Reviews

One Mississippi by Mark Childress

howifeelaboutbooks's review against another edition

3.0

This book was very well-written, it was my first Mark Childress novel and I was blown away by it. I thought it was a very interesting and realistic story about a boy, Daniel, uprooted during the already-difficult high school years. His family moves to Mississippi and he has to adjust to basically being sent back into the past, where race is still an issue. There is a lot of action throughout this book, vivid experiences had by Daniel and his friend Tim. However, a scene at the book's ending is a little out of the blue. While it didn't bother me too much, my parents read it and hated it because of the ending. Living through that time period made them realize how unlikely the ending events were. It is a good story but I probably wouldn't recommend it because of that reason.

sek73's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book and then I lost it! Just found it at the library so can't wait to read the rest of it.

jrosenstein's review

4.0

One Mississippi , like all great novels, is tied in a specific time and place but also manages to seem familiar and universal. Childress throws a lot in this book, comedy and tragedy, race, sex, family dynamics, bad fashion and pop music, and somehow it all feels unified and coherent. I liked that I wasn't ever quite sure where he was going or what relationship was going to prove the most important to the main character. I can't agree with the blurb from Stephen King on the cover, "Funniest novel I have read in ten years!" but I can definitely agree that this book is something special.

mbpartlow's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of the best books I have ever read. The author is superb, and does such a good job covering such a vast range of topics in this boy's life, and so seamlessly....words fail me. Parts of this book will make you laugh out loud, and parts will make you weep.

For sure, you'll always be wary when you fasten your seatbelt. :)

susan_e's review

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

leach2225's review against another edition

4.0

Good coming of age book. I liked it for that reason. Good read but a little drawn out.

villianess's review against another edition

2.0

In reading this book, it had a way of taking me back to my teen years and some of the crazy things that I did. To see life through a 17 year old boys mind was not only interesting but a little disturbing. To harbor revenge and not let offenses to and what that can do to a person, gave me pause to think, about the times in my life that I have done the same thing. I haven't taken it to the extent that Tim did, but have wanted to a couple of time. I just found other releases. The book takes a turn in the end that I didn't see coming. One statement that Tim makes is, "In a world of 3 billion people, how can I feel so alone." It is something that I have thought a lot about since finishing the book. How many people at work, church, etc are there with a canned smile and yet feeling alone?
Would I recommend this book.... you have to know that there are sexual thought, hello a 17 year old boy, and swearing, but not altogether a bad read.

hopecaldwell's review against another edition

3.0

This was fun to read but none of his other books can compare, in my opinion, to "Crazy in Alabama" by Childress.

bpowers08's review against another edition

2.0

Starts out good; it seems to be a teenage coming of age novel. Goes down hill quickly. The guy is a good writer but the story is weak.

myra_c's review against another edition

4.0

i am half way through this book - LOVE it! love the characters, the setting, the plot. i needed a lighter read and this hit the spot.