Dear FRONTLINE,

These kind of programs can change peoples perspectives on life. It's funny that we as human beings tend to narrow our own realities as life progresses and catch ourselvs, although unwantingly, falling back into our own provincial realities. Sometimes it takes a shocking and moving story of other peoples lives to realize that we have 'been there' in one way or another, and in the end, we all look for the same gratifications and fulfillments in life regardless of our origins.

You can have everything you ever wanted in terms of wealth. I think this documentary shows that having wealth is not clearly enough. That the tribulations of life sometimes take us where we never anticipated they would. This is a human story. A story we can all see in ourselvs.

This story takes place in impoverished Kentucky, but where do you live? what's your story? Stories like this play themselvs out across this planet everyday, some better, but some much! much! worse. Let this story be your moral compass. Take action and let's change this world into a more equitable place.

Jeremy Young
Vancouver, WA

Dear FRONTLINE,

At 49 years old I was able to revisit the days of my youth through Chris and Cody this evening while watching "Country Boys". We all are so much alike. We share the same desires and dreams as well as the same fears and frustrations and when all is said and done the only difference between those who succeed and those who don't comes down to our role models and the company we keep.

I could look at Chris's face and see a successful young man if he could remain focused and I could also see the face of a man that almost made it (if he were to give up because it was just all too overwhelming). You could sense how nervous Chris was to ask the young lady out for a date. It could be seen in his body language and I had to chuckle thinking back to my first crush in first grade.

Cody seems to have a slight advantage, but then again he doesn't appear to have as much negativity surrounding him. This is a great documentary.

stephen pasternak
falling waters, wv

Dear FRONTLINE,

I have been caught in some type of trance with the life of Chris. This guy has it going on, but somehow finds a way to jeopardize every opportunity that is presented to him. I had a feeling of a self-destructive manner or curse that he plants on himself in any given situation.

I respected him... He was disappointed in his father, searched for a hero, supported his sister and respected his mother. I connected with Chris, because of these multi-tasking abilities, but I cannot "feel" that he understands how important he is because of these great strengths.

In my opinion, he failed with the School Paper project. There were so many people who helped him, but again he was his worst enemy. His teachers helped him, but for "whatever reason", the end result is that he failed. I kept hoping he would come through; I was on the edge of my seat with hope. Each time, I felt disappointment. I grasp myself with some type of hope. It is as if he has it, but does not use it, but somehow can find a way to blame his father for this short-termed lived short circuit. In my mind I believe he can pull it off...somehow. God, I hope so, he has too much talent to discard his message. Thank you for a great story! Chris: do not stop when you have a challenge, embrace the challenge. You can do anything! You can be a success!

t lee
las vegas, nv

Dear FRONTLINE,

"Country Boys" is like a great book that you just can't put down. I tuned into it by accident, but I was mesmerized.Chris' story was not only interesting but he himself was so entertaining that it was impossible to stop watching. So many things he and Cody said were so honest and true that they hit the nail right on the head. They were absolutely inspiring in their approach to problems and their senses of humour. What stood out about Chris and Cody's lives wasn't the poverty, the hardship, the loss, or even their problems, it was their great personalities, bright, intelligent minds, and unique approach to their lives.

This film has accomplished what every documentary tries to do--to make us feel like we really know the person it's about. And that's what makes the film so great--the honesty and candidness of the guys. They charm the audience precisely because they don't try to. GO COUNTRY BOYS, GO! (Can't wait for the next installment.)

To the film maker: I enjoyed "The Farmer's Wife" very much, but I think you've really outdone yourself this time. It's one of the best and most interesting documentaries I've ever watched.I'm 24 and from Seattle, WA. In a lot of ways I've had a very different lifestyle from that of Chris and Cody, yet I could definitely relate to a lot of things they said and even to some of their circumstances. What a great interpretation of their lives. Bravo!

Julie Rowe
Seattle, WA

Dear FRONTLINE,

This story was incredible i have only watched the first part but i can't wait to see what happens next! I actually found this show by accident and could not turn away,cody and chris if i could say one thing to each of you something my father always told me and now i pass it on to my teenage kids is that "NOTHING BEATS A FAILURE BUT A TRY

"it might not make sense the first time you hear it because it did'nt make any to me either as a teenager, but just keep it in your head and you will accomplish anything you set out to do.God Bless

Bryan Jackmon
Tualatin, OR

Dear FRONTLINE,

While I may be echoing some of the sentiment in the previous e-mails, I am glad to see some of the myths of growing up in Appalachia (as I did) dispelled by the intelligence of the young men portrayed in this documentary.

While some other sterotypes of the widespread poverty in the region are shown to be true in the production, it also goes to show that not everyone is content with living the other half of the stereotype, that of ignorance.

Benjamin Lightle
Brooklyn, New York

Dear FRONTLINE,

Right on, Cody! I just watched the short video of your take on religion and accepting people for what's inside. I think you're right, I think you've got a happy life ahead, and I hope you and your girlfriend get the chance to travel around this country; Oregon welcomes you both. Good luck and be true to yourself...

matt wade
portland, oregon

Dear FRONTLINE,

To the People from Kentucky that have posted messages about this incredible Documentary. This is not a personal attack on your state. It wasn't meant to be nor does it portray it.

If anything I am moved and think more highly of this area. This is because of the magnificent character, intelligence and drive of the people I saw. ...You should be proud that this was shot in your state.....I now know that where these people live....the character of these kids is far superior to the "middle class suburbia". If the world had more people like these kids, the world....our country would be a FAR better place.

R S
philadelphia, Pa

Dear FRONTLINE,

I watched this program tonight and fell in love with Chris. What a wonderful young man he is. I loved the segment where he made dinner for his little sister. He was so kind and gentle with her. And his spaghetti is probably the best.

Many of the comments made by others suggest how awful it must be to live the way these people live. ??? They all had roofs over their heads, food in their mouths and clothes on their backs. It may not be the image middle America has but they are certainly better off than many people in this world and even in this country.

I can't wait to see what happens to these boys and I pray that they are both pursuing their dreams.

Shari Schultz
Hayward, CA

Dear FRONTLINE,

The provity and the hard times these young kids deal with day after day, is not isolated only to Kentucky, or Ak, or Ohio or any where else. It's a reallity that is alive through out the Country.Something we need to all always remember.Thank you for sharing your lives with us, and waking us up.

Bonnie Paigen
Yelm, WA

Dear FRONTLINE,

I was moved not only by your chronicle of the struggles of Chris and Cody and their families and friends. But, I was equally delighted to learn about the David School. When I worked briefly as an undergrad in a Prestonsburg, KY legal services office(APPALRED), I played a very small part in helping to transform David from abandoned coal camp to community devt corp. I am just thrilled to see that almost a year later David became home to this impressive school which is doing such important work!

stephen rosenbaum
berkeley, CA

Dear FRONTLINE,

GREAT program, and thoughtful comments here.

One thing I took away from watching this show was the well-worn and timelessly true adage that you can't know another's pain unless you walk a mile in their shoes. The other was that the first place I can start making a difference is in my own children's lives, and then in my local community. There are kids and young adults like Cody and Chris everywhere, and we don't have to go looking in faraway places to find them. They're right here at home, just waiting for someone to notice them and offer them the support and attention they need. I hope Cody and Chris take all of the goodwill coming their way and fuel their rockets for the biggest accomplishments they can imagine - whether that's a good job, a family, whatever - and that the rest of us take the show as the kick in the derriere (I am Canadian, eh) we need to not miss the Codys and Chrises in our own backyards. Love and peace (and a bit of activism) to everyone from Canada.

Laurie McConnell
Sechelt, British Columbia

Dear FRONTLINE,

I didnt know about the show at all. I was flipping through the channels this evening and came accross Chris talking about, actually I dont remember, but it just kept my attention. I'm only 19 and the only time i've ever watched a documentary was when I was in school and they didnt interest me at all.

But when I started watching this one, it kept my attention. Hearing about Chris and Codys life story and what was going on in their every day life just amazed me for some reason. At the end of the show, it came on saying that there was to be another one. And right away I came on here to learn more. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this documentary with all of us who watch.

Katelyn Searcy
North Vancouver, B.C

Dear FRONTLINE,

So very happy to see a show like this. I lived, briefly, with a boyfriend in Gretna, Virginia. The area is looks similar and the people are similar. I grew up in San Francisco in an uppper middle class family. Attended private schools and received a college education. It was a shock to live in southern Virginia and see a rural area with very poor people. Over half don't graduate college. Few have any ambition and most will continue in the family legacy of being poor and living off the government.

I met people like Chris and Cody. Their parents usually don't care if they go to school or not since most of the parents dropped out. Your program brought back the shock and sadness I experienced living in that rural area. Most of my friends could not believe that areas like this even exist anymore in the US. Emailed them all tonight to tell them to watch the program tomorrow.

Chris seems like a smart young guy who is capable of having a wonderful life. I hope he makes it through high school and goes on to college. I see a bright future for him if he can make it through the next three years. Thank you for making this film and showing America that these areas still exist. Such a far world away from the community I know live in where the median price home is just under $600,000, and making $100,000 is considered a fair salary.

Melanie D.
Irvine , CA

Dear FRONTLINE,

This is a show everyone should see. So many people seem to have forgotten this side of America. As they raise their children to believe that an Ipod is a god given right for everyone and a cell phone is needed at 12, a second America is forming under their noses. Shame on all of us. This type of poverty is everywhere. We have become blind to it.

My heart goes out to these boys. They have had to overcome more than their fair share. But they seem to have gained wisdom beyond their young years. I wish them the best of luck. Please continue to update us on their stories in the years to come.

Christine Ivy-Gale
New Athens, Illinois