws on firsthand knowledge of how poverty deforms lives and on his personal belief in the dignity of poor people. His memoir of a hardscrabble Southern youth pays moving tribute to his indomitable mother and struggles to forgive his drunken father. All Over but the Shoutin' is beautifully achieved on both these counts--and many more.
Book Description
A haunting memoir about growing up dirt-poor in the Alabama hills--and about moving on but never really being able to leave.
The extraordinary gifts for evocation and insight and the stunning talent for story- telling that earned Rick Bragg a Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 1996 are here brought to bear on the wrenching story of his own family's life. It is the story of a war-haunted, hard-drinking father and a strong-willed, loving mother who struggled to protect her sons from the effects of poverty and ignorance that had constricted her own life. It is the story of the life Bragg was able to carve out for himself on the strength of his mother's encouragement and belief. And it is the story of his attempts to both atone for and avenge the mistakes and cruelties of his past.
All Over but the Shoutin' is a gripping account of people struggling to make sense and solidity of life's capricious promises. A classic piece of Americana, it is made vividly, movingly particular by Rick Bragg's searching vision, generous humor, and richly nuanced voice.
Customer Reviews:
Ignore the man behind the curtain!.......2007-09-05
I read this book before I remembered that Rick Bragg had resigned in ignominy from The New York Times in May, 2003, after reports surfaced that he had relied almost exclusively on reporting from a free-lance writer to produce an article, and that he had relied similarly on reportage from stringers and interns to construct other articles he had supposedly written himself and took sole credit for. I liked, and was moved by, the stories this book tells well enough but thought his writing style and punctuation that of a lazy person, for the most part, oddly enough. The stories he tells about his upbringing in the most limited and wrenching of circumstances (and his drive to overcome his birthright ever since) are heartbreaking and inspiring up to a point. As other reviewers have pointed out, his reports of the abuse done to him, his mother, and his brothers by his alcoholic father are credible enough, and reports of violence and political upheaval from Haiti and other distant locales are brilliant and emotionally charged, but one has difficulty grasping how he himself feels about what he is seeing with his own eyes in these unsettling situations. (Perhaps that is because he wasn't actually there??) Bragg seems to have gotten by in many situations throughout his life via bluster and bravado, having never actually had the credentials (i.e., a college degree, for one thing) to function, otherwise, as a respected journalist. He does indeed wear his childhood of poverty and neglect, and, for whatever reasons, his inability to form sustained and commited relationships with others, like a hair shirt that he dares anyone to look underneath.
I loved it. Really loved it........2007-07-27
Although I could relate to his childhood a bit I felt the pain of Rick's mother more then anything. I felt I have somewhat walked in her shoes and the determination to do anything so your children do not have to go without embraced me. It was a great book that pulled at my hear strings. His descriptions were so vivid that it took me there. Great Job!
Superbly written.......2007-05-06
This book is a glimpse into the author's life, of days gone by and of life as it was (and in some places still is) in the south. In reading you felt his family, the occasions he wrote of, and could visualize the surrounding it all took place in. He is truly gifted as are those for whom he writes. I also recommend Ava's Man, also written by him. Both are must reads.
So, so good.......2007-05-01
I listened to this. My husband recommended it. I had just finished "Prodigal Summer" by Barbara Kingsolver and was in a southern frame of mind. How life in the south has changed, life in the world.
To plagerized Frank McCourt, what's interesting about a happy childhood? Like Angela's Ashes this is a powerful memoir and a tribute to a mother's love and family. Although Rick Bragg had some supportive family on his momma's side. I also thought of Dorothy Allison and "Bastard Out of Carolina."
I stepped out of my California life during the 60's, 70's, 80's, on...this was not my life, nor the life I often saw depicted on TV or in movies. As a writer I am inspired to keep typing, keep plugging, continue to honor my momma and love my children and fellow human beings...
Well written, provactive and well worth the read (audio).
All over but the Shoutin' .......2007-04-11
If you can get only "one book" I implore you to get this one. I cannot remember the last time I cried when I finished a book. I cried for him. I cried for myself. I cried for its truth and his courage in telling it. I cried because it could have been me. I cried because in many ways it was me. Read it and weep. Read it and rejoice. Read it and SHOUT!
Product Description
When Rick Bragg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, thought about writing an appreciation of his mother and a memoir of his life, he hesitated. How would mama feel about seeing her life in print? When he asked her, she told him, Write it, especially since she had remained quiet about her life for 50 years. All Over but the Shoutin tells the story of a woman who endures years of hardship and deprivation to raise her three sons. It is not a simple tale. She is fueled by a complex mixture of pride, resignation, and determination which are also passed on to her children. As an adult, Rick Bragg tries to pay her back for all she has done, but it isnt easy. She is too used to denying her own desires. Against the backdrop of a dirt-poor South, Rick Braggs story becomes more than just a sons words of praise for his mother. Its examination of the bonds that hold a family together is perceptive and heartbreaking. Narrator Frank Mullers superb voice evokes the soft twangs and musical lilts of Rick Braggs homeland.
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All Over but the Shoutin'
Manufacturer: Recorded Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: B000FTDV0W |
Amazon.com
Civil War historian Frank E. Vandiver prefaces his book with the confession that "the length, breadth, cost, and anguish of the American Civil War cannot be encompassed in 1001 entries." He does, however, give it a good shot, offering up a "highly personal selection" of Civil War people, places, and events. Vandiver is careful to avoid words such as "essential" when describing his list--it's clear that some entries are included because they're funny. (For example, General Joseph Hooker did little to discourage female camp followers, thus lending his name to practitioners of the oldest profession.)
The entries are arranged chronologically from the start of the war to some final analyses and presented as a coherent (though slightly choppy) narrative. Capsule biographies of important figures are interspersed with information on munitions, individual battles, technology, medicine, and "oddities"--factoids which Vandiver takes obvious pleasure in relating.
Although the book is aimed primarily at the general reader, Civil War buffs will still enjoy learning about the lesser-known figures, such as Mrs. Mary Jackson, who led a mob of women in a food riot in Richmond, and John Burns of Gettysburg, a septuagenarian who enlisted on the side of the Union. Dozens of black-and-white photographs illustrate the text and help make it an excellent choice for anyone interested in this sad part of American history. --C.B. Delaney
Book Description
What was "the twenty-slave law" and why did it divide the Confederacy?
What circumstances nearly forced Robert E. Lee to resign in 1863?
What was Grant's "crusher" strategy?
What did Booth yell as he jumped onto the stage at Ford's Theatre?
How did the Confederate Army win the last battle of the war?
What are the lyrics for "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"--and did you know it was written by a woman?
The Civil War lasted four years and consumed the American continent, spreading from Maine to California, Florida to Wyoming, and even into Canada. It was the last war of the American Revolution and the first war of the Industrial Revolution. More than a million men--a quarter of all men of fighting age--were killed or wounded or died of disease. Every imaginable resource was expended in the war effort, and at its end, a new Union arose from the wreckage of the old.
No war is simple or uncomplicated, but the history of the Civil War is extraordinarily complex. In his new book, esteemed historian Frank E. Vandiver catalogs the significant characters, events, and cultural phenomena of the war in 1001 concise entries. Whether you read it straight from beginning to end or thumb through haphazardly, you are sure to find every page full of essential facts and fascinating trivia, from a short history of the most famous Confederate spy to the grisly details of battlefield surgery.
1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the Civil War is an essential, exhaustive resource, covering the vote for secession, General Robert E. Lee's surrender, and everything in between.
Customer Reviews:
1001 Things/Civil War.......2002-01-16
I must admit that the seemingly conflicting reviews here encouraged me to read this book, and I discovered that the negative reviewers did not take the larger view that the author obviously did, and look at the war as a cost to both sides, and a tragedy and loss to both the North and South. (thus a battle is both a victory and a defeat...)Their comments seem mean-spirited and obviously not thought out; nor was the preface read by some of them! This author has done a difficult task- reducing the war into 1001 things- extremely well in my view; the biographical sketches were insightful and poetic and all of the battle descriptions were vivid and exciting. Excerpts from diaries and military papers and miniscule details show the depth of knowledge and the scope of research of this author. I would recommend it.
HOOKER DID NOT COURT THE HOOKERS.......2000-03-13
ANY HISTORIAN WHO CONFUSES THE NAME OF A GREAT GENERAL WITH THE ANCIENT PLYING OF HUMAN FLESH, AKA, HOOKERS, SHOULD BE FIRED FROM HIS POST AND REDUCED TO THE ENGAGEMENT WITH SADAM HUSSEIN. PERHAPS THE CONTEMPORY WORLD WOULD BETTER SUIT HIS KNOWLEDGE BASE.
1001 Thanks.......2000-02-25
Thanks to 2/14 "Sad" Review for piquing my curiosity, I got a copy and found Vandiver's 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the Civil War to be a lot of fun, breaches notwithstanding! In fact, I checked the entry "Sad" complains about with the source, Francis Miller's outstanding 10-volumn series, Photographic History of the Civil War. Miller too has General Sherman leaning on the "breach" of the gun! Misspelling aside, the book is a good one, and I am grateful to a scholar of Vandiver's stature for taking the time to do a popular work of this nature. 1001 Thanks!
Sad.......2000-02-15
It regrettable that a writer of Dr. Vandiver's stature lent his name to this poorly edited and apparently unproofed volume. ( One caption refers to the " breach " of a gun. ) Some interesting details but, essentially, below par.
An entertaining read that offers something for everyone.......2000-02-05
Books like this one---essentially "facts" books designed as quick and entertaining reference---are often misunderstood, as evidenced by several prior reviews in this forum! From reading this book, it is obvious that Frank Vandiver has encyclopedic knowledge of the War Between the States, and that there is something for everyone to learn by just reading it, including the Preface.
Book Description
The most widely adopted reader for international relations courses, Essential Readings in World Politics brings together a broad range of readings from classic and contemporary sources, following the organization of Karen Mingst's textbook. Over a quarter of the selections in this Second Edition are new, including articles focused on compelling recent themes in world politics, such as terrorism and interventionism. Structured largely in a point/counterpoint format to encourage class discussion and independent analysis, Essential Readings in World Politics is the perfect addition to any introductory course in international relations.
Customer Reviews:
Required Reading.......2006-11-04
I was given this book by my professor who said I might like to borrow it. When I opened up the book the first thing that I noticed is that I had either seen or read half of the articles it contained. All the big important journal articles in the whole field of international relations are availible in this book. It also contains chapters from John Mearsheimer, Kenneth Waltz, and other big "IR giants."
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with interest in IR theory.
Better than the Average "Reader".......2002-02-11
This book is better than your average world politics reader in the scope of material it covers. Each chapter is preceded by some comments from Mingst and Snyder which makes the text easier to follow for those learning about IR for the first time. Additionally, they cover a broad range of perspectives including those of a classical realist, neo-realist, liberalist, dependency theorist, feminist, Marxist, and more. I was especially impressed by the thoughtful inclusion of feminist articles in key chapters, and the unconventionality of including articles from Foreign Policy and The Economist. Some of the excerpts seem arbitrarily shortened or cut off (probably due to space constraints) and therefore I feel some crucial information was addressed too briefly (and in a couple cases not at all). However, this is a good introductory reader if one is interested in International Relations, World Politics, and the International Political Economy.
Book Description
The Essentials of Comparative Politics family— including a core textbook, reader, and casebook of country studies—is the most comprehensive, flexible, and affordable package for introductory courses. For this Second Edition, each book has been revised to best complement the others and updated to reflect recent developments.
This collection of readings provides an introduction to the classic works and contemporary ideas in comparative politics—and shows how they fit together into a larger understanding of the field. From Weber's conception of the state to Marx's prescription for a Communist utopia, the text offers a foundation in the traditional literature on key political concepts. And just as important, readers will also find divergent, often opposing, recent perspectives on these topics.
Book Description
In A New Duck, Paul visits a city park through the seasons and observes Mallard ducks as they develop from egg to duckling to fledgling.Children will enjoy reading the cumulative, sing-song verse patterned after "The House that Jack Built", and then peering under the flaps to learn interesting science facts. Also contains a note to parents suggesting ways of exploring nature - without disturbing it.
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Five First Ladies: A Look into the Lives of Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, Pat Nixon, and Lady Bird Johnson
Elizabeth Simpson Smith
Manufacturer: Walker & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
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Times of My Life
ASIN: 0802766412 |
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A First Look at Ducks, Geese, and Swans (1st Look at Series)
Millicent Ellis Selsam , and
Joyce Hunt
Manufacturer: Walker & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Zoology
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ASIN: 0802769756 |
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Birds (A First Look at Animals)
Diane James , and
Sara Lynn
Manufacturer: Two-Can Publishers
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1587288583 |
Book Description
Birds is a fun look at the way our feathered friends live. Dramatic photographs and informative text give children essential facts about various birds. Using simple vocabulary, the A First Look At Animals series explains how animals live, eat, and tend to their young. There's even a short quiz in the back of the book to let kids test their new animal knowledge. A great book for kids ages 3-7.
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Birds (First Look at S.)
Robin Kerrod
Manufacturer: Franklin Watts Ltd
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0851662218 |
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El Pato Paco: A First Look at Spanish
Anna Turner , and
Beth Kitching
Manufacturer: BJU Press
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ASIN: 0890847223 |
Book Description
El Pato Paco is the story of a little duck named Paco who can't understand where all his animal friends have gone. Join in his surprise and begin learning Spanish--the fun way--as you read Paco's story and listen to the accompanying cassette tape. Sing along and enjoy two lively Spanish songs; then finish up with color-your-own pictures of Paco and his friends.
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