We Be Big: The Mostly True Story of How We Became Rick & Bubba by
Rick BurgessMy rating:
4 of 5 starsOver the years, syndicated radio hosts Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey have written books on a variety of subjects from food to hunting to politics to marriage and just about everything else under the sun. But for fans curious about how the self-proclaimed "two sexiest fat men" alive got to the point that they'd have a large enough audience to become one of the biggest syndicated morning radio shows in the country, much less New York Times best-selling authors have been left to piece together the stories from what Rick and Bubba have said on the radio.
That is, until they get their hands on their latest book, "We Be Big," the behind-the-scenes story of how Rick and Bubba became Rick and Bubba. If you're a long time fan of the show, you're probably familiar with some of the details, but maybe you're missing a few essential steps along the way. Rick and Bubba each alternate chapters, revealing bits of their personal history and how it lead to the platform that is the Rick and Bubba show today.
As fans have come to expect, the story is funny, moving and authentic. Rick and Bubba wear their hearts and faith on their sleeve. And while they are able to point out how and why they've been successful, they're also quick to point out stumbles and failures they've experienced along the journey. And in all of this, the duo never lose site of where all the honor for their platform and opportunity really lies--that in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Make no mistake--these two men are sold out followers of Jesus and reading this book will challenge you to become a sold-out follower as well. The book pulls no punches, but it does it in a loving, entertaining and readable manner.
The only thing really missing from this book is the author's usual inclusion of a CD featuring "best of" bits from the show that are chronicled in the book. Hearing Rick and Bubba on radio is the best way to truly understand their appeal, but I can understand why a "best of" CD wasn't included here--there's just simply not enough room on one disc (or even two or three) to include the moments, stories and events chronicled in this book. The good news is they're pretty much all available on previous "Best of" CDs that you can purchase from their web site or via iTunes. (And no, I don't work for Rick and Bubba.)
But what's not missing is the authenticity that the duo shares on the radio. The power of their witness comes across on every page.
Fans of the show will eat this book up like Bubba's favorite goat drop cookies. Those, like me, curious about the evolution of the show will enjoy the first-person perspectives on how these two guys became "the two sexiest fat men alive." If you're not yet a fan of the show, give this book a try. You'll encounter a powerful witness and challenge. And you'll also have some laughs and tears along the way.
posted by Michael Hickerson at 3/07/2011 02:59:00 PM |
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