South of Broad

I'm finding this book extremely hard to get into. I finally gave up, but then a couple of people I know said it's worth another try. One of them loved it. One of them really liked it, but had to force herself through the slow beginning. So, soon I will jump in again and see how it goes.

For once, I'm recording my impression immediately after finishing a book. The reason is that basically the end of the book left me with a surprising amount of energy and desire for action. I'm sitting here questioning how much I should believe that, but it's hard not get caught up in Conroy's characters' feelings. Leo's triumph and nice, novelistic ending is not one that I necessarily think I can achieve, but it still manages to leave me feeling good. I'd say this is typical of the book as a whole, where an entire cast of characters appears and moves around in a way that - while not predictable exactly - lends itself to feeling like it's on rails, with just a hint too much deus ex. I don't feel that seriously harms the novel though for me; I take it with an understanding of suspension of disbelief and the enjoyment is conscious rather than consuming.

I'm glad I didn't read the reviews first; this handily entered my list of top 10 favorite books in my 5.5 decade life span.

I suspect it's because I related so much to many of the plot points and characters. I grew up in the south, modest family income, and lacking the beguiling looks or athletic ability that brought the right kind of attention. Instead, I was “tender hearted” as we would say, pudgy, book smart, never had the right brand of shirt / pants / shoes or jacket to satisfy the social shot-callers, and painfully shy. I also had parents who loved me deeply, but also struggled to express at times.

As a result, I relate to the main character, from the derogatory nickname to the blessing of finding a few “misfits” like yourself to not only weather the schools but also overcome. Like the story itself, I lost a few of those friends along the way. Not in as spectacular fashion, but with the same impact as the main character experienced.

So, if you can identify with any of the above, push past these reviews and give it a try. As for me, this will go in my childhood cache of meaningful memories and possessions that perplexes the “normal” people. ;)

It is impossible to overstate how ridiculous this book is. What a soap opera! My sister tried to warn me from reading it but I did it anyway.

I'm not a beach read kind of girl, and this is definitely that kind of book. I felt like Conroy tried to pack every idea he had ever had into one book and it was all over the place. It addressed race issues, class issues, homosexuality, had a homocidal maniac, orphans and upper class all mixed together. Very disappointed. I only kept reading because I hate to leave a book unfinished.