One Mississippi

I'm not going to waste time rehashing the observations of others, but I do agree that this book covers a lot of ground. I found this story to be utterly hilarious at times, depressing and menoncholy at others. Childress does a good job of keeping a scattered plot together with engaging characters, a wicked sense of humor, and astute cultural observations. I'm sure some would find themes in this book mildly disturbing if not offensive (I'm thinking of older or culturally conservative folks here-- no disrespect, though) but I think he managed to step on and off the soapbox without irritating the reader too badly. Not bad. It gets a full 5 because I seriously did laugh aloud several times! :)

Having just finished "One Mississippi" I must say that this book was a wonderfully entertaining read yet emotional. The subject of this book could be a kid in your neighborhood, in your childs classroom, a clerk in the video store you shop in or even your kid. Teenage suicide is at an amazing high today and sexual orientation is many times the cause. Mark Childress, the author, has delivered a story of innocence and tragedy. What a great read! I couldn't put it down until I was done.

I absolutely loved this book. This is a touching and revealing comment on racism and several other equally silly ideas. Mr. Childress has managed to mix issues of today with the issues of yesterday and make us wonder if anything has really changed at all. An often humorous look at a number of characters who at first seem so unusual, but in the end, somehow, reflect a little of each of us. A Southern charmer! A well-deserved 5-stars!!!

This book is one you don't want to miss! As a huge fan of Childress' novel "Crazy in Alabama" I had to see if this book was in the same league. I was afraid I would be disappointed, but was definitely not. I could not put this book down and am only disappointed that I finished it so quickly. I just hope I don't have to wait 10 more years before another Childress novel is published. If you are a fan of Southern fiction, you will love this book. Even if you are not a fan of Southern fiction, I am sure you will equally love it!

Don't miss this darkly comic book. The hilarity of the first chapter alone is worth the cover price. I was immediately transported back to my teen years in the 1970's. My husband and I were howling in recognition before page 10. Childress, as always, finds ways to help us rethink family, race and religion. We're left wondering whether to laugh or cry. We can't help laughing at his crazy characters and crying as we identify with their full-blown humanity.