I want to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Netgalley, and Paul Theroux for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. I was simply thrilled to be able to delve into these pages. My heart is always in the South and read a travelogue of journeys did my heart good. I have heard that Theroux is a terrific author; but prior to this book I have never picked up one of his books. Shame on me- this was superbly written as if I was in the passenger seat of Theroux's car.

Deep South is a dense book. Full of information, stories, anecdotes, humor, and social observations. Theroux drives through the South and interacts with friends he met previously, new friends he meets along the way, and his thoughts as the miles pass away beneath the tires of his car. This isn't a book that extols the virtue of porch rockers, sweet tea, fried chicken and grits. Rather this is a book that discusses the current state of a rich, and not in a monetary sense, area of our country. The poverty of this region is devastating to read; but the graciousness of the human spirit is inspiring. Theroux observes, asks questions, and respects the history of the region. I highly recommend this book and will be eagerly seeking out his other books.