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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
this book was much better than I expected. I enjoyed the movie back when it came out, but as always the book was much better.
A mostly unmemorable, but basically entertaining, account of two parallel stories. The first traces the zany escapade of a woman who kills her husband, then travels with his severed head out to California in an effort to seek her fame as a star in Hollywood. This storyline seemed intended to bring lightness and humor to the book, but didn't really appeal to me. The second story is that of Peejoe, a young boy witnessing the beginnings of the civil rights movement in his small town in Alabama.
This book suffered from what I've taken to calling the bookends problem. There is probably an official name for this, but I don't know it. Basically, the book starts with one chapter in the "present" tense, then the whole book is historical, followed by an epilogue that tries to tell what happened to everyone after that in a few pages. Occasionally, this is an effective way to cabin a story; more often, it seems a lazy way to get on and off stage for an author who can't be bothered to think of beginnings and endings that fit the bulk of the work. This problem seems to happen most often in debut novels, but it appears that Childress is an experienced author who should have known better.
Also, as a final warning, the book contained fairly frequent, and mostly unnecessary, sex scenes as part of the crazy-woman story arc. Readers who don't appreciate this should skip this one.
This book suffered from what I've taken to calling the bookends problem. There is probably an official name for this, but I don't know it. Basically, the book starts with one chapter in the "present" tense, then the whole book is historical, followed by an epilogue that tries to tell what happened to everyone after that in a few pages. Occasionally, this is an effective way to cabin a story; more often, it seems a lazy way to get on and off stage for an author who can't be bothered to think of beginnings and endings that fit the bulk of the work. This problem seems to happen most often in debut novels, but it appears that Childress is an experienced author who should have known better.
Also, as a final warning, the book contained fairly frequent, and mostly unnecessary, sex scenes as part of the crazy-woman story arc. Readers who don't appreciate this should skip this one.
I read this a looooonnnnngggg time ago but I remember loving it - laughing out loud and recommending it to everyone. Fun read.
The parallel stories of two members of an Alabama family during the civil rights era. Lucille travels from Alabama to Hollywood to try to land a role on The Beverly Hillbillies (and to avoid justice back home) while Peejoe is caught in the middle of racial clashes in his town.
It is very clear from early on why this was a New York Times notable book. The writing is fabulous and the characters are entertaining. The book also tackles some very tough subjects in a thoughtful, provoking way. I do have to say that I may have given this book 5 stars, but I found Lucille's story to be overly graphic in more ways than one. I still highly recommend this.
It is very clear from early on why this was a New York Times notable book. The writing is fabulous and the characters are entertaining. The book also tackles some very tough subjects in a thoughtful, provoking way. I do have to say that I may have given this book 5 stars, but I found Lucille's story to be overly graphic in more ways than one. I still highly recommend this.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed reading this book, and it made me reflect on modern day events in ways I wasn't expecting to. I enjoyed the two different narrators providing two interlaced stories, and I found myself feeling connected to them. Although I didn't like the ending because nothing worked out as I hoped, I still very much enjoyed the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism
Minor: Gore, Incest
I really enjoyed this! It was such a pleasant surprise because I picked it up not knowing anything whatsoever about it and ended up being completely drawn in by the story. It is quirky, funny, dark and sad. On the one hand a coming of age story about a young boy in Alabama growing up during the time of civil rights and MLK, while on the other hand the story of one woman‰ŰŞs awakening of self via some pretty dark events. Childress has managed to portray really serious, hefty topics while also maintaining a quirkiness that adds a redeeming quality to the story.
Lucille is on her way from Alabama to Hollywood to become a star on The Beverly Hillbillies. She has poisoned her husband and has his head in a Tupperware container which she keeps with her at all times. Childress does an excellent job of capturing the flavor of the turbulent 1960s as well as making the horrific seem comedic. My favorite scene involves Lucille, the Tupperware, a formal get-together and a yappy little dog. I laughed and cried through this novel.