Dark at the Roots: A Memoir

by Sarah Thyre

Book Overview

As a middle child raised middle class and stuck out in the middle of Louisiana, hilarious writer and actress Sarah Thyre often found her in-between existence far less than desirable. Even from a young age, Sarah found ways of shirking her own hated identity -- whether by stealing someone else's or lying about her own. She changed her name, claimed to be a great outdoorsman, and solicited donations for her favorite charity -- which turned out to be,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582433593
• ISBN13: 9781582433592
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Counterpoint LLC
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Dark at the Roots

was overall entertaining enough, but I thought it ended poorly so I was disappointed about that (very abrupt, incomplete ending). I love when people get so honest about their terrible childhoods because it makes them seem so relatable but I won't be keeping this one for my collection.

terrific

I loved this book. Sarah is absolutely hysterical. I found myself laughing out loud in bed reading it at night. My only problem is that she hasn't written anything else. Please, Please, write something else, and hurry.

I DEMAND A SEQUEL!

I finished reading this lovely tome set in my illustrious home state of Louisiana last night and sat straight up in bed and shouted, "I DEMAND A SEQUEL!" As it was 2 a.m., my husband sat straight up in bed, too, and said "WTF?" Even the dog barked! LOL! This is one of THE best memoirs I've read in years. Sarah Thyre is a born comedian and a fantastic writer. She captures the essence of the Coonass culture and the hidden joys of a dysFUNctional Louisiana childhood like no one else I've ever read. (I was born in south Louisiana and have lived here most of my life, so I know a good story when I read one.) Ahem... My only regret was that she ended the book too soon. I'm dying to know what happened to her after high school (and the convenience store job so deliciously described) and if she really did go to LSU. So, Sarah, if you read this, please, please, please consider a sequel to this hilarious, touching, bittersweet story of your childhood. I think it deserves ten stars after some of the dry, boring memoirs I've recently read. Buy this book if you need a good laugh and a summer read that you won't soon forget.

Dark, raw, real, funny

This book was hard to put down -- very, very real, cringe-worthy at times, unflinchingly honest and relatable. It's one of those books that makes me as a parent get a grip on the mistakes I make or worry about making. No matter what I've done so far, it doesn't match the messed-up child-rearing methods and decidedly hands-off approach taken by our families back in the '70s. Sarah Thyre turned out great, and I guess I did too! Fun book for those who grew up in that era in sometimes less-than-perfect circumstances.

Hysterical

I loved "A Girl Named Zippy" and this book is just as great! I had forgotten about Sizzlean, Tame creme rinse and other delightful 70's products! Great memories, great laughs!

Loved the memories!

Anyone born in the late 60's or early 70's is going to catch all the hysterical references to our own childhoods. Sarah Thyre was able to put into words the feelings/attitudes of those crazy years, especially in the later chapters. From describing her old beat up "Gremlin", the music, the clothes, even her beloved copy of "The Preppy Handbook". I loved "Dark at the Roots", and look forward to more tales from this author.