49 pages • 1 hour read
Melissa Fay GreenePraying for Sheetrock
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1991A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Fay Greene is a work of literary nonfiction set in McIntosh County, Georgia, opening with a highway accident in 1971 that unveils systemic racism under Sheriff Tom Poppell's rule. Thurnell Alston, a passionate black leader, emerges to challenge this injustice, forming a local NAACP chapter and advocating for civil rights, resulting in increased black representation in local government.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Fay Greene receives praise for its gripping narrative and vivid portrayal of a racially divided Southern town in the 1970s. While critics commend its detailed reportage and emotional depth, some find it slow-paced and overly dense with historical context. Overall, it is celebrated for its powerful storytelling and significant social insight.
Who Should Read Praying for Sheetrock?
Readers who would enjoy Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Fay Greene are typically interested in American history, civil rights, and social justice themes. They may also appreciate works like The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson or Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King, which delve into similar historical narratives and legal battles.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1100L