Due South

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY MAY 31, 1999

Fans of National Public Radio's All Things Considered will recognize the author of these short essays celebrating life below the Mason-Dixon line. Brunner, who grew up in rural Alabama, proudly remains a Southerner, living in urban Brandon, Miss., where he is vice-president of the Mississippi Association of Realtors. He skillfully blends humor and pathos in this well-crafted collection, lending some self-aware zing to Southern clich s: descriptions of pulled pork sandwiches and iced tea at Arthur's barbecue joint manage to be mouth watering; a vivid account of how his MaMa (grandmother) organizes a yearly August soup-making party surpasses mere quaintness. The author's devotion to his parents ("Yes, sir. No, ma'am") is reflected in "Chap Stick," a poignant piece concerning a hospital visit to his father, and in "Mother's Greasy Bible," a tribute to his mother's high ethical standards. Although Brunner deals with many parts of his regional experience, from Deep South language quirks to the joy of raising his daughter as a Southerner, race relations remain unexplored except for a sentimental recollection of a beloved black housekeeper and an account of a visit he made to a poor black community. There's nothing hard-hitting or penetrating in this collection, just some sweet memories and fond recreations of regional idiosyncrasy.