Something to Shout About

   "This is not an important book," Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Bragg insists. 
OK, so maybe Bragg's memoir, All Over but the Shoutin' is just one man's story, but it doesn't have to be an important book to get people reading and reacting to it-and then interacting with each other. It just needs to be a good read, which is why Gwinnett Public Library chose for its first Gwinnett Reads program.
   GPL hopes Gwinnettians of all ages and all backgrounds will find common ground by reading the same book and taking part in discussion groups at library branches all over the county. 
   All Over but the Shoutin' is Bragg's account of his blue-collar childhood in rural Alabama. He addresses alcohol and abuse, demons and death, courage and commitment through the lives of what he calls "his people."
   Tyler Ledon, a rising freshman at the new Peachtree Ridge High School in Duluth was among the participants in a kickoff discussion. Though Ledon's life in Gwinnett County is a far cry from Possum Trot, Alabama, he still relates to what Bragg has to say.
   "The book can lead to better conversations and in depth discussions. People who have gone through bad situations and lived through it will know they are not the only ones who have gone through tough times. It's a good book that can be passed down from parents to kids."
   Looking at the demographics of Gwinnett County, with its high percentage of college graduates and six-figure incomes, one might wonder how closely "our people" can relate to Bragg's.
   At the Kickoff picnic at Gwinnett University Center, of the nearly 400 people who drove up in luxury cars and wore name brand clothes, Bragg asked, "Could I just see a show of hands of everyone who comes from people who worked with their hands?"
   Almost every hand went up. Even if everyone didn't relate to Bragg's "tough times" emotionally, most related economically. Nodding heads showed they knew first hand who Bragg's people are.
But then, that's just my opinion. And I'm fortunate enough to have a column where I can express it. However, you have a chance to express your opinion, too. Not only can you participate in the discussion groups, but you can also enter the essay contest and personally tell Bragg what you think about his people.
   Explain in 150 words or less (this column is 482 words) why you think Bragg's story and his people's stories are important and submit it by June 27. (More info at your library or www.gwinnettpl.org ) Twelve lucky winners will share a catered dinner with Rick Bragg on July 18 in a private home. Winning entries may be published on the Gwinnett Library Web site and I will include names and excerpts of my favorite entries in a July column. 
  What you have to say could be important. Maybe even something to shout about.

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