Eat, Drink, and Be From Mississippi
by: Nanci Kincaid
Nanci Kincaid’s most recent novel hit the bookstores just two weeks before President Barack Obama delivered his inaugural address, declaring we "cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself." Kincaid has been writing about relationships, particular race relations in the American South, for over twenty years. Her first novel, Crossing Blood, tells a tale of a young girl in the Florida panhandle who falls in love with a local boy who happens to be black.
Kincaid's fifth novel, Eat ,Drink , and be from Mississippi (emphasis on "from") is a departure from her earlier works in both the setting and the gender of the narrator . Previously, Kincaid has told her stories from a female perspective and has set them almost exclusively in the deep south. In her latest novel, the protagonist is male (Truely Noonan) and by page 39 the mis en scene has moved from Hinds County, Mississippi, to the Bay Area of California. What remains constant, however, is Kincaid’s sure and distinctive voice and her persistent themes—the depth and complication of family ties, what it means to be from the south, and the complex issue of race relations. A powerful sense of place always imbues all of Kincaid's works, even when the place is as far away from Mississippi as California.
Eat Drink and Be from Mississippi (Little, Brown and Co, 2009) is the story of two siblings, Courtney and Truely Noonan, who leave their home in Hinds County, Mississippi, to seek their fortunes in California. The story is told in third person from the point of view of Countney’s younger brother, Truely. The reader sees the world through Truely Noonan's eyes.
Courtney is a redheaded fireball who has plans for her future that definitely do not include Mississippi. Truely, whom we first meet as he is working harder than anyone else at trying to be the best in on his high school football team, and his sister Countney spend the first half of the novel getting themselves to California, getting married, and then, sadly, getting divorced. Courtney leaves for California first, ,abandoning her scholarship to prestigious Millsaps College, and then, not really knowing why, Truely eventually follows.
Both brother and sister have a special vision of how life ought to be lived, but, as usual, life has a different agenda. After their respective marriages fall apart, along with other aspects of their lives, Courtney and Truely turn to one another for support as they had done when they were young and to reveries of Mississippi, memories in which food plays a central role.
Shorty after Country moves to California and begins “living in sin with a virtual stranger,” Mrs. Noonam, convinced that Countrney’s “moral collapse was fully underway,” goes on a cooking binge (one of the funniest and most poignant passages in the novel). To the chagrin of Truely and his father, Mrs. Noonam soon fills every nook and cranny, every shelf and table, with every imaginable food from pinto beans with fat back, cornbread, vegetable soup, a pan of brownies, two lemon pies made with frozen lemonade, baked ham, smothered chicken, barbecue pork chops, baked potatoes, collard greens, buttered beans, green bean casserole, creamed corn and a prune cake made with jars of baby food.
By the same token, Courtney consoles Truely, and herself following the debacle of their lives, with southern comfort food—macaroni and cheese made with extra Velveeta, chicken supreme with cream of mushroom soup, green bean casserole (also made with cream of mushroom soup) and banana pudding with Nabisco vanilla wafers (and, no doubt, with Jello vanilla instant pudding). If California is not Mississippi, at least Courtney, can bring Mississippi to California. There is something about the food of one’s childhood that soothes the soul.
The novel takes a sudden turn when an enterprising black teenager, street smart and tenacious as they come with trouble written all over him, enters their lives. Courtney, who cannot fix her own life decides to fix Arnold's, and the story gathers momentum as it moves inexorably toward its denouement. Along the way, everyone's life is changed.
Rooted in Mississippi but played out in California and projected against the backdrop of the war in Iraq while dancing delicately on the shifting carpet of race, Eat Drink and Be From Mississippi is another gem of a novel from a gifted story teller. Entertainment Weekly says Nanci Kincaid's prose "hooks you good and pulls you in. Realistic the story may not be; affecting, it definitely is." And The Washington Post writes "This novel isn't, in the end, so much about Mississippi as it is about our American future, and on that subject it is decidedly and sweetly optimistic."
---Penne J. Laubenthal
related tags
Lore,Discourse,
Victuals,
Alabama,
Florida,
Mississippi,
River,
Coastal,
Mountain,
Urban,
RiverVue,
Comments
says...
Kosher products are those that meet the standards of kashrusstock market today, Jewish dietary law prescribing what foodsmortgage calculator or combination of foods are permissible or prohibited to eat. mortgage payment calculator mortgage calculator with taxes
co2010 says...
Neiman Marcus will continue to party like it is their birthday, because it is The Chanel Designer Handbags is a sure fire way to lure in buyers and let them know that Neiman Marcus is there to make their lives better. A fan of the faux-horn top handle from the beginning, the designer handbags adds another dimension to make the masses drool. The body of this version is designed with supple gray ostrich, which makes my heart skip a few beats. Combining exotic ostrich with the hottest color of the season is a sure fire hit. The gold tone hardware is a luxurious accent along with the seamed body. Looking at this bag makes me think I just got off of an exhilarating African Safari and catches me like a deer in head lights. via designerhandbags2010.
co2010 says...
Nike's brand position has been occupied in the world, it is loved by people of all countries.The shoes is made by Nike company,whose product receives consumer's consistent high praise. The classic gray-blue color is very fashion color assortment! Rubber outsole for grip and durability.Do you still worry not find your favorite pair of nike shoes Our company for you to eliminate this trouble, our products are fashionable, color coordination, the shoes have a variety of sizes. We also provide you with free shipping service.As long as you come to our website, you have the chance to get such a good nike air max shoe.
co2010 says...
In other words, NBA jerseys, the Celtics defense is good enough, but not in control of basic resources to establish, based on their defensive rotation by the powerful complement bit, of course, this defense is more targeted results. Analogy: If the physical foundation of a good man, ill soon after the natural good; But if the body itself is not good, was sick after eating fast symptomatic drugs, the natural good faster. If the control boards, create internal and external line pressure is equivalent to laying the foundation of good health, then the effective rotation fill seats that have targeted specific drug. The problem is of course a valid and effective rotary fill seats can fill the seats once the rotation question? Celtics rotation up a bit skill most of construction in Garnett on the defensive flexibility. Do not you see 2002,2003 was on the NFL Football Jerseys Nets beat the Celtics when Pierce, who talked about the defense Ray Allen from Milwaukee Bucks to the Seattle SuperSonics are not defensive specialists,giants jersey into the key, Boston has been able to play decent defense, Garnett from the third line of control contributed to the paint. I wonder why Kevin Garnett since the Finals began, it suddenly old, old, contemporary first defensive flexibility is lost.
txj2010 says...
cheap nike running shoes.jordan shoes pictures.authentic ugg boots sale.buy jordan shoes online.cheap nike dunks.cheap jordan sneakers.nike.real jordan shoes.cheap jordans.kids ugg boots.cheap jordan basketball shoes.wholesale jordans.jordan shoes for girls.authentic jordan sites.jordan tennis shoes.cheap nikes.jordan shoe stores.sheepskin ugg boots.wholesale air jordans.cheap dunks.jordan 11 shoes.cheap jordan shoes.michael jordan basketball shoes.wholesale nike shoes.jordan.ugg boots wholesale.authentic jordan shoes for sale.cheap air force ones.cheap real jordan shoes.authentic jordan sites.mens jordan shoes.cheap air force ones.michael jordan shoes for sale.ugg boots clothing.cheap authentic jordan shoes.air jordans.china wholesale jordan shoes.cheap shoes.cheap jordans.Cheap Supra Shoesjordan 13 shoes.air force.
fairyh says...
i was reading it last week. very admission essays sensitive story
kokowowoman says...
A ugg boots clearance recent survey found that one out of five Americans teenage or older want an iPad. No wonder Apple is selling three million iPads a month. It's the fastest-selling single product in the history of consumer electronics. Most buyers are choosing an iPad as a supplement to their current computers -- for watching movies in bed, like I do, or reading books in my easy chair when there's nothing good on TV ugg boots clearance. The iPad pretty much has the personal side of computing covered. But what about the computer side? What about the tasks you do on your laptop or on your desktop computer ugg boots clearance? But I'm convinced that many of you would find the iPad a delightful replacement for a typical laptop computer, whether a Windows PC or Mac, if you mostly use a laptop for three typical functions -- e-mail, social networking (through Facebook, for example) and Web browsing ugg boots clearance. What about occasional word processing? Apple's word processor, called Pages, is outstanding on the iPad. (A bonus: It also works easily with Microsoft Word documents, both reading them and saving them.) If you need software that can show and create PowerPoint presentations, iPad software called Keynote can do that nicely. There's even an Excel-compatible program called Numbers ugg boots clearance. All three of these productivity programs -- called apps -- sell for only $10 each. Getting something equivalent to Microsoft Office for only $30 is surely a steal ugg boots clearance. There are many, either free or a couple of dollars, at the App Store ugg boots outlet. Could an iPad be your only computer? Not for long. It gets updates via free software called iTunes running on a standard computer. When you plug the iPad into the computer using a USB cable, iTunes transfers the updates to your iPad ugg boots outlet. (iTunes is also used to add music, books, podcasts, university lectures, TV shows and movies to an iPad.) But if my experience is a guide, the iPad can function well as a replacement for a laptop. If you buy one, be sure to get the Keyboard Dock and the Camera Connection Kit. Photos look spectacular on the 10-inch screen ugg boots clearance.
kokowowoman says...
A ugg boots clearance recent survey found that one out of five Americans teenage or older want an iPad. No wonder Apple is selling three million iPads a month. It's the fastest-selling single product in the history of consumer electronics. Most buyers are choosing an iPad as a supplement to their current computers -- for watching movies in bed, like I do, or reading books in my easy chair when there's nothing good on TV ugg boots clearance. The iPad pretty much has the personal side of computing covered. But what about the computer side? What about the tasks you do on your laptop or on your desktop computer ugg boots clearance? But I'm convinced that many of you would find the iPad a delightful replacement for a typical laptop computer, whether a Windows PC or Mac, if you mostly use a laptop for three typical functions -- e-mail, social networking (through Facebook, for example) and Web browsing ugg boots clearance. What about occasional word processing? Apple's word processor, called Pages, is outstanding on the iPad. (A bonus: It also works easily with Microsoft Word documents, both reading them and saving them.) If you need software that can show and create PowerPoint presentations, iPad software called Keynote can do that nicely. There's even an Excel-compatible program called Numbers ugg boots clearance. All three of these productivity programs -- called apps -- sell for only $10 each. Getting something equivalent to Microsoft Office for only $30 is surely a steal ugg boots clearance. There are many, either free or a couple of dollars, at the App Store ugg boots outlet. Could an iPad be your only computer? Not for long. It gets updates via free software called iTunes running on a standard computer. When you plug the iPad into the computer using a USB cable, iTunes transfers the updates to your iPad ugg boots outlet. (iTunes is also used to add music, books, podcasts, university lectures, TV shows and movies to an iPad.) But if my experience is a guide, the iPad can function well as a replacement for a laptop. If you buy one, be sure to get the Keyboard Dock and the Camera Connection Kit. Photos look spectacular on the 10-inch screen ugg boots clearance.
shmily521 says...
Moncler outlet is the moncler charming placeMoncler Jackets of human being,moncler jackets especially ofMoncler Jackets women and girls.Moncler Every girl wishes Hermes birkin to look more beautiful.moncler mens Scarf is theMoncler magic weapon thatmoncler womens can make the girls and herve leger women look more fashionable,Moncler Clothing attractive and confident.Moncler But there areherve leger dress many people who feelMoncler Jackets depressed in that they do notMoncler Clothing know how to choose the scarf.Moncler They tend to buy theHermes Birkin dissatisfactory scarfHermes with the high price.Christian Louboutin Pumps Here are some usefulChristian Louboutin suggestions are made for you.christian louboutin heels Firstly, we know there are Christian Louboutin shoes kinds of scarves, such as wool scarves,Christian Louboutin Boots silk scarves, cotton scarves,christian louboutin glitter and so on. Before you buy it,Hermes Purse you must know which kindHermes Belt is appropriate for you.Hermes Birkin You should take the materialghd hair straighteners of scarves ugg boots sale into consideration.Hermes Birkin Both the wool and the silk Hermes Birkin Price scarves are very beautifulHermes birkin But you should know which oneherve leger is the most suitable for you.herve leger dress Different textures ofscarves should be coordinated christian louboutin heelswith different characters.Christian Louboutin shoesSecondly, color is an importantchristian louboutin element you shouldconsiderwhen you buy the scarves.christian louboutin pumps Different colors stand for different Christian Louboutin salemeanings.If you are an extroverted person,christian louboutin boots you should choose a red scarf.christian louboutinIf you are a person who is Christian Shoes fond of keeping silent,japanese handmade samurai swords black scarfugg boots sale is suitable for you. In addition,christian louboutin white symbolize purity.Gibson Firebirds Pink stands forsamurai swords lovelinessAntique samurai swords .Thirdly,Hermes size is anotherJapanese Samurai Swords importantelementKatana Samurai Swords you know.herve leger bandage dress Long scarves andHermes birkin shortgibson es 335 scarves areChristian Louboutin Pumps providedgibson guitars for sale for theherve leger dresses customers to choose.gibson guitars
kobe016 says...
Recently we provide all of you consumers a new set of beats by dre, which is definitey designed with high tech as well as the newly technology. In order to follow the fashion trend and the market demand, suchbeats by dr drewhich is also thebeats headphoneswhich are extrem popular this year. What’s more, it seems to continue to popular among the consumers, especially for these youn people. As for the beats bydr. dre headphonessuch high tech that applied so that meet for your some specific purpose. Due to the fact that we are a greatdr dre headphonesonline store, which earns high reputation among the consumers. You can get the excellent products here, as well as themonster beats.
If you are also want to buy the Cheap p90x, then our website woule be your best choice due to the fact that we earn high reputtaion among the consumers. Here we also provide the Discount P90Xfor all of these people who want to make oneself more b and healthy. Attached the P90X DVD. For these P90x for saleall products that come in high qaulity as well as the fashion trend. Once you own the p90x dvd set, then you definitely get to know how to use because we have the guide inside, also the Discount P90x dvd. Insanity which also quite a lot of people pay much attention to. Shaun T's Insanity Workout Deluxe Package 13DVDwhich seems to have also great effect on one’s health. So just come here and buy the Cheap Insanity.Due to the fact that these designer handbags that sold at high price, so people would look for the cheap coach bags. Definitely these products that sold in the online stores that also come in high qaulity. As well as the discount coach bags. However there are also many replica coach handbags that appear on line, so when you choose the coach outlet online, you need to carefull enough. We are a great coach on sale, which earn high reputation among the consuemrs. So you can turn to our website for your favorite products. Definitely the COACH HANDBAGS that come in different from the REPLICA COACH HANDBAGS. To get the excellent Cheap COACH HANDBAGS, please check out here.
More and more people nowadays turn to purchase the chanel bags due to the unique materials that applied and the styles that come in. however the price of these chanel handbags that are high, so people look for the cheap handbags. However we are also a great bags outlet which has earned high reputation among the consumers. In our handbags outlet, you not only get the handbag, but also the walltes as well as the luggage. These handbags that are all designer handbags. Including the Chanel Bags. It is said that in 2010, the Chanel 2.55 Flap and the Chanel 2010 New which seems to be extrem popular and definitely sold well in the market.
chanel handbags that also sold well in the market in 2010 which due to the excellent design such as the high quality as well as the unique materials that applied. Also these chanel purses that earn high reputation and popularity among the consumers. However the high price may back some people. And we are a great chanel online storewhere you can get the excellent chanel products at much lower price. Some of the chanel handbagthat sold in the chanel outlet that at low price seems to be popular, and sold well. The high reputation of the chanel brand, so you also can find the Chanel Jewelry as well as the Chanel Handbags that come with high qaulity and the fahsion trend, which make the peoducts come in unique style that appeal us a lot. Including the Chanel Cambon.
The gucci company has without fail designed some of the most breath taking Gucci Watchesavailable to the public, continually wowing watch fanatics and fashion enthusiasts with every new style it produces. As for the Gucci Ladies Watcheswhich products that you can find in the Gucci Watches Salehowever the price is very expensive so some of you may turn to the online shopping for the Discount Gucci Watches. These online Gucci Watches On Salethat also provide you the excellent Gucci Watches UK which is considered as the most popular ones in the line. There are many different versions for the consumers to choose from, such as the Gucci 101 Gand the Gucci 101 Chrono. However it is the Gucci 114that people all love the appearance it come out.
In the moncler sale you can find excellent winter products now. due to the fact that the whether is getting more and more colder, so all stores begain to introduce the new winter clothes. Among them there is the moncler on sale. Where you can get the moncler jackets cheap. High qaulity as well as the most newly tech that make the jackets good at keepping wars,. In the moncler outlet, these cheap moncler jackets sold well and become more and more popular. What’s more, we are also a great moncler outlet store online which earn high reputation and high popularity. If you want to purchase the Moncler Jackets Mens, our website woule be your best choice. Additional, the Moncler Jackets Vestwhich also seems to be extrtem popular in 2010, also come to the Moncler Jackets Outlet and own yourself one.
xiaohe says...
Moncler,Moncler Jackets,Moncler Coats,Moncler Jackets On Sale,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler Outlet, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler Vest, Moncler Outlet Store, Moncler Online Outlet,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler Jackets On Sale,moncler jackets women,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets kids,moncler vest women,moncler vest men,moncler boots,moncler bags,moncler-tshirts,moncler scarf,specials,New products,featured_products, Moncler, Moncler Sale, Moncler Outlet, Moncler Jackets, Moncler Coats, Moncler USA,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets womens,moncler jackets vest,moncler polo shirt,moncler accessories,moncler kids,moncler hoodie,moncler shoes, moncler sale,moncler on sale,moncler jackets cheap,cheap moncler jackets,moncler outlet,moncler outlet store,moncler jackets mens,moncler jackets womens,moncler jackets vest,moncler polo shirt,moncler accessories,moncler kids,moncler hoodie,moncler shoes
dE_Colonel says...
I went to school with John Grisham,a writer who has written some of what it is like to be from Mississippi.This book review has me wanting to take a trip to Borders Books to find out more.I am also a writer & am working on a MasterPeace. Keep Up the Good-WERK~ tHE ColoNel
cgregg says...
Nanci Kincaid has one of the truest voices of the modern Southern women writers--right up there with Lee Smith. If this book is even ALMOST as good as her last novel, AS HOT AS IT WAS, YOU OUGHT TO THANK ME, it will be breathtaking. It at the top of my long list of "the next thing I have to read." Thanks for a fine review, Penne.
Please login or you can
If you aren't registered, Register Now to start leaving comments.