The Cracker Queen: A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life

Most people would remain crushed and wounded from the circumstances of this author's hardscrabble childhood. Drunken fights between her parents, her mama's mental breakdown, her daddy's early demise, and daily hand-to-mouth existence were just some of the hardships that Lauretta Hannon endured growing up in middle Georgia. Yet, somehow, she emerged not only unscarred, but filled with a large, encompassing joy. Anyone who has heard her talk about her childhood in person or on National Public Radio knows this about her. As the Cracker Queen, she's collected quite a following for her advice to "live out loud, laugh hard, and love life to death." In Cracker Queen: Stories of a Jagged, Joyful Life, the author's well-written prose masterfully captures both the laugh-out-loud funny and the poignant about growing up amid rabble-rousing, larger-than-life kith and kin. Her family may be flawed, yes, but beyond the boozing, brawling, and breakdowns, Lauretta Hannon leaves no doubt a bone-deep love coursed through her bloodline, an abiding connection that continues to feed her spirit. That she is able to convey that so readily in this first book indicates hers is a huge new talent in the world of words. I look forward to reading her next book as much as I envy those who are just settling in to read Cracker Queen for the first time.

I've been a little lonesome and somewhat of a loner all of my life, and now I know why. Laurette Hannon and I are long lost sisters seperated at birth. It explains so much. Get lost in the poor south. The south that never had a cotillion, never argued over who would get Great-great grandma's silver, and considered a moon pie to be a real treat. Learn that the down and out doesn't despise the other down and outers. Feel compassion as only one poor southerner can feel for people who would appear to be "well off". Rebel against authority that looks down on you. Love your family and learn how to accept and love them in the package they come in. It will be a blessing for both of you when you get there. I loved this book. I reccomend to someone who needs a laugh, to feel loved and accepted and who wants to know people that they can love back without fear.

It is not easy to share the not so sunny side of one's experience. The fact that Lauretta Hannon does this with ease and perfect humor makes me feel connected to the author, and the universe at large. As I zipped through each engaging page of Hannon's work, I became increasingly inspired to rise above everything that holds me back. The Cracker Queen is an invitation to learn from, laugh at and get beyond yesterday and to march into tomorrow with a large can of Whup @#$. I highly recommend this read as an emotional cleanser. If I wasn't laughing, I was crying and I feel all the better for it.

I listened to Lauretta Hannon, the Cracker Queen, on National Public Radio; All Things Considered, savoring each story and excited about hearing the next. I wanted to read the book the same way, read some, then put the book down to save for later. I couldn't, I just couldn't stop myself. Lauretta pulls you in, as if you were right there with her in her less than perfect extremely entertaining life.

Not being much of a book person I found myself unable to put The Cracker Queen down! Lauretta Hannon's story captivated me immediately! The Cracker Queen is a MUST READ!! You will find yourself in laughter, tears and totally moved by her special story. Definitely a fabulous memoir from a very determined, down to earth, TOTALLY Southern woman! Hats off to an incredible woman! Josi Squires - 101.1 FM WYDE Birmingham, AL.