Mini Reviews: The Bucolic Plague, Gods In Alabama and Ten Degrees of Reckoning
by Jenners • 06/24/2011 • 3 Stars, 3.5 Stars, 4 Stars, Adventure, B Titles, Fiction, G Titles, Humor, J Authors, K Authors, Memoir, Non-Fiction, R Authors, Southern Fiction, T Titles • 56 Comments
Only four more reviews and two trilogies to review and I’m all caught up! Until then, here are three more mini reviews.
The Bucolic Plague by Josh Kilmer-PurcellPublisher: Harper, 2010
Pages: 320
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Where I Got It: Bought it for my Kindle
My Rating: 4 stars
Brief Description: The subtitle pretty much sums up the book: “How Two Manhattanites Became Gentleman Farmers.” After stumbling upon the rundown but filled with potential Beekman Mansion near Sharon Springs, NY, Kilmer-Purcell (former drag queen turned advertising guru) and his partner Dr. Brent Ridge (who at the time was working as “Dr. Brent” for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia) impulsively decide to purchase the mansion and the surrounding 60 acres and become weekend farmers. Their experiences are chronicled in this highly amusing memoir.
My Thoughts: This was a such fun read! This is just how I like my memoirs: a writer with a wicked sense of humor, a “fish out of water” story (Kilmer-Purcell’s account of transporting a flock to baby goats to appear on Martha’s television show was downright hilarious), and celebrity close encounters (mostly with Martha Stewart herself, who Kilmer-Purcell regards with a mix of wonder, admiration, snark and disbelief). Mixed in with the light-hearted and humorous account of their farming experiences is the story of a relationship that starts to flounder due to financial strains and a schedule that leaves little time for togetherness. The fact that Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge ended up making a reality show about the Beekman (called The Fabulous Beekman Boys and airing on Planet Green) after this book was released was a relief to me, as I was rooting for this couple to stay together and continue making the Beekman a successful working farm. A delight from start to finish, I would highly recommend this book to just about anyone.
Gods in Alabama (Audio Book) written by Joshilyn Jackson and narrated by Catherine TaberPublisher: Hachette Audio, 2005
Length: 8 hours and 6 minutes
Genre: Fiction
Where I Got It: Downloaded it from Audible
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Brief Description: The precursor to Jackson’s book Backseat Saints, Gods In Alabama tells the story of Arlene Fleet, whose flight from her hometown of Possett, Alabama to Chicago, Illinois and her deal with God to stop lying, fornicating and never to return to Possett is put to the test with the appearance of Rose Mae Lolly (whose story is told in Backseat Saints). Rose Mae is searching for her ex-boyfriend Jim Beverly. Arlene knows all too well what happened to Jim Beverly, and her desperation to keep that information to herself spurs her to return to Possett with her African-American boyfriend Burr—another little secret she’s been hiding from her very Southern family.
My Thoughts: Once I listened to Backseat Saints, I had to listen to Gods in Alabama to find out what happened to Jim Beverly. Although I read the books out of order, I actually think it may have worked better reading them that way. If I had known what happened to Jim Beverly before reading Backseat Saints, I think that book would have been less effective. Overall, the books work well together, but I did pick up on some discrepancies between the two (as far as I remember, the “big reveal” with Rose Mae at the end didn’t happen in Backseat Saints). However, it isn’t a big deal, and I thought Jackson did good job of tying the two stories together. I do have to give this book an award for Outstanding Opening Line: “There are gods in Alabama: high school quarterbacks, trucks, big tits, and also Jesus.” As usual, Jackson creates memorable characters (Arlene’s Aunt Florence is simultaneously appealing and appalling) and lightens the rather heavy story line with her trademark Southern sass and humor.
About the narration: This is the second Jackson book I’ve listened to on audio, and I think her books are well-suited to this format. The first person narration works well, and the narrator, Catherine Taber, did a fine job. However, I think I prefer Jackson’s narration of Backseat Saints over this one. The only thing that bugged me about the audio was the rather intrusive background music that popped up periodically. I found it disruptive and could have done without it. Still, don’t let that keep you from trying this on audio (or in print).
Ten Degrees of Reckoning by Hester RumbergPublisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam, 2009
Pages: 272
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography/Memoir
Where I Got It: From Paperback Swap
My Rating: 3 stars
Brief Description: In 1993, Judith and Michael Sleavin and their two children, Ben and Annie, set out to live their dream: to sail around the world. But one night, a freighter off the coast of New Zealand altered its course by a mere ten degrees and caused catastrophic damage to the Sleavin’s sailboat. With her son Ben immediately lost, Judith, Michael and Annie struggled to survive through the night. Only Judith made it—surviving 44 hours in the water, with a back broken in several places and paralyzed below the waist. With little to live for, Judith nevertheless recovered, though she suffered one of the worst cases of post-traumatic stress syndrome ever documented. Driven by her need to see justice and help ensure that the accident that killed her family wouldn’t happen again, Judith struggled to create a life for herself despite often feeling that she had nothing to live for.
My Thoughts: This is a difficult review to write as I had to separate out the story of what happened to the Sleavins and the book itself. What happened to the Sleavin family is heart-breaking, chilling and oddly compelling. I can’t even imagine the pain and fear that Judith Sleavin must have experienced in those 44 hours until she was saved. Losing your family right before your eyes in such traumatic circumstances would make it difficult to go on. The book certainly doesn’t sugarcoat Judith’s recovery, and it seems that she is still broken in many ways. The fact that Judith chose not to share her story until years afterward made me admire her for not capitalizing on the tragedy of her family. Her motivations for sharing her story seem honest and true. In fact, she chose her close friend Dr. Hester Rumberg to tell her story, a decision that I’m sure allowed her to open up about her tragedy with less stress.
Although Rumberg does her best to tell the Sleavin’s story as objectively as possible, therein lies the problem with the book: the narration is just too clinical and objective to be affecting. The story never fully came alive for me, and I think this was due to the nature of the writing. Although the writing is competent and workmanlike, it just doesn’t have the emotional impact that you would expect from a story like this. The fact that I didn’t shed a tear surprised me. This is a real tragedy, and yet I felt oddly unaffected while reading. I would have loved to see someone like Jon Krakauer or Sebastian Junger tell this story instead. Both of those writers are masters at telling nonfiction stories that make the story fully come alive while still maintaining a journalistic distance. Sadly, this book just didn’t have the emotional “oomph” it should have had …though I certainly don’t mean to take away anything from Judith Sleavin’s story itself.
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I’d like to read Bucolic Plague at some point. As for Ten Degrees of Reckoning- I have a fear of being lost at sea(why I don’t know as I don’t sail nor do I live near an ocean) so I could not read this.
I read Gods in Alabama several years ago and really enjoyed it. Your review makes me think I should now give it a listen.
I have been looking forward to reading The Bucolic Plague, and now will make the effort to read it this summer.
I had an OMG moment when you talked about Gods In Alabama, I didn’t realize this book was connected to Backseat Saints which I am reading now. Duh, that is why Arlene Fleet and Jim Beverlys names seemed familiar. I don’t know why I did not figure that one out. And, of course I now realize what happened to Jim Beverly! For that I thank you!!
I’m glad I helped you connect the dots!!! I imagine you might have read it quite some time ago and were like “this is maddeningly familiar.” : )
Your idea of having someone else write that last book is kind of intriguing to me. I think it would be fascinating.
I think I have that book, gods in Alabama, sitting around here. I need to look!
If only I could convince someone else to take on that story. Somehow I doubt that will happen.
i’m snorting with laughter (verrrry attractive) at the mere title of kilmer-purcell’s book and will pick it up posthaste! i love memoirs that make me laugh and this one sounds delish! as for 10 degrees, it sounds like hell on earth and i can’t believe what judith had to suffer. i think i’ll skip that one as it’s summer and i need some lighter fare. have a great week!
The Bucolic Plague would be the perfect lighter fare!
I must add something, In Back Seats Saints, the scene between Rose and Arlene at the kissing spot, I don’t believe Burr’s name was mentioned I think this is why I thought Jim Beverly was a black man living with Arlene. So I do think we read in the right order. Otherwise why would we read Gods in Alabama. We would have already know about Jim Beverly.
I kind of felt that way too. It seemed like they were better in the order we read them.
I am definately a mini review kind of person. My friend recently wrote a synopsis of my YA novel. I’d love to hear what you think. Can I email the synopsis to ya. It is only 75 words.
Sure … go ahead and send it to me. I’d be honored.
I really enjoyed The Bucolic Plague, too! Glad you found it so fun. I don’t get that TV channel, so haven’t really been able to keep up with the guys, but hope they’re making their farm work!
I wasn’t sure we had the channel but it turns out we did. Thank you DirectTV!! I recorded a bunch of episodes but haven’t gotten around to watching any yet.
I’ve had my eye on The Bucolic Plague for a few months now. I can’t wait to read it and find the show on Planet Green too.
I think you’d enjoy the heck out of it. And how often do you get to read a memoir and then see a TV show about it???
Kilmer-Purcell has a memoir about his drag queen days. You should read it and let me know if it’s as funny and good as The Beekman Boys.
I do plan on reading it … so I will let you know!
Aghh, wish I had read this yesterday as we went to the library and I couldn’t think of any books I wanted to read. Except the Stephen King one, but I didn’t get that far and picked up a Wally Lamb book instead. I read the first two and they were OK.
Anyway – just wanted to give you a shout out that I loved the Summer Rules for Mom post, and thought of you when I bought the kids Ice Cream from the ice cream man who trolls incessantly through our neighborhood. Told this kids I’d buy them ice cream once a week.
Yay summer!
Oh … I love it!! And I’m sure your kids are loving how you were inspired!!!!!
I love all Joshilyn Jackson’s books and am working my way through them.
I am working my way through them too. I think I only have two or three more to go.
The memoir sounds very funny and entertaining. Just the thought of buying a mansion and farming on it seems ridiculously funny. And God in Alabama; well, I feel silly, I live in Alabama and never heard of this book, I love the title. I would probably dislike the music on audio too. Have a great weekend.
After reading the memoir, I looked up the mansion on the Internet and it is gorgeous!!!! (Though from reading the book you realize it is filled with zombie flies.) And I bet you’d enjoy Joshilyn Jackson and her take on Alabama … very colorful characters!
I definitely want to read Bucolic Plague – like you, I enjoy memoirs with some smart humor. I sometimes catch their show on Planet Green and did see that episode where they smuggled the goats into the B&B while transporting them – it was hysterical!
I taped a bunch of episodes of their show but haven’t had a chance to watch it yet. I’ve never read a memoir and then seen the person in a TV show. It will be a bit weird I think!!
I think the first one sounds best to me. Geez…that last one sounds depressing!!
The last book was depressing. It was really horrifying what they went through … and the kids were so young (7 and 9). Such a tragedy.
I love your mini review. You get right to the heart of the book and I always get a good feel for what the author is trying to say after reading your review. More books for my list!!
Thanks for letting me know. Sometimes I think I’m not doing a book justice with a mini review but usually it just keeps me from rambling on too much!
These first two books sound delicious, and since I own Backseat Saints, I need to read Gods in Alabama as well. I actually just added Gods to my wish list and may have to buy it this weekend. I now also want to add The Bucolic Plague as well now. It sounds like it was downright hilarious. I love the books you choose to read and review, Jenners! You are really rather hard on my wallet, but I love you for it!
You do pretty much need to read Gods In Alabama if you read Backseat Saints. They really are companion books in a way. I think you’d LOVE The Bucolic Plague. It was such a fun read. And I’m sorry I’m so hard on your wallet. I’ll try to read books that aren’t as good. HAHA!
Nice reviews Jenners. I’m adding The Bucolic Plague to my wish list.
If you read it, I hope you like it.
I love the sound of both The Bucolic Plague (wicked sense of humour, how can it fail?) and Gods In Alabama. Not too sure about Ten Degrees of Reckoning though. Still two out of three aint bad.
Isn’t that the name of a Meatloaf song … Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad?
The Bucolic Plague is such a witty title. The book sounds delightful… must see if it’s available for the Kindle in Europe…
It is a witty book too. I hope you can find it for yourself!
Agree with you about the intrusive music in the Jackson audios, but they are still lots of fun!
Thank you! I thought it was so loud …and make it hard to hear the narration at times!
Love J. Jackson’s stories…each one I’ve read has given me something to smile about. (like your mini reviews Jenners).
She is a fun author isn’t she?
I’m adding The Bucolic Plague to my wishlist and obviously need to catch up with Gods in Alabama
I think I’d rather read it though than listen to it :/ I’ve created an audible account but was a little surprised at the prices…do you still think it’s worth it?
I signed up for Audible at the beginning of the year because our library doesn’t have the best audiobook selections and was SHOCKED at how much audiobooks as a whole cost. Audible seemed like a good compromise to me. Of course, I don’t listen to multiple books in a month (I’m maybe one audio a month) so one credit for $16 a month seemed OK to me … though I do try for longer, unabridged audios to get my money’s worth! It has been worth it to me because the audios are the only thing that has worked to get to to walk regularly so I figure it is cheaper than a gym membership!
Yes I agree with you the big reveal did not happen in Backseat Saints. I’m not sure about the Bucolic Plague, but I shall check it out. Ten Degrees sound incredible, I’m sorry it didn’t work for you.
THANK YOU for confirming that the big reveal did not happen in Backseat Saints. I thought not but then I started to question myself.
I loved Gods in Alabama although unlike Sandy, the pocketses game was probably my LEAST favorite part ! LOL
Don’t tell but it wasn’t my favorite part either.
I think I’d really enjoy The Bucolic Plague. If you want to read a harrowing biography that is both emotional and has journalistic distance at the same time, try Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand.
I actually got Unbroken for my Kindle with my Mother’s Day Amazon gift card!! I heard so many good things about it … I’ll probably give it a go before the end of summer.
I cannot even imagine Judith’s horror. What a terribly heartbereaking story. It’s too bad that the storytelling wasn’t engaging.
It is a shame that her story didn’t get a more compelling writer (though her friend tried hard). It is such a compelling story and I felt like I should have had my heart ripped out while reading it.
As you know, I do so love Gods in Alabama. (What have I got in my pocketses?) That is my favorite of all of hers. And yes, The Bucolic Plague. My ultimate fantasy. My library didn’t have it…must do some Kindle shopping!
I think you’d be a huge fan of The Bucolic Plague. And I know you liked Gods in Alabama the most … but I think reading Backseat Saints first kind of ruined it for me a little!