The book is about the 13 year old Henry Toohey, and his life in St. Patrick Street, in 1984 Philadelphia. The story is full of childish, but yet, serious characters with characteristic that many could relate to, and many neighborhood pranks and games that many could remember. Henrys dad, Francis Jr. Toohey, is cheating on his mom Cecilia with a woman on his street, and even though Henry, his sister Cece, and both of his brothers, Frannie, and Stephan, know about it, the family still remain together, but not very peaceful and loving. Henry falls in love with an older, and a little "tom-boyish" girl, Grace McClain, and Henry is planning to propose her, hoping that it will save his family, and help his drunken brother Stephan, and his cheating dad.

The book is full of different situation, and contains language and slang that was popular in Philly at those times, in the Irish community. There is a strong feel of how poor people on the street were, and how complicated their life is, and one example is how Henry is describing overtime: "Overtime-the difference between steak or meatloaf" and how are fathers worked in order to feed their families, and hopefully move to a better place.
Henry's mind is very much like an average 13 year old kid, who spends most of his time taking car of his appearance, specially his hair, and thinking about tits, and trying to hide is boner.

Green Grass Grace is a fast paced, and very amusing book, that I really enjoyed to read, although, Shawn McBride abused the use of the word "boner", it does not hurt the reader to much, and adds to the goofy character of Henry Toothy, and his rock-star appearance.
The books language is not overwhelming, but still manage to transmit sophisticated text, and dialogs, that are easy to understand, and enjoy, whether if the reader is older or younger then the characters age.
Every reader can find many different situations and events, that he may relate to; if its something that happend in his childhood, or friends, or adults he knew.

Although there are many characters, i found few of them out-of place at times, such as Cece's and her boyfriend Archie, who at times seem to be more like a filler. The ending was pretty sad, but you can definitly feel that Henry has matured through the book, and its more adult-type of events.

I recommend this book to every one,

Kfir

This book is fantastic! A friend of mine recommended it but said it is kind of a guy book. Well I picked up pretty fast what he meant by that, but regardless of obscenities and erections this book really has heart and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I grew up in the burbs of Philly and never got to experience city life for real. Now I have heard it all and wish I had lived there. The weird neighbors, The Catholic statues on front lawns, kids playing games in the streets as an outsider I'm jealous I never got to live that. Which is ironic because all he wants is that farm and the love he has for Grace. If you like Catcher in the Ryesque books than you'll enjoy this book as long as an occasional lewd joke doesn't bother you. I also recommend "Temple of Gold" for anyone who enjoyed both this book and Catcher in the Rye. It's not as witty as "GGG" but it is another book in what I feel is in the same genre.

This book is a masterpiece and should be read by every Philadelphian.

As a side note, I can't help but wonder if the author is related to Bake McBride. Does any one know?

Five stars, baby, five stars.

Where do I start? Shawn hit a homerun. From the start of the book he has you. A sign of a great book is if it can get you to physically react to it. Well, I found myself laughing out loud and welling up with tears of joy thanks to this beauty. Is it fiction or real? Shawn paints vivid pictures with his words. Is it about fun, family, tragedy or love? Perhaps it is about all of these topics. Nonetheless, for a get away book that keeps you reading until it is done, try this one on for size. It will please you.

Green Grass Grace is a book with a unique feel and great personality. For Shawn McBride this was an excellent first novel and I look forward to reading more oh his book.
The story is set in Philadelphia and revolves around the lives of a group of 13 year olds. It takes you through their daily activities and the way they feel about growing up. The main character is Henry Toohey, who is a 13-year-old smart alec whose family life is crumbling around him. Although his father is having and affair, and his brother is a drunk he still keeps a positive attitude because of the one goal he has in mind, marrying his girlfriend Grace McClain. Even though the book's main character is at the center of many problems, this book is surprisingly upbeat and funny because the author's use of foul language and insight into the minds of teenage boys. Some may find the use of language and the detailed discussion of the female anatomy offensive, but they way it is used you can see that it is merely for humor. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to step back into his or her childhood and have a good laugh.