Somebody Told Me

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the novel "Somebody Told Me: The Newspaper Stories of Rick Bragg" by Rick Bragg. Specifically, the paper presents a book review of Bragg's novel. The writer explains that this non-fiction work is simply a compilation of news stories originally written by the author for the New York Times and other newspapers. The writer points out that the main idea is to showcase the author's writing and his ability to bring people and their problems (and joys) to life for the reader. The writer concludes that "Somebody Told Me" by Rick Bragg is an engrossing glimpse into the fabric of American life.

From the Paper:

"The book is charming, disturbing, joyful, and intensely difficult to read in places, but it serves the author's purpose well. It introduces the reader to real Americans with real problems and real solutions. It shows America to be a troubled land filled with people who want to do something about that trouble and make it better. This book would be a fine addition to just about anyone's bookshelf. It is relatively easy to read, except for some of the most disturbing subject matter, such as murders, old prisoners who die in prison, the Susan Smith story, and others. There is something about the book that keeps the reader turning pages for "just one more page," long after they planned to stop reading. It is compelling, distressing, enlightening, and just plain sad in places. Perhaps the best thing about the book, and what keeps the reader coming back, is how it reads more like a novel than a group of newspaper articles. Bragg is a fine writer, and after reading this book, this reader would like to read some of his other works. He has a way with the language and puts sentences together with skill and thought."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bragg, Rick. Somebody Told Me: The Newspaper Stories of Rick Bragg. Tuscaloosa, AL: The University of Alabama Press, 2000.
• --. "Author Biography." BookBrose.com. 1 Aug. 2001. 3 Aug. 2006. < http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm?author_number=77 >

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