The Prince of Frogtown

by Rick Bragg

Book Overview

The final volume in the beloved family saga that began with All Over butthe Shoutin' and continued with Ava's Man, The Prince of Frogtown is a revelatory book about fatherhood, a perfect gift for Dad. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 140004040X
• ISBN13: 9781400040407
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

He knows from whence he writes

I knew Rick a long time ago (26 years to be exact), when he was beginning his odyssey as a writer and clearly had greater ambitions than the small newspaper where we both worked. He was very good to me, took me into his home and fed me some of his tasty Southern cooking, and he treated me with class, respect and good humor. He also knew how to turn a phrase and could make a meaningless high school football game drip with flavor and portent. I admire his strong loyalty to his roots and sense of place -- he is someone who truly has created a lasting body of work from this identification, and created redemption from sometimes very brutal and unforgiving circumstances. Here's to him.

Another Gem From A Gifted Writer

Having read Rick Bragg's other works, I can say that this book not only didn't disappoint me in any way - it is as beautifully written as All Over But The Shoutin' and Ava's Man - but it also fulfilled a curiousty created by All Over But The Shoutin, in particular. It dug in to just who Rick's father was and created a three dimensional man, giving those of us who have followed this family saga an understanding of what made that man tick. There is tremendous sadness in this understanding, but Rick manages to weave in humor that will simply touch your heart. Watching the relationship develop with The Boy through passages so descriptive it was as if I could see the two of them together...more than once I found myself with a lump in my throat...and more than once I beamed with joy (particularly at the church league basketball game)! These "characters" are so rich, you'll forget that these are real people and not some beautifully crafted works of fiction. Very well done!

Excellent Account of Hard Knocks and Change

I completed The Prince of Frogtown in three sittings, as I did with Ava's Man and All Over But the Shoutin'. I also had the pleasure of knowing "The Woman" when we were grad students and adjunct instructors in Memphis, and I can tell you without any reservation that Bragg is not kidding when he defines The Woman as a strong woman and a loving mom who isn't inclined to tolerate a lot of bullhooey. The best side of this new tome is Bragg's ability - as always - to bring absolute color to his father's life and deeds (mostly misdeeds - to say the least) in a way that only a Southerner could have experienced it. The contrast between the father's stories are neatly intertwined with brief chapters on The Boy (The Woman's son by a previous marriage - now Bragg's stepson). It is "The Boy" chapters that bring heart to the book. You see how two completely opposite world's smack Bragg wholehearted upon becoming a step-parent to a child who hasn't the slightest comprehension or experience in and around Bragg's world and youth. In the beginning, Bragg is baffled that The Boy doesn't know how to fight, sheds tears on occasion, and owns a wealth of electronic gadgets. Essesntially, a child who is a million miles from Bragg's youth. The book is an incredible study of contrasts, colorfully told with a mixture of sorrow, hilarity and personal growth by both Bragg and The Boy. Though The Woman does not really play much in the book, her loving, reproachful and stable persona shine throughout without Bragg's invasion of her world. I highly recommend this book for those who are fans of Bragg's, Conroy's, Styron's or other writers who tell of lives that were very hard, but manage to see the light through others and ultimately within themselves.

Laugh one moment...cry the next...

I have long been a serious fan of Rick Bragg. I happened upon him during a reading at a local bookstore 9 years ago and have been hooked since. I never pass up an opportunity to hear him speak and have been anticipating the release of this book for over a year. His new book does not disappoint. One moment I was laughing out loud and making my husband listen to me read passages from the book...the next I was all but sobbing. Bragg tells the tragic story of his fathers life and contrasts this with tales of being a new stepfather. It makes for an incredibly moving read. He is able to use the English language and southern dialogue like few people can. Bragg's two previous family related books were easier reads, but the stories included in this book are wonderful and well worth the read.

Best Yet!!!

This is the best book Bragg has written. I live in Jacksonville and can remember some of the people he writes about. I finished the book in 2 sessions. It was a easy read about a mill village town. Living in the "country" I could relate to the "village kids". Keep up the good work Rick.