Reader Impressions: Where I Come from: Stories from the Deep South, by Rick Bragg - December 2020

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

As this book consists of stories or essays, there isn't a separate discussion board for those who have finished it. Everyone can post here but please take care not to reveal information that might lessen other readers' enjoyment.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

I'll be listening to the audio version of this which is read by the author. It is available from Audible.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I'll be starting this one tonight. I bought the hardback for myself as an early Christmas gift. As a rule I don't do audio, but I have to admit that his southern drawl is mesmerizing to listen to.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I’m up next for this one at library. So should be good for December.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Diane wrote: "As a rule I don't do audio, but I have to admit that his southern drawl is mesmerizing to listen to."

I've found that Bragg and Sedaris are actually better in audio when they are reading their own material. Both are quintessential storytellers so what better way to enjoy their work than to have them telling you.

[Lori]

I’m also next for this at my library. Soon!!🤞🏻

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

This is so enjoyable, and perfect for this month, because just reading 3 or 4 essays a day is the way to do it. We all need those "pick up and put down anytime" books during busy times of year. I love this man, he makes me proud to be a southerner.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I finished this last night and loved every word. Some are hilarious, some are sad, all are perfect. Great choice for this month, thanks to whoever nominated it. I don't get Southern Living magazine, so almost all of these were new to me.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

I just started it yesterday and am already regretting that it is too short. I may have to go back and listen to My Southern Journey: True Stories from the Heart of the South again.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

I managed to find a Kindle copy available at a library so that I can share particularly good comments. I'm ultimately going to have to buy a copy. These are the kinds of stories you can reread over and over.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

What southern story is complete without a reference to a dead mule?

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I found myself nodding in agreement at everything he mentioned. I'll keep it in a handy spot on my bookshelf so I can re-read at will.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I’m close to done with this Bragg. Give yourself a gift by reading or listening to this one. I think you will recognize the south in this book. What a great way to finish up 2020.

[Lori]

I just got my copy from the library yesterday. Looking forward to settling in with it.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I read the real book, but just got on the library hold list for the audio. I do love his voice. Right Laura, great book to see out the year with.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

I loved the Letters to/from Santa. They were priceless.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I liked those too Tom. But there’s nothing I didn’t like.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Second book we’ve read this year to mention the song Boil that Cabbage Down.

[Lori]

Well, I just opened it up and read the prologue about Aunt Jo and tearing up! Happy tears because this feels so right!

I can definitely see a purchase for my own copy - Christmas present to myself - great idea Diane!

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Lori wrote: "I can definitely see a purchase for my own copy - Christmas present to myself.."

I bought the Audible version and will probably get a print or Kindle copy too when the price comes down a bit.

I finished it tonight. I may have to lobby for The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma's Table. I could read a phone book if he wrote it.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I loved Best Cook in the World, but borrowed it from the library. I need my own copy!

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Lori I had exact same response in those first pages. He lightens up after that. But your mouth may water after his food descriptions. .

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I was able to get the audio fairly quickly from my library, so I'll be listening for the next few days while I'm wrapping gifts. What a perfect southern voice and accent Bragg has.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I tried to order a Mayo & Tomato tshirt from the bitter southerner. They are all sold out. I like tshirts that can engage or are a good convo starter (after Covid!!!)

https://bsgeneralstore.com/collection...

One of my favorite summer sandwiches but has to be on a very soft, white bread!!!

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

So... I'm wrapping gifts this morning while listening to my downloaded audio from the library. The story about how bad a fisherman he was came on. My husband was in a nearby room listening by default. He kept chuckling and finally asked me what I was listening to. I think I just created a new fan!

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

My first Bragg was an audio with my hubby on a trip out west. It is a memory that stays with me. I think your story is cute and made me smile.

[Wyndy]

This book is like a big warm bear hug from your favorite human - the one who “gets” you without ever a word spoken. I’m feeling all the love and endorphins. Bragg is a long time favorite author of mine, and this is just one more reason why:

“I did not grow up gentle, or much enlightened. I grew up in an everyday racism; the Confederate flag license plates that rode on the front of our pickups hurt others like a thumb in the eye. It took me a while to get it, but it came to me, even as a boy. I do not need a statute or flag to know that I am Southern. I can taste it in the food, feel it in my heart, and hear it in the language of my kin.” ~ “The Best Of Who We Are”

Amen, Mr. Bragg.

[Lori]

Wyndy wrote: "This book is like a big warm bear hug from your favorite human - the one who “gets” you without ever a word spoken. I’m feeling all the love and endorphins. Bragg is a long time favorite author of ..."


Hear Hear, Wyndy!!! I thought that was spot on when I read it. This really is a spectacular compilation of southern life. 😁☺️😂 (some of my facial expressions as I read these stories)

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Great quote Wyndy. I thing Bragg himself is "The Best of Who we Are".

[Candi]

I just finished this last night - my first Bragg!! I'm hooked!! These were perfect for this time of year, as you mentioned, Diane. I was able to read an essay or two in between everything else going on. My mouth was watering, I smiled, I nodded - and I'm not even a Southern gal!

I also absolutely loved that quote you shared, Wyndy!

A couple of years ago I bought my mother The Best Cook in the World. I'm quite certain it's still sitting in a box of gifts from that year, untouched. I'm going to ask for it back!! :D

[Candi]

Oh, and the Tupperware was totally relatable, even up here in New York ;D

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

That cookbook is some good reading Candi. But every recipe uses lard, bacon grease or butter, sometimes all three! I remember eating that way when I was a kid, and how delicious everything was before we knew it would kill us. But of course, his mother is in her mid 80's, so it hasn't hurt her too much. But reading about it is good too, and then you get the family stories to go along with the recipes. By all means, ask for it.

[Candi]

I figured those recipes wouldn't have the American Heart Association seal of approval on them, Diane! :D My mother used to cook like this too (and still tries to from time to time), so I know just how good it can be. I'm looking forward to stealing that book back ;)

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

A few years ago I was at my mothers house and was cleaning up a few things in her kitchen. She hadn't cooked for years at that point, was mostly using the microwave for simple things. But there, right beside the stove, was a full coffee can full of old bacon grease! She just couldn't let it go. However, I threw it out, figured it was a fire hazard and full of bacteria. She complained about that til the day she died.

[Candi]

Haha! I'm sure it could not have been safe to keep around anymore, Diane! :)

[Lori]

What a funny story Diane. Every southern cook’s kitchen must have the bacon grease though. My mother in law taught me to keep it in an old coffee cup in the fridge.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

I'm loving this conversation. Took me a while to get a copy of this book but it's incoming.

[Beverly]

I wanted to read this book in December but I have been so distracted in my reading that I barely finished my self-assigned quota for 2020. I also wanted my own copy of this book and am pleased to say that one of my daughters gave it to me for Christmas.
Therefore, it will be one of my December reads moved to January, 2021.

And also, Happy New Year everyone and looking forward to our 2021 reads!

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Any time is a good time to read Bragg, Beverly! Happy New Year to you too!

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Any book by Bragg is a definite keeper. Happy new year to you as well.

[Camie]

I use more butter cooking at Christmastime than during the entire rest of the year, and then there’s that heart attack on a plate sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast casserole my kids keep asking for even though they’re long grown (we have 8 grandchildren.)
What a great book and discussion to end the year.
Happy New Year back at you !!