| The autobiography of Bragg's upbringing in the poor and rural south of the 1960's is moving, tragic, and uniquely American. His story pays homage to the selfless efforts of his mother to raise her three young sons without the assistance of their heavy drinking and abusive Korean War vet father. Growing up not realizing the sacrifices she has made for them, Bragg feels indebted to his mother for all she as done without in her life. He pushes himself to become a better son and writer, starting out as a sports reporter for a local daily newspaper in Alabama, working his way up to the NY Times, a prestigious fellowship to Harvard, and a Pulitzer Prize for journalism.
Bragg delves into the difficult relationship with his estranged father and later his younger brother, whose behavior as an adult mirrors that of their dad. He is forthright in assessing his own shortcomings and personality quirks. Braggs also talks about how the unsettling and horrific stories he writes for the Times haunt him months after his reporting trips are over and the events have faded from the nation's consciousness. Despite all his personal and professional accomplishments, he is proudest of having saved enough money to buy his mother a home of her own in her hometown in Alabama. Bragg's lifestory which reads like a work of fiction is compelling and ultimately uplifting. | ||
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Plot & Themes job/profession: Ethnic/Relig. of subject (inside) Gender/Class story? - story of lower class Job/profession/poverty story Yes Kind of living: - general poverty story Ethnic/regional/gender Yes Period of greatest activity? - 1950+ Subject of Biography Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity - White Nationality - American Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 8 () United States Yes The US: - Deep South The Americas (not US): Yes The Americas: - The Caribbean Farm/Ranch? Yes Farm/Ranch: - lot of descript of crop raising Small town? Yes Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee Century: - 1980's-Present Writing Style Book makes you feel? - thoughtful |
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