Alabama Books

Not a children's book -- including sibling rape early on -- Foster's autobiography rings true to all women -- especially Southern women and, even more so, the Southern woman reared in the 1950s. Foster reveals the struggle of the maturing Southern belle, expected to nurture the socially-expected assets of the charm school graduate as she beomes a formidable competitor in a man's world. Fearlessly, Foster airs her own familial dirty laundry as she offers understanding to those still carrying unnecessary luggage.

This book has won a Southern Books Competition Award of Merit in Book Design from the Southeastern Library Association. This award is given in recognition of the book's aesthetic appeal and design and for fine craftsmanship in its printing and binding. Congratulations to author Patricia Foster, designer Michele Myatt Quinn, printer Thomson-Shore, and the University of Alabama Press.

This is a book I would probably never have chosen for myself. I guess the chain of events that got me here began in 1971 with the birth of my only child, my daughter. Possibly that, and the fact that I was raised by a single mother, gives me a little more insight into women's issues than the "average" guy. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. My wife and I had just joined the local Friends of the Library. The first event we were invited to was a reading and book signing by Patricia Foster. I was ambivalent about it, but my wife thought we should show our support by attending, and that's how I wound up in the audience. It was a well spent Sunday afternoon. Ms. Foster's reading was delightful. This lady has a terrific sense of humor. She kindly autographed a copy of her book to our daughter. I won't take up space with a synopsis. That's been done quite well by previous reviewers. I will say that I enjoyed the book and, although it has been termed a "woman's book", I think there are a lot of men who would also find it worthwhile. Ms. Foster is writing a novel now, and I look forward to reading it.

This is a book I would probably never have chosen for myself. I guess the chain of events that got me here began in 1971 with the birth of my only child, my daughter. Possibly that, and the fact that I was raised by a single mother, gives me a little more insight into women's issues than the "average" guy. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. My wife and I had just joined the local Friends of the Library. The first event we were invited to was a reading and book signing by Patricia Foster. I was ambivalent about it, but my wife thought we should show our support by attending, and that's how I wound up in the audience. It was a well spent Sunday afternoon. Ms. Foster's reading was delightful. This lady has a terrific sense of humor. She kindly autographed a copy of her book to our daughter. I won't take up space with a synopsis. That's been done quite well by previous reviewers. I will say that I enjoyed the book and, although it has been termed a "woman's book", I think there are a lot of men who would also find it worthwhile. Ms. Foster is writing a novel now, and I look forward to reading it.

All the Lost Girls is a touching memoir of life in the Deep South of the 50's and 60's, but at the same time, it is the universal revelation of the mother-daughter relationship that touches all women. The question is, can we ever really know our mothers? No matter how much of their lives and dreams they choose to reveal to us, daughters are forever in that limbo of unknowing regarding their mothers. Whether it is competition for the father's love or favored status within the family, children, especially girls, are constantly competing with their mothers to be the best, not only to be the best and make her proud of you, but also to be better than she is. Here we find Patricia Foster, second daughter in a family only one generation removed from dire poverty and ignorance, who is raised in middle class splendor by a bright and ambitious mother and a doctor father. His status elevates the family to heights only given to professionals--doctors, lawyers etc., and her mother is determined that her daughters will have the talents and advantages that she was denied. They take every lesson available in a fifty mile radius of Foley, Alabama, a small town between the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile. Alas, Patricia's older sister, Jean, always seemed to be the better of the two, leaving Patricia to feel lost and without accomplishment, falling short of her parents's expectations. It takes years for her to make the break she must make to be her own person and even more years to mend the break with her parents. However, she realizes at age thirty that she has become her own person and that she has overcome the uncertainty and lack of self confidence of her youth. At last, she can be friends with her parents and relish the deep love and understanding she has longed for all her life. Patricia's story is a mirror of so many girls who feel they cannot live up to their mother's expectations and who feel inferior to them. Her revelation is that her mother's prodding was for love and even if to shed light on herself, she wanted her daughters's accomplishments to be embelishments for them to carry forward into the world.

The South is definitely more fanatical about football than any other part of the country. This former player's passion about the topic reflects this concept. This book marks the end of the Alabama legacy during the DuBose/Franchione era.

A great preface to the upcoming Crimson Tide revival...

Just not alot of meat or new information in this book, Very disappointed of the coverage of the Price firing, there was like 1 or 2 pages devoted to it. Overall, the book is not a bad read, but there just isn't a ton of new information here and the "inside" sources appear to be a couple of his old roommates. Could have been alot better.

I thought some of the prose was shaky, but in all a pretty harsh indictment of the Bama program from a Homer. Try "A Tailgater's Guide To SEC Football" for a great look at the nation's toughest football conference. Roll Tide~!

This is a fun book for anyone interested in Alabama football.

It's actually refreshing to pick up a book that (1) is not dedicated to the distant glorious past and (2) is willing to expose the successes and failures (mostly the latter) of recent exploits in Tuscaloosa.

The author's writing is not to be confused with Hemingway or Faulkner; however, he does just fine for this sort of book.

I hope the author continues to revise and update for future editions. Perhaps "Crimson Slide" will someday have a happy ending.

Flax really hits the Tide hard in this book. Unfortunately, he's right on. It's too bad that Bama fell from the top but at least someone took the time to write about it. A good read. The writing is good for this type of book. The passion shows. After reading other reviews on Amazon it's only fair to say that Flax is writing about football...don't compare him to Faulkner or Hemingway. He's young enough to have a chance at those two and a whole lot more before he's done. Definitely worth reading. Roll Tide!!!

Charles Harrisong may live in Normal, Illinois, but he knows his family is anything but. They practically live at Bargain Bonanza, and they're the only family in town who rents a home with no air conditioning. They're loud, and do everything together, and cause a scene wherever they go. Then, there's just him, Charles, who makes lists and sublists of "The Most Embarrassing Things in (his) Life," such as his horrible summer at scout camp and "The Yearling" incident at school. With his unique ability to feel the hidden meaning behind peoples' actions, Charles can't escape what other people think. All he prays for is for his family to be normal.

When his older sister's attempts to run for president of her class end with disastrous results, the Harrisong parents decide that they have had enough of their unforgiving town. After some quick decisions, they drag Charles and his four siblings away from Normal in the middle of the night on a quest to purchase a cheap houseboat docked in Alabama. As they leave the city limits, Charles offers up a new prayer to God to "deliver us from Normal. Get us out of here. Thank you."

Can the Harrisong family make it, or will this houseboat thing just be another horrible mistake?

Klise offers a refreshing voice in the young, shy Charles, and a hilarious look at a family who maintains a close bond throughout much tribulation. Layered with meaning, this masterful work will touch anyone who has survived their own, abnormal family.

Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

I am actually living in Normal, Illinois and I can tell you there is no white trash here. It is nothing but subdivisions, bad commercials, State Farm, and college students. If this book was actually going to be about Normal, Illinois it would be about yuppies and college students, and families with 2.3 kids and a dog who live in subdivisions named after animals and colors (I live in White Eagle).

I loved this book!!! In a true coming of age during the tempetous time of middle school, this book shows the way. Deliver Us from Normal shows the difficulties of fitting in with the popular kids, and explores the realities of family and growing up while staying true to yourself. The family dynamics ring true to life, from the inadvertently protective mother to the tries ever so hard father. The main character, Charles, brings out the self-conscious introvert lurking inside all of us. Charles is so thoughtful and sweet, you want to bundle him up and take him home with you. The writing flows well and is easy to understand. Super book!

This was excellent. This clever tale about coming to terms with personal identity and communal identity (in this case familial) was a treat. Charles was an interesting character with a witty but serious take on life that learns in the most abnormal of situations to embrace himself and his family and to see their beauty. The characters and situations were very vivid and despite the abnormal quality of Charles family and there situation readers will identity with feelings of outcast and loneliness. I particularly enjoyed the Clara and the use of To Kill a Mockingbird in this story. Excellent pick. The only reason this doesn't earn a five are some of the cohesion problems in the plot.

I thought that it was confusing because the author didn't really tell why they fled from their home during the night. I thought the whole Bargain Bonanza Store was funny. I could relate to the main character because I am a nerd and I don't have a lot of friends :). I would recommend this book to kids in Middle School, because the main character is facing many middle school problems. He has to deal with bullies, and having a weird family. It is very cool that the Author lived in Normal, because I used to live in Illinois.

This book was a attention getter from start for me simply because alot of the crime is in GA & Tn (Southern States ) .

The detail in book is very graphic at times and it mostly does talk about the murder of 13 yr old McMillian girl , but there is so much MORE TO THIS BOOK . It also tells of the abuse that the killer went through with her husband or at least suppose to have went through , and for sure it gives the reader the feeling that Alvin was a controling husband but I am not sure to the point to where he drove the wife to kill . It also says that he (Alvin) had sex with the 13 yr old before his wife killed her , The wife cruises the street alone for her victims and when she picks up victim she gets on CB radio to her husband and they meet up .

This book in away takes you inside the mind of a true cold blooded killer and a woman that would kill by any means whether injecting her victim with liquid drain opener over and over again ,or by shooting a person in back , or pushing victims over a cliff to a floor canyon .

This is a well-written and disturbing book about Judith and Alvin Neelley. Judith grew up in a dysfunctional home, and Alvin, much older than Judith, was a petty criminal with no ambition or backbone. At first their offenses were, by comparison, minor - they stole money from their jobs or robbed gas stations, and were caught cashing stolen checks, for which Judith spent some time in a youth detention center. But Judith has a mean streak that seemed to escalate, and after her stint in the center, their crimes elevated to intimidation, homemade bombs, kidnapping, rape, torture and murder. They were partners, but it was Judith who masterminded and performed the crimes and cowed Alvin into participating. The murders were senseless and brutal and it's hard to think of the victims' last hours. The amazing part is the dramatic transformation Judith underwent after her capture - now she claimed she was the victim of her husband's controlling and violent temper and feared for her life if she didn't cooperate with him. I was engrossed in this story, and would recommend reading it.

...as did everyone else who read this book of Judith Neelley's vicious crimes against 13-year-old Lisa Ann Millican and 22-year-old Janice Kay Chapman. While focusing mainly on the rape, torture and horrific murder of Millican, it is easy to see why investigators and prosecutors were so intent on seeing this cold, calculating female put to death. And apparently the Judge agreed when he trumped a jury vote of 10 to 2 for life in prison without possibility of parole. (Readers should research Neelley after reading this book to see information on how this sentence was overturned in the late 90s and how she will soon be eligible for parole.)

Living within miles of Judith's hometown, I found this book to very interesting as I recognized many landmarks and some of the people involved at her arrest in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Amazingly, Murfreesboro is no longer the seedy little town the author described but a thriving metropolitan that has almost merged with Nashville, the country music capital just 30 miles North.

A bit outdated, but still an excellent read!

my name is judy millican and im the sister of lisa ann millican , i myself have read this book and i can tell u every thing in this book is not true!!!!the part about the family life of lisa that is!!!!the other i dont know but thats judiths part

I make it a habit to carry a book along with me whenever I go anywhere that may entail a long wait. In this case, I quickly grabbed a copy of this book, which I had purchased from my local library for twenty cents. It came in handy as the brake repair on my car took 4 hours. I started reading this book and time flew by.

In my opinion, it grabs the attention from the first page. I liked the author's quick paragraph by paragraph review of the backgrounds of the killers. Then he launches the reader into the terrifying actions of this "Boney and Claude", as the killers later termed themselves. Some may feel his writing lacks depth, but if you are a true crime fan you will find his descriptive abilities help one to visualize, for instance, the huge canyon where the first victim was discovered. I could almost see the steep sides and enveloping darkness that marked the young victim's disposal site. One indeed sympathizes with the recruit who had to spend a night down in its depths with the body of the murdered teenager.

Since I don't want to give away too much of the story, suffice it to say that if you are in the mood for a chilling and easily readable account of two sociopathic individuals, pick up a copy of this book. It emphasizes the sad truth that there are truly heartless monsters in our midst, and no one is truly "safe" in today's world.

This was a wonderful topic for a book -- how Southernness and Jewishness came together in the Jewish kitchen. Cohen Ferris, herself a Jewish woman from a small town in Arkansas, has done exhaustive research, no doubt a labor of love, and has perpetuated many people's memories.

The problem with the book is that it is quite repetitious. Ferris Cohen correctly points out that the culture and history of Atlanta, New Orleans, the Mississippi Delta, and so on are all distinct from each other. Then, however, she spends much of her time recounting menus of long-ago occasions and concluding, over and over again, that the balance between kosher and non-kosher food and between European and American Southern delicacies was important and hard to navigate, because food is so important in daily life.

It is not so much a question of Ferris Cohen's writing style but of the fact that she seemed compelled to put on paper all of the results of her painstaking interviews. Perhaps a more insightful historian could have made more of Ferris Cohen's material, but this book just seemed too long.

As a Deep South Jewish expatriate, I can't say enough about how thoroughly Marcie Cohen Ferris did her research. There is no doubt that she has covered the differences-and similarities-of the various southern states with great heart and accuracy! The sheer volume of names of those she got family information from is more than admirable. The book belongs in every Jewish household-northern and southern! And non-Jewish readers will get a wonderful picture of the influence food had in Southern Jewish homes-part of American culinary history.

This book is a wonderful compilation of Jewish history of the South and Jewish food of the South. Fascinating reading about the history and excellent eating. Enjoy!

Good book if your into a history lesson but I was looking for more receipies.

Fascinating subject matter as I grew up in an area where Jews were a vocal and very assimilated minority. The author's extensive research came to the same conclusions in every chapter: it was hard to keep Kosher in the South and black household help did much of the cooking. As a Jewish woman I am proud of our reputation for a sense of humor and delicious cooking. There are very few recipes; even those were not particularly tempting or typical. The book's major flaws lie in the author's dry, labored, one-note writing style that had me laboring to stay awake.

Most students are familiar with Rosa Parks, but this story takes you beyond the bus. We get a glimps into Rosa's personal life, which allows students to develop more connections. The illustrations are amazing, as is all of Bryan Collier's work. Great book selection!

Good book, beautiful artwork. Get the book if nothing else for the pictures. The book itself was ok, it was a little jumpy and didn't go into very much detail of the actual event. However, it is a nice book for young children who don't need or want much detail.

Everyday Rosa Parks rode the bus to work. There was a black and white section. She sat down in the neutral section and a man didn't want her to, but she stayed and got arrested. She was arrested for the wrong reason. People made signs and walked to support Rosa. They stopped riding the bus too.

I liked the book. The pictures were good. I learned that white and black people were separated. That's wrong. Since I read the book, I now want to watch a movie and learn more about Rosa Parks.

Reviewed by: Jada Monet, 7 years old

if you're looking for an children's biography of Rose Parks or of the Civil Rights Movement, this books isn't it.

Buy it for Giovanni's magical and powerful words.

Buy it for Collier's amazing pictures.

Don't buy it if it's intended to teach children who are wholly uninformed about American history. I had six immigrant teenagers read this book, and all they could tell me after they were finished was that Rosa Parks was a lady who was thrown off a bus because of white people. They weren't sure why. And then a bunch of people walked to Washington D.C. afterwards, but they weren't sure how this connected to Rosa getting thrown off the bus. In the end the teens were really confused.

A must read for all youngsters. The feedback that we have gotten on this book from the kids who have read Tyler and His Solve-a-matic machine by Jennifer Bouani, is very positive. I highly recommend this book

The publisher promised "witty & warm" I found nothing close to either. In my opion,the book was pooly written, no charm, humor or even believable. The setting was Montgomery Alabama, 1900,it could have been LA, Chicago or New York and almost any year with the lack of real reference to the time and place. The author tried way too hard to come up with unusual names for her characters to the point that it was ridiculous . I just didn't believe the characters and didn't care.

Southern Discomfort is pure delight that is enhanced by author Rita Mae Brownýs wit, wacky characters, wild tales, and wonderful writing style. Southern Discomfort spans two decades in Montgomery, AL, in which beautiful, old-money Hortensia (married) meets the man of her dreams: a spectacularly gorgeous young prizefighter. Youýve got your small-town scandal, complete with Banana Mae and Blue Rhonda, a couple of high-class whores. Wonderful writing accents this surprisingly touching story.

When "Rubyfruit Jungle" bubbled up from the radical lesbian underground to become a cult best-seller back in 1977, a new literary star was born. As books go it was boisterously funny, unself-pitying, straightforwardly sapphic,eons removed from that old Radclyffe Hall, "Well of Loneliness," love-that-dare-not-speak-its-name genre. It left readers wanting more.

So "Southern Discomfort"was more, but also less: it's a skinny book. It's a romance set earlier in the century in Montgomery, Alabama; and skinny though it is, it's generous in the ways that count. Just bursting with fanciful characters, unorthodox sexual couplings, preposterous happenings. It's even funnier than "Rubyfruit Jungle," as it's not so autobiographical, and its canvas is bigger. It gives us more of Brown's talent for establishing place, and elucidating the ties that bind. It demonstrates her knack for making the bizarre seem appropriate, and for delivering it in an understated "isn't all the world like this" style.

Plainly, while Brown's an avowed lesbian and lesbian themes are important to her, she's also working in the popular Southern Gothic style, as exemplified by Flannery O'Connor and others.

Brown's rendition of Montgomery, Alabama, its mores, its minor characters, and its annual Halloween Great Witch Hunt is delicious. We learn that "people could tell you that an Orange captain of 1835 went on to become a Confederate colonel, or a Black captain of 1852 made a fortune in railroads. As it turned out, most captains did well in this world: a few degenerated into drunks or scoundrels, but not many. Lila Reedmuller was Orange captain of 1891. She was one of the four girls ever chosen for that honor, and Lila went on to reign over Montgomery society...."

And we meet Blue Rhonda Latrec, who "was eighteen years old and at the top of her profession. She was a first-class whore. On this hot day she plopped her butt on the front stoop of her small frame dwelling on Water Street. Blue Rhonda considered herself fortunate in her location, as the train station was just down the road. From the mouth of that beautiful structure poured a steady stream of new customers...."

"Southern Discomfort" is an entertaining book, but Brown often pulled her punches. With a little more courage, she could be delivering top-flight Southern Gothic,which, at its best, needs ferocious conviction.

One of my favorite books of all time. I laughed and laughed...when my father read it, even he was rolling on the floor in stitches!

This book was a little different than the other Rita Mae Brown books i've read, but just as enjoyable.
It takes place during the 20's in a southern town... and tells the story of people from all walks of life - blacks, the wealthy whites, and some white prostitutes. She tells the story of each group of people in a very authentic way and gives each group a sense of pride. And of course... the stories mingle as the characters begin mingling outside theor social circles.
The way i'd say this book was different than some of her others (and i've read about 10), is that it's more... well... more like a soap opera. (along the lines of V.C. Andrews). There is incestual sex, illigitamate pregnancies, etc.
This book was definately fun to read though... and has a beautiful message...

CAPT McLaren's splendid account of USS QUEENFISH's historic under-ice survey is well-written and gripping. As a former submarine sailor and arm-chair Antarctica junkie---I had little difficulty translating the submarine-speak and ice-speak. Some who have reviewed made the point of the "trade language"---I would offer the potential reader the following: CAPT McLaren's explained (more than once) the more esoteric terms---and had the grace to include an exhaustive glossary. I plan to purchase this book for one of my children--who has never served on a boat---and advise marking the glossary for quick reference. The prose is somewhat repetitive, but the nature of their work was repetitive. CAPT McLaren managed to make a topic that had potential to be dull and boring into a riveting story of a time not so long ago when submarine skipper's had no leash. Based on the story and a few people of acquaintance who know of CAPT McLaren, I could recommend this book for up and coming leaders---regardless the vocation. By all accounts, CAPT McLaren was/is thoughtful, honest, and courageous---good attributes for anyone, particularly anyone in a position of leadership.
Highly recommended.

I liked this book. But then again I like stereo instructions. Not a lot of suspense or intrigue but seems to be a factual account of the under-ice survey of the continental shelf around the north pole. Written by the boats skipper don't look for a page turner. Written by a man who rightfully so garners the respect for the mission he and his men undertook, it's a slow book. Unless you have an interest in subs this might not be the book for you. But, if you have an interest in subs the book goes into a bit more detail in their operation then most.

My husband, who likes to read naval history, reports that this is a fine book if you're interested in the subject. However, he said it's rather dry reading, not suited to the general reader. Good info on the Arctic Ocean and the giant icebergs at the top of the world.

This book is a dry and tedious read for the layman, but with patience, turns out to be exciting and worth the read for those tenacious enough to stick with it. Anyone into accuracy, detail, and military protocol will appreciate this account of a dangerous and chilling (no pun intended) tremendous accomplishment.

There really is no other way to properly present this information. It does not need to be sensationalized, and I fear readers will be seeking a quick thrill and miss learning about this incredible accomplishment.

This book deserves appreciative readers!

If you're interested in Polar exploration, you'll want to read this book. The dangers the USS Queenfish had to face demonstrate that, although modern arctic exploration by nuclear submarine has none of the extreme discomfort suffered by the early explorers, it remains quite dangerous. The crew of this ship could have died and been buried in arctic waters just as mysteriously as any 19th century explorer.

There is, however, one extremely odd aspect to the book. If you read an account of a similar exploration from a century ago, perhaps Erskine Childers's fictional The Riddle of the Sands (about exploring German coastal waters), you get a strong sense of a deeper purpose than merely a look-see. Childers's hero was quite aware of the naval struggle then taking place between Germany and Britain and was doing his part in that struggle by becoming knowledgeable about a difficult-to-sail region of the German coast.

You will find none of that in this book. It is true that we all know that the reason the US was willing to sent one of its most valuable attack submarines into such dangerous waters wasn't to map the ocean bottom for science or to study ice fields. It was the role those waters might play in a Cold War that pitted the U.S. against a powerful totalitarian regime that had killed over 20 million of its own citizens, a nation that had us targeted with thousands of nuclear warheads.

But what we all know isn't something Captain Alfred McLaren seems willing to say. I noticed only one brief, passing mention of that struggle in the entire book, a book in which he mentions the care his sub made to not go inside Soviet waters numerous times. And the index reveals that same attitude. Look up the Soviet Union, and you'll be referred to Russia, which only has six entries. Imagine an account of an account of a destroyer in the North Atlantic during 1943 that only mentions Germany six times and leaves uncertain why the ship is dropping depth charges at noises it picks up on sonar.

In short, this book suffers from a serious case of Military Correctness. Just as Political Correctness dictates that any criticism of the Soviet Union is a "return to McCarthyism," so this book bends over backwards to avoid suggesting that there was anything in the slightest wrong with the nation along whose coast they were sailing.

And it's just that inability to recognize evil as evil, either in retrospect or prospect, that's one of the primary reasons why we have wars. I just finished editing a book by someone who was warning, in the midst of WWI, that there was something wrong with Germany's ways of thinking that, if not corrected, would lead within a generation to another and yet more horrible war. Chesterton was Churchill before Churchill. In 1932, he would warn that Germany would turn to a dictator (Hitler), and if that dictator was not deterred by sufficient military force, the next European war would break out over a border dispute with Poland, precisely what happened in 1939. I see none of what Chesterton calls "moral imagination" in this book. In a retired military officer, that lack is particularly disturbing.

--Michael W. Perry, editor of Chesterton on War and Peace: Battling the Ideas and Movements that Led to Nazism and World War II

For decades, Phenix City, Alabama, was the worst city in America. Young girls were enslaved into prostitution, gambling and moonshine went uncontrolled, and murder was cheap. Phenix City's Sheriff, local prosecuters and judges, and most of the other powers were deeply involved in crime and its payoffs. At the state level, the Governor and the party establishment are in debt to Phenix City's corrupt bosses--who don't are happy to bring busloads of whores in to vote on command--or to lose boxes of ballots as needed. When a local lawyer with an appetite for cleaning things up wins an election for State Attorney General, Phenix City's powers aren't about to stand by and let him close down their profitable operation. He's murdered before he can take office.

Although the Phenix City movers and shakers have never been seriously challenged, there are those who resent their actions, and there are more who believe they need to put on an appearance of caring when a prominant lawyer is gunned down in the center of town. At first, the National Guard posted to control the 'wicked city' don't find anything and don't do much. But when they approach local gas station manager and former boxer Lamar Murphy to step in as sheriff, Lamar leads them to some of the open secrets everyone in town knew about--moonshine stills, pornography, and houses of prostitution. Even Lamar has no clue, however, how deep the corruption went, or that girls as young as twelve were forced into prostitution, serving out their short lives in locked barns, beaten, and murdered.

Based on the true events in 1954, WICKED CITY is an intriguing window into the recent past, as well an impassioned plea that so-called 'victimless' crimes like prostitution can have horribly real victims.

Author Ace Atkins brings historical Phenix City, its culture of corruption, and the very real people who benefited from it and who fought it to life. Cleaning up corruption is far from costless and one of Atkins's more powerful moments comes when Murphy confronts a man who has lost his job in an illegal bar and whose children are now starving.

Possibly because it's a fictionalized version of real events, WICKED CITY doesn't have the strong central character or driving personal involvement I like to see in a mystery. While Murphy receives threats, I never really believed him to be in danger--somewhat reducing my emotional investment in the story. Similarly, I would have liked to really understand what made Murphy different from all the others who simply let the corruption of their city continue. Atkins did a stronger job with Billy Stokes, son of an illegal bar manager who falls in love with a girl who's been forced into prostitution.

Although Phenix City was real, and the events of this novel actually took place barely fifty years ago, I'd never heard of Phenix City, never knew that these events took place or that mobster-run towns weren't simply an artifact of prohibition but continued into recent times. WICKED CITY is a useful reminder of where we've been--and a warning of dangers we face.

WICKED CITY continues Ace Atkins's practice --- inaugurated in his last book, WHITE SHADOW --- of crafting a novel by basing it upon real world events visualized through a fictional prism. It concerns Phenix City, Alabama, in the early 1950s, a small town where corruption, graft and vice had taken root to the degree that, like the kudzu native to the region, it appeared to be impossible to uproot.

The relative complacency of the townspeople to the extent and degree of the wickedness --- there is no other word for it --- is shattered by the cold-blooded murder of Albert Patterson, a crime-fighting attorney who had campaigned on a promise to clean up Phenix City. Fresh off a primary victory that all but assures him of being elected the Attorney General of Alabama, Patterson is gunned down in a downtown alley. His son, John, vows to take his place, and not only to see that the killers are brought to justice but also to fulfill his campaign promise. Among John's early recruits is Lamar Murphy, a quietly upright and decent soul whose former career as a boxer has given way to a married life that involves nothing more complicated than operating a service station by day and spending time with family in the evening.

At first, Murphy is underestimated by the entrenched vice lords of the city, referred to derisively as a "palooka" and a "grease monkey." When they realize, however, that he is a serious opponent to be reckoned with, Murphy soon has a price on his head, one that will not be easy to escape. But as time passes, Murphy's example leads others to stand up as well, including witnesses to Patterson's murder who previously had been reticent to speak up. Armed with truth, a righteous indignation and firepower, Murphy and John take what is sure to be their one and only shot at cleaning up Phenix City and avenging the murder of Albert Patterson.

Atkins has done yeoman's work researching Phenix City, and the results show that. It turns out that the author had relatives who were intimately familiar --- and involved --- with the goings-on in Phenix City; indeed, one of the characters here is based on a composite of Atkins's grandfathers. Atkins met and interviewed Murphy's direct descendents as well, so that, combined with other extensive research, one feels at times while reading the book that one is in the process of actually witnessing the events. One example of many: Murphy, at one point, leads a raid on what is referred to as the "Rabbit Farm." Atkins's description of what follows, and of the premises itself, does not border on genius; it stakes the term out and marks it as posted.

So how good is WICKED CITY? As I was reading, I experienced the high that readers seek, that of total immersion, where your immediate reality is limited to what is between the covers of the book at any given moment. There were also times when I thought I was going to jump out of my skin. And right to the end, Atkins lobs subtle surprises at the reader, never letting up for a moment. You will read and re-read it, copy passages from it, jealously guard it, and run back into a burning building just to rescue your copy.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

An incredible mix of fact and fiction takes the reader back in time and plops you back in 1950's Phenix City!
Great Read Ace!!
War Eagle!

This is a decent fictional approach to Phenix City, AL. If you are not familiar with the real history of the city and prefer fiction, I would recommend this book. The actual facts and history of the city are more extreme and almost more unbelievable than the fiction. If you want the real gut wrencher, find one of the non-fiction histories.

"Wicked City" is Ace Atkins' second attempt at historical true crime fiction following "White Shadow". This genre niche presents an interesting recreation of historical eras and figures wrapped in a fictionalized version designed to hold the reader's interest level while suggesting reasons, motives, and insider-thinking. While it can be effective for what it is, I am often left with a feeling that I just finished dinner and am still hungry. This fictionalized true crime genre is more like reading newspaper recreations with the writer attempting to fill in the gaps as to why things happened; ultimately, there is little below the surface...the reader gets a snapshot of history rather than an understanding of the deeper nuances and characterizations needed to flesh out the real story and present true substance.

"Wicked City" refers to Phenix City, Alabama so named by Look Magazine which referred to PC as "The Wickedest City in America". Decades of rule by the so-called "Redneck Mafia" had created a city with two faces. One was a normal city with stores, movie houses, and everyday working people. The other was a depraved, evil, crime ridden series of bars, gambling parlors, and clip joints populated by thugs, gangsters, and prostitutes who were all seemingly impervious to law and order thanks to huge payoffs and intimidation that reached all the way to the governor's office.

In 1954, Albert Patterson, a crime-fighting attorney running for state office, is assassinated in gangstyle fashion. This dastardly act galvanizes the Russell County Betterment Association, a local voice for reform and law and order, and Lamar Murphy, former filling station worker turned sheriff, into taking action that ultimately brings down the Phenix City crime machine and, consequently, affects history.

Murphy is a determined "everyman" who is undeterred in seeking justice. Along the way, the reader meets a large cast of characters who move the storyline but with little investment from this reader. Characterizations are shallow which I beleive is a corollary of this style of true crime fiction. Most are painted in splachs of black or white with very little gray to add texture.

"Wicked City" is a fast clean read that interested me mostly for the details of such a sleazy depraved city operating with impunity in our great nation and the feel-good story of the common men who rise up to overthrow the depravity. Ultimately, the novel is a good versus evil western morality play carried out in the middle 1900's right under the presence of the US Government at nearby armed forces bases etc. I felt "Wicked City" to be a more complete and satisfying novel than "White Shadow"...and while I am still not a devoted subscriber to this narrow genre, I can recommend the book on its considerable merits.

I REALLY LIKED THIS LITTLE BOOK BECAUSE THERES NOTHING LIKE READING ABOUT SOUTHERN PEOPLE AND SOUTHERN WAYS. IT WAS JUST A WONDERFUL LAID BACK MOOD. VERY RELAXING TO READ.

The reviews of this book vary widely from Capote fans that treasure every shred of information to those that feel the book recycles known information to others critical of the co-author. I am a Capote fan and do treasure information on Truman. The book is short but I found it well written and fascinating. The text also captures the Southern frame of mind so common among those raised in the South (as I was). In addition, the hardcover is an attractive book and will stay on my shelf for years to come. It has a high quality binding; the dust jacket and interior are handsome and well made. Given the price, not only is it a fine volume for Capote fans but it is a good value.

This book has so much detail in such few chapters. This story tells how Truman was first left to stay at Jenny's house..Also featuring the special tree house, the bone fence and the Sunday dinners. All these stories were wonderful. I've never read such interesting, real detail about Truman's life..this book is a must have for every Capote fan. Way to go Marie

This book is simply a rehash of information which has already been published. I am a big fan of Marie Rudisill's and loved FRUITCAKE and SOOK'S COOKBOOK. I advise she work on her own and not coauthor with Simmons again--her books with him just don't allow her wit and humanity to show through.

This book has so much detail in such few chapters. This story tells how Truman was first left to stay at Jenny's house..Also featuring the special tree house, the bone fence and the Sunday dinners. All these stories were wonderful. I've never read such interesting, real detail about Truman's life..this book is a must have for every Capote fan. Way to go Marie