Wednesday, June 22, 2011

We Be Big, by Rick Burgess & Bill "Bubba" Bussey

We Be Big: The Mostly True Story of How Two Kids from Calhoun County, Alabama, became Rick & Bubba is an auto-biography written by both Rick and Bubba (with the help of Don Keith). The book is broken into 20 chapters, with each chapter alternating between Rick's and Bubba's perspectives. Early in their lives (before they meet in college), the alternating format is a bit confusing, but by the time they meet, the stories converge and the narrative is fluid. The book is an easy read, written on a popular level, and holds your attention well, especially chapter 8 and following (when they talk about the show).

The first seven chapters are about their early childhoods, their school experiences, their meeting in college, and their early (and separate) work careers. In chapters 8-20 the story unfolds with the evolution of their radio show. The two men's personalities come through in their writing, which makes the book a funny, yet thoughtful, read. They speak openly of their personal lives and their faith. Rick and Bubba's Christianity shines throughout this book, but especially in the last four chapters, which recount the events surrounding the death of Rick's child. Both Rick and Bubba highlight how God used such a tragic event to reach many people both inside and outside their radio audience.

The book could be summarized from a quote in the final chapter: "How we became 'big' is simple... we allowed God to guide us. We took what He gave us, and we ran with it. As long as we continue to do that, He will continue to bless us."

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, even those who have not listened to the show (like me). It's a great story about a couple of Christians living the American dream.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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