Better Off Without 'Em

A Northern Manifesto for Southern Secession

By: Chuck Thompson

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Let’s talk about secession.

Not exactly the most suitable cocktail party conversation starter anywhere in the country. But take that notion deep into the heart of Dixie, and you might find yourself running from the possum-hunting conservatives, trailer-park lifers, and prayer warriors Chuck Thompson encountered during the two years he spent traveling the American South asking the question: Would we be better off without ’em?

The result is a heavily researched, serious inquiry into national divides which is unabashedly controversial, often uproarious, and always thought-provoking. From a church service in Mobile, Alabama, where the gospel entertainer announces, "Islam is upon us!" to a store selling Ku Klux Klan memorabilia on a quaint little street in South Carolina - Thompson lifts the green velvet drapes on a South that would seem to belong more to the time of Rhett and Scarlett than the dawn of the twenty-first century.

By crunching numbers, interviewing experts, and roaming the not-so-former Confederacy, Thompson - an openly disgruntled liberal from the Northwest - makes a compelling case for southern secession. What would the new nations look like if Virginia governor Bob McDonnell was elected as the first President of the Confederate States of America? If a southern electorate was left to fend for itself while the North did damage control on an economy decimated by cut-rate southern workers who operate as a rival nation within its own borders? If the BCS championship football game were replaced by a North vs. South Coca Cola/ Starbucks Blood Bowl? If Florida went to the South and Texas to the North in the most complex land-and-population grab in American history?

Better Off Without ’Em is a deliberately provocative book whose insight, humor, fierce and fearless politics, and sheer nerve will spark a national debate that is perhaps long overdue.

©2012 Chuck Thompson (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

This was so funny, and sadly accurate.

This book was so entertaining and on the money. The narrator was perfect for this book; his voice was definitely an easy listen and really gave this book some personality. I grew up in Texas, and live in Memphis so I can attest that, for a huge part of this population, the beliefs of some simply cannot be swayed with facts.

Chuck Thompson really has captured the essence of the south in a humorous and thought provokingly manner. As a southerner who appreciates science and fact, I could not be offended by what he presented, though I know quite a few that might be. I actually laughed aloud in public places while listening to his encounters. This is definitely not a wasted credit. I'm really not sure how to fix what's wrong with this place, but succession could be a plan!

As a White Native Texan...

I found it to have lots of insight into southern cultural and politics and plenty of snarky humor. If you take offense to this book, well that's the point. It was inevitable that you would.

I only wish it was just not a book title

Everything in my head about the South was put in writing. Absolutely loved the book. Let em go!

Five Stars from a reluctant Southern belle

Loved every word. So much truth. So much snark. Thompson is a joy to read, even in the midst of this election where so many of his predictions in this book have come true. I'm a born and bred Floridian, the daughter of a Yankee and a Southern belle, and have struggled with Southernness for my whole life. This book was fun to listen to and dared to go where few have gone before. And major BRAVO to the voice performer. Excellent reading.

Awesome

I love this book. It is without a doubt one of the most compelling, well-written and researched, relatable, humorous books that I have ever read (or listened to). I was hooked from the start. The author backs up his stance with myriad facts and illustrative examples, resulting in a rock-solid argument for the South as a cancer that is holding back the rest of the nation from achieving its true ideals. I could listen to this book again just for the entertainment factor. I laughed out loud more times than I can count. This book is phenomenal.

Call their bluff!

What did you love best about Better Off Without 'Em?

All the states that have threatened to secede since Obama was elected (twice) by a huge majority should be allowed to go. i say we call their bluff. I loved the author's sense of humor. It may have seemed snarky to some, but no worse than people on the other side dish out constantly. He made some very good points that might make people on both sides think about how we have been a divided nation since the beginning.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

That we would think of the south like Mexico, but with an even more corrupt government. That made me laugh!

Great Read

Very good book. Very thought provoking.

Makes you think.

Highly recommend for both Yankee and Reb!

Point of view from a Southern....

Call me what you will liberal independent Democrat it doesn't matter I think that this author says are true to the bone yes there are things about the south that are endearing... but racism is still alive and well.. and the my religion is the only thing that matters is still true... South is not great and the people who move there are more white then other... and the south is great if your white... the only place I know blacks are going is Atlanta... I personally will pay higher taxes for healthcare, education and other social services that help out my fellow human! As a Southern... the only thing I miss .... how polite we can be...

What can I say? I loved it.

Not exactly the height of scholarship, but hilarious. And informative. It's like taking a trip to a fantasy world where things like this are actually possible. A nice follow up to the more serious book called "American Nations" whose author's name slips my mind at the moment. The reader is perfect, and almost turns the book into a stand up comedy ruitine. It's a joyride that is more than worth the price of admission.

5 stars

A must "listen to" for anyone who ever wished we would have just let the South secede 150 years ago.