Don't Forget to Call Your Mama...I Wish I Could Call Mine

by Lewis Grizzard

The popular humorist praises and ponders the art of motherhood and remembers his own mother in stories told with wit and emotion

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1991

About the author

American writer and humorist, known for his Southern demeanor and commentary on the American South. Although he spent his early career as a newspaper sports writer and editor, becoming the sports editor of the Atlanta Journal at age 23, he is much better known for his humorous newspaper columns in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a popular stand-up comedian & lecturer.

Grizzard also published a total of twenty-five books, including collections of his columns (e.g. Chili Dawgs Always Bark at Night), expanded versions of his stand-up comedy routines (I Haven't Understood Anything Since 1962), and the autobiographical If I Ever Get Back to Georgia, I'm Gonna Nail My Feet to the Ground. Although much of his comedy discussed the South and Grizzard’s personal and professional lives, it was also a commentary on issues prevalent throughout America, including relationships between men and women (e.g. If Love Were Oil, I'd Be About a Quart Low), politics, and health, especially heart health.

He made us laugh and think at the same time. Indeed, during his lifetime, Lewis Grizzard heard himself described as "this generation's Mark Twain," "one of the foremost humorists in the country" and "a Faulkner for plain folks" by the national press. What he was, without a doubt, was a masterful storyteller, stand-up comedian, syndicated columnist and best selling author.

Lewis Grizzard Museum: http://newnan.com/lg/

New Georgia Encyclopedia entry:
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/ng...

Reviews

[kera rodshuf · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 Stars
Good Lord that was freakin sad.

It was everything that southern Appalachia is though. The important things like mama and fried chicken are so underestimated and undervalued, but so so relevant. I loved this book. I really like Lewis Grizzard.

Still, it’s so so sad. I cried once, which I haven’t done in years. I don’t necessarily think everyone would. But this hit close to home in a lot of different areas, and I really and truly will think about it often. It reminds me of the heartbreak I feel when I think about my childhood being gone, and the heartbreak of losing someone you care about.

It’s just heartbreaking.

Call your mama<3

[Charles Lovelace, III · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book back in the 90's when it was first released. Now that I wish I could call my mama, I thought I'd read it again, reflecting on her life.

[Jane Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet tribute to his mother. This takes me back to a time when my parents were young. I remember my stepfather telling me all he and his mother went through during hard times and I welled up ready this a couple of times. This is so beautifully written and you can feel the sorrow in each page. I think it is a lovely reminder to cherish our loved ones and the special times we have together.

[EuroHackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, poignant tribute to his mother 🥰 At the end, I simultaneously wanted to cry and hug my own mother, who means the world to me. If you are fortunate enough to have a good relationship with your mother, you should read this book.

[Wes Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grizzard is always fun to read. And yes, I cried during this book. (Also, and less significantly, I went out for southern/soul food after reading.)

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a book club challenge, A Book Your Mom or Dad Loved. In this case, my dad is huge Grizzard fan but my mom also liked this book! It was a short, sweet read. Parts of it were funny (as I was expecting) but Grizzard also works through some tough stuff about his relationship with his mama. I know I was thankful I could call mine when I finished it : )

[Kim Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read this one but I remember it to be a wonderful tribute to his mother--I remember some tears were shed when I read it.

[Dawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this many years ago and loved it. He makes me laugh.

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too true.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

read SOMETIME in 1999