For those of you who have read these, which is best to read first?  I just ordered both.

Thanks!!

I think probably the order that he wrote them in is the best way--maybe because that's how I read them.  So, All Over but the Shoutin' would be first.  After you finish those, be sure and read the third, his newest, The Prince of Frogtown.  It's also very good.

All Over But the Shoutin should be the first one you read.  Actually I couldn't get through Ava's man and have decided not to get Prince of Frogtown since so many I have talked too hated it. 

 I really love Rick Bragg's writing, and his books. "Prince of Frogtown," is great writing, but  it is not pretty.

It is about a part of the Deep South that most people never see; most books focus on the romance of the coast and the moss-draped oaks, and beach etc etc etc. "Frogtown" is about life in a mill village in mid-and late century., which was usually pretty grim and rough. The towns my husband and I grew up in SC had mill villages, but it was like another world we didn't visit.

 DH could not finish the book, he said it was too true, and he did not want to be reminded of it. (and he's the one who reads for good writing, while I am more -plot-driven).

  From the reviews I'd though Frogtown was more about Bragg taking on the role of father to his new wife's son. That did not much interest me, so I did not read it for a while. But while it does involve that, it's more about life in these mill villages, where most of Bragg's family grew up.

  It should be required reading for anyone interested in the south.