I have passed this book (in hard copy) on to several non-Southern friends who wanted a piece of modern Southern Lit (not that I have anything against Eudora Welty!). It grapples with such topics as interracial dating, the dichotamies of "good girl" vs. "fun, adventurous sexual girl," growing up with a mentally ill parent, the "godlike" status given to jocks/atheltic boys in the American South (hence the title of the book) etc. while still being a fun read. Yes! It manages that elusive combination of depth and fun. Would love to see it taught in high schools.

I loved this one, especially the main character. The mix of humor and pathos really kept me listening. Well read and well written.

I found this novel exceptionally good and the performance excellent. The story moves forward at a perfect pace as we enter the lives of a rural Alabama family through the narrative provided by the main character. The pace never falters as the story of this young woman's life unfolds. But best of all, the unanticipated conclusion is well executed.

I wish I hadn't chosen this book; it is the first audiobook that I have found myself unable to finish. The cross between chick-lit and mystery failed, especially since the review never mentioned the crime-lit background of the plot. The review mentions "plot-twists," but fails to include that the baffling back-story of a high-school murder and subsequent cover-up that is so unlikely and bizarre that it is hard to believe. Additionally, the constant allusions to race relations are so frequent and, ultimately, absolute that they appear "put-on" by the author. It's as if the she thought to herself, "I know what would really make this story 'old vs. new Alabama'! Interracial dating and subsequent family dramas!"
I am surprised that this book has received such good reviews in the past.

The story is unusual and, although I found it somewhat strange at points, it was nevertheless enjoyable. The characters are also powerful and it was interesting to listen to their personalities unfold further during the course of the novel. If you are looking for something different then I would recommend this book.

Entertaining, unpredictable story with an interesting main character. Good narrator. Not too long.

This is a easy read with a serious issue of a murder haunting the main character Arlene/Lena. Lena reinvents herself in Chicago but still has the family pull to Alabama. The book holds a very "sad story" that you learn about in pieces...and although it won't surprise you, the interpretation is nicely portrayed. Burr, the boyfriend, is the voice of reason amongst a crazy cast of dysfunctional family members. The narration was well done too, her voice became Lena's in my mind.

I loved the narrator's voice. The characters are well written. The story was solid.

I really enjoyed this story, good reader too, worth using a credit for. I was always looking forward to lisytening to it.

I don't have time to be explicit here. I just want to say that I absolutely loved this book. Excellent read with a great ending that you don't see coming.