Redbirds: Memories from the South

Rating:
Summary: Buyer Beware
Review: I give this book a five star rating-the same rating I would give ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN'-because it is exactly the same book. It is printed on cheaper paper and doesn't have the pictures, but the text is the same. If this information is anywhere in the listing for REDBIRDS, I couldn't find it. I give zero stars to the sales tactics.

Rating:
Summary: Authentic America
Review: So often the South is the subject of shock-horror redneck tales, overblown gothic drama or mint julep marinated romance. By way of contrast, Rick Bragg's writing is illuminating and compassionate, but there's no sentimentality or slush to wade through. Bragg is a journalist who has won the privilege of roaming his territory in a way many journalists would (...) for, but few could emulate. (Which is why virtually none get to do this kind of thing.) Redbirds is a perfect antidote - particularly for a foreigner - to the America portrayed by Hollywood. Its rare authority and authenticity makes it a must-read and memorable book.

Rating:
Summary: Authentic America
Review: So often the South is the subject of shock-horror redneck tales, overblown gothic drama or mint julep marinated romance. By way of contrast, Rick Bragg's writing is illuminating and compassionate, but there's no sentimentality or slush to wade through. Bragg is a journalist who has won the privilege of roaming his territory in a way many journalists would kill for, but few could emulate. (Which is why virtually none get to do this kind of thing.) Redbirds is a perfect antidote - particularly for a foreigner - to the America portrayed by Hollywood. Its rare authority and authenticity makes it a must-read and memorable book.

Rating:
Summary: Redbirds is the same book as All Over But the Shoutin'
Review: This is a terrific book, equal in every way to All Over but the Shoutin', which I bought and read first. I know this because when I bought Redbirds from Amazon.com and opened the cover I saw immediately that this is exactly the same book as All Over But the Shoutin', although nothing on the Amazon.com website reveals this basic fact. Perhaps Amazon.com is unaware that these two books are the same piece of writing, word for word, except for the title and cover. The only difference is that Redbirds was publised in the UK for the British market. Please note this fact if you do not wish to own two copies of the same volume.