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alexandramariealley's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
historyguru2007's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
blbell614's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a refreshing concept that I found informative, entertaining, and thoughtful. They write as they speak and speak from experience. They are all comedians who grew up in the conservative south and discuss racism, sexism, religion, substance abuse, southern culture, and politics from the perspective of people who grew up in the culture but have not allowed themselves to be completely immersed in the negative aspects. They are openly liberal, discuss the reasons why southerners tend to vote conservatively (even when it goes against their best interest), but do point out hypocritical behavior of liberals/progressives that is important. I feel like it has given me some perspective in this worrisome, post-election climate along with several laugh-out-loud moments.
kristirose's review against another edition
3.0
Shortly after the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, I saw Trae Crowder on Bill Maher's show. He said something that really stuck with me, "Do you want to be right? Or do you want to win?" This led me to track down a copy of this book.
It was an interesting read. I found it to be a little depressing and irksome at times. However, it did make me think.
The book's editing annoyed me quite a bit. In order to add humor and a more personal touch, Porch Talks or asides were scattered throughout the book. The issue to me was that they were inserted mid-sentence most of the time. In retrospect, I wish that I had purchased the audio book version instead of the hardback book.
It was an interesting read. I found it to be a little depressing and irksome at times. However, it did make me think.
The book's editing annoyed me quite a bit. In order to add humor and a more personal touch, Porch Talks or asides were scattered throughout the book. The issue to me was that they were inserted mid-sentence most of the time. In retrospect, I wish that I had purchased the audio book version instead of the hardback book.
nabenn67's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book! Here are my thoughts why, in no particular order.
1) It is hilarious! These guys are comedians, so that makes sense, but they are also intelligent, kind, and well-spoken.
2) It's even funnier if you are hearing the words in Trae's southern accent. His videos have gone viral for a reason. If you haven't watched one, do that first! Trust me, it will make the book even better if you hear it in the 'twang as intended.
3) It's hilarious! Oh, I said that already. But it's true. There are a lot of footnotes that you absolutely shouldn't skip (like I know you did in school) because those are some of the funniest parts.
4) You WILL be offended at some point. I can't tell you why because offense is a very personal matter, but I can guarantee that at some point in this book you will be offended by something. Could be minor, could be major, but it will happen. But that's okay. People (definitely including myself in this!) need to get out of their bubble more frequently and see how other people live.
5) I lived in the South for 12 years after high school (well, Tampa doesn't really count as the "South", but Tallahassee does) and I found myself nodding along with the laughter as I pictured the people I knew that matched what was in the book. They are not making these things up just to be funny.
6) The South has a lot to be ashamed about, but it also has a lot of reasons to be proud. Which is true for the rest of the country as well, so don't think us Yanks are so much better. This book reminds us of that and tackles some pretty heavy subjects with knowledge and humor. We should all be open to what is being said and act accordingly.
I really loved this book, y'all. (Which is actually a great gender-neutral term that I think we should start using more frequently. A group of men don't want to be referred to as "you gals", so why do we call a group of women "you guys"? Y'all covers everyone equally!)
1) It is hilarious! These guys are comedians, so that makes sense, but they are also intelligent, kind, and well-spoken.
2) It's even funnier if you are hearing the words in Trae's southern accent. His videos have gone viral for a reason. If you haven't watched one, do that first! Trust me, it will make the book even better if you hear it in the 'twang as intended.
3) It's hilarious! Oh, I said that already. But it's true. There are a lot of footnotes that you absolutely shouldn't skip (like I know you did in school) because those are some of the funniest parts.
4) You WILL be offended at some point. I can't tell you why because offense is a very personal matter, but I can guarantee that at some point in this book you will be offended by something. Could be minor, could be major, but it will happen. But that's okay. People (definitely including myself in this!) need to get out of their bubble more frequently and see how other people live.
5) I lived in the South for 12 years after high school (well, Tampa doesn't really count as the "South", but Tallahassee does) and I found myself nodding along with the laughter as I pictured the people I knew that matched what was in the book. They are not making these things up just to be funny.
6) The South has a lot to be ashamed about, but it also has a lot of reasons to be proud. Which is true for the rest of the country as well, so don't think us Yanks are so much better. This book reminds us of that and tackles some pretty heavy subjects with knowledge and humor. We should all be open to what is being said and act accordingly.
I really loved this book, y'all. (Which is actually a great gender-neutral term that I think we should start using more frequently. A group of men don't want to be referred to as "you gals", so why do we call a group of women "you guys"? Y'all covers everyone equally!)
bmurby's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, so first of all, if you read this book you have to get the audiobook. Hearing the authors read this is hilarious and brings so much more depth to the writing. I overall liked this books and they made some GREAT points. However, and i feel like this is a big however, the authors were a bit hypocritical in my opinion. They spent a lot of time in this book telling people not to stereotype southern people and that there is more to them that drinking, republican voting, fishing, and drugs. When they came to the chapter on women though it was nothing but a stereotype. Apparently southern women aren't anything more than smoking, drinking, cooking, barefoot rednecks. I must not be a good southern women because I do none of those things. I would still recommend the book as it was funny and timely with the current political situation we are in. I also love the authors. I just didn't like that one little bit.
jamesknight's review against another edition
2.0
Serving more as an introduction to Southern culture and its associated problems, The Liberal Redneck Manifesto too often hides behind humor instead of standing with a statement. As an Appalachian/North Carolina man, I can attest to the accuracy of the rural life the book portrays, although it is only a focused segment of the South: straight, white males from the Appalachian region. It's unlikely this work will change any minds but it may be enlightening for those of a similar thought that have not experienced Southern culture firsthand. The autobiographical segments are the true stand-outs, especially when paired with a statement. This brings about the chapter: "Pillbillies" detailing the opioid epidemic and it's origin in rural Appalachia. Trae Crowder is very personally involved with this chapter and the chapter shines for it. This is also the chapter with the broadest appeal to all political persuasions and helps illuminate the difficulties of not only fighting the epidemic but aiding its victims as well. The most important segment comes at the end, when the authors, particularly Trae Crowder, make their plea to their fellow Southerners who are not liberal rednecks. Sadly, it's unlikely many who disagree with the authors were persuaded to read that far.