49 pages • 1 hour read
Praying for Sheetrock
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
370
Book • Nonfiction
McIntosh County, Georgia • 1970s
1991
Adult
18+ years
1100L
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.
Informative
Gritty
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
1,893 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
1,893 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
370
Book • Nonfiction
McIntosh County, Georgia • 1970s
1991
Adult
18+ years
1100L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.