Redneck Heaven: Portrait of a Vanishing Culture

by Bethany E. Bultman

Meet Sherma Rae, whose homemade doormat greets "Get a Warrant." You won't forget Kathy Richard, creator of alligator-bone jewelry, and her cowboy husband, Johnny, innovator of the "Cajun-uzzi," a jacuzzi made from a vintage chest freezer.
These are some of the men and women documentary filmmaker and journalist Bethany Bultman met on her five-year odyssey to find the fiercely independent, hard-fighting breed called rednecks. From the Old West to New England, she traces the history of this unexplored culture from its Celtic origins to today's rodeos, truck stops, honky-tonks, and fundamentalist churches. In this exuberantly illustrated book, Bultman captures the essence of their world through interviews with hundreds of people, from snake handlers and gun handlers to Lady Bird Johnson, Charlie Daniels, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, and Jeff Foxworthy. You'll explore cultural artifacts, from the seat-of-your-pants philosophy of country music to recipes for Velveeta Fudge, and learn surprising uses for cola, not to mention surefire ways to become Miss Swine Festival. Redneck Heaven takes you to the heartland of America, where you'll meet real folks bursting with swagger, resourcefulness, and unforgettable wisdom.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I had no idea about the history of the Celts. I knew about them but not that they were more difficult to get along with than most peoples, were known for their fighting power and the woman were also noted for being fighters. Nor did I know how far wide their tribes were spread across Europe and that they went to the New World and then from Nova Scotia to Louisiana. The Anglo Saxon had driven them from Europe and then from NS. I especially liked the stories of the individuals, the pictures, the recipes were fascinating and how the author thinks this culture will fare in the future. It is an excellent book, a worth while and entertaining read.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Painless learning, the best kind. I truly enjoyed the writing style, and appreciated the hands-on research. She actually talked to real rednecks, researched the parallels in behavior, traced the history. If you're expecting any "here's your sign" or "you might be a redneck if" stereotyping or ridicule, check out the comedy videos on YouTube. Bultiman has respect for her subjects and I came away with a whole new respect and appreciation for the American Redneck as a full culture.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what is a redneck? Why are they so reviled? And is there anything to be proud of in being one?

Ms. Bultman explores all these questions, including the history of this remarkable clan of men and women with questionable tastes but undoubted style, pride and class all their own. Rednecks are fiercely proud, deeply loyal and unquestionably religious. They come from fierce warrior clans and have no trouble reminding you of it when they’re pounding somebody into the dust.

Step inside this book and you’ll be seeing that redneck good ole boy in the trailer in a brand new light.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book commits the ultimate crime: It's dull as hell.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written by someone who didn't seem to have a very good idea about the region. Disappointing.