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See what all the Shoutin' is about
Jul 30, 2002 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
There was a time when Darlington students, faculty members, staff, parents, and alumni engaged exclusively in day-to-day tasks without many common endeavors outside of the classroom or only at occasional gatherings. That era ended last year when David Hicks, Darlington’s president, initiated a community reading project that offers the entire Darlington community a common academic ground, one that encourages discussion. “I felt that as an academic institution we were intellectually fragmented and that such a close community as ours should take advantage of an opportunity to do one academic thing together, such as reading a book,” Hicks explained.
A committee comprised of individuals representing each academic department makes the selections. Buzz Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights was the first book chosen. The reading and discourse culminated with a visit by Bissinger in April. The event proved to be a success making this an annual event. The Darlington community read selection for the 2002-2003 school year is All Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg.
So far, the reviews circulating have been very enthusiastic. Those on campus who have read Bragg’s book and responded to an inquiry about it, whole-heartedly approve and recommend the read. Darlington responses are much like the reviews found on the back cover or first pages of award-winning novels –the familiar rave reviews written by experts that are included to market the book.
Upper School English instructor Raymond Murray sees this year’s enthusiasm as a chance to take the program even further than last year –increasing participation. “The community reading program is important to Darlington and one that should be embraced by those extolling the necessity of academia. We are learning as we go,” Murray said. “I believe that incorporating this book into summer reading [last year’s community read was not part of students’ summer reading requirements] is a smart thing to do. Plus Bragg’s book has a wide reach in terms of interest. His is a fascinating story. I believe most will be touched by the perseverance of his mother.”
The story is a recollection of a terribly hard childhood in northeastern Alabama and a celebration of a mother who sacrifices much for her children. The close proximity to Rome (Rome is even mentioned), the many familiarities, and the compelling story should be enough to capture the interest of Darlington readers. There are a few connections to people at Darlington that add a fun element and might spark interest. Wally Fowler, a famous country-gospel singer who is mentioned in the book, was the second husband to campus resident Judy Fowler, the mother of Associate Headmaster and Dean of College Guidance Sam Moss. Also, Bragg refers to an unpleasant teacher who is a distant relative to Middle School faculty member Nancy Ivester.
For members of the Darlington community who are from Rome, surrounding areas, the South, or a small town, the book may evoke childhood memories, scents, and tastes of home cooking. It may even inspire some readers to delve into family trees. For international students, those from other U.S. regions, and alumni who simply have tasted the South for a short period, this book offers a view of a way of life that seems to be vanishing. Rick Bragg’s All Over but the Shoutin’ is available in DarSHOP. For purchasing information contact Barbara Raybon at 706-802-4393 or braybon@darlingtonschool.org.
A committee comprised of individuals representing each academic department makes the selections. Buzz Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights was the first book chosen. The reading and discourse culminated with a visit by Bissinger in April. The event proved to be a success making this an annual event. The Darlington community read selection for the 2002-2003 school year is All Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg.
So far, the reviews circulating have been very enthusiastic. Those on campus who have read Bragg’s book and responded to an inquiry about it, whole-heartedly approve and recommend the read. Darlington responses are much like the reviews found on the back cover or first pages of award-winning novels –the familiar rave reviews written by experts that are included to market the book.
Upper School English instructor Raymond Murray sees this year’s enthusiasm as a chance to take the program even further than last year –increasing participation. “The community reading program is important to Darlington and one that should be embraced by those extolling the necessity of academia. We are learning as we go,” Murray said. “I believe that incorporating this book into summer reading [last year’s community read was not part of students’ summer reading requirements] is a smart thing to do. Plus Bragg’s book has a wide reach in terms of interest. His is a fascinating story. I believe most will be touched by the perseverance of his mother.”
The story is a recollection of a terribly hard childhood in northeastern Alabama and a celebration of a mother who sacrifices much for her children. The close proximity to Rome (Rome is even mentioned), the many familiarities, and the compelling story should be enough to capture the interest of Darlington readers. There are a few connections to people at Darlington that add a fun element and might spark interest. Wally Fowler, a famous country-gospel singer who is mentioned in the book, was the second husband to campus resident Judy Fowler, the mother of Associate Headmaster and Dean of College Guidance Sam Moss. Also, Bragg refers to an unpleasant teacher who is a distant relative to Middle School faculty member Nancy Ivester.
For members of the Darlington community who are from Rome, surrounding areas, the South, or a small town, the book may evoke childhood memories, scents, and tastes of home cooking. It may even inspire some readers to delve into family trees. For international students, those from other U.S. regions, and alumni who simply have tasted the South for a short period, this book offers a view of a way of life that seems to be vanishing. Rick Bragg’s All Over but the Shoutin’ is available in DarSHOP. For purchasing information contact Barbara Raybon at 706-802-4393 or braybon@darlingtonschool.org.
