The late novelist William Styron (Sophie’s Choice, The Confessions of Nat Turner, and Lie Down in Darkness) once observed that “a great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end.”
He believed readers ‘live’ several lives as they enjoy a good book. His notion is probably true; maybe you’ve felt that way yourself.
Many people I talk to invariably agree that when they’re really ‘into’ a book they sense the transference, i.e., they become the heroes and heroines. They feel the ups and downs, pains and sorrows, and joys and triumphs. The experience is very real.
Put a book by Garrison Keillor in my hands and I’m a resident of Lake Wobegon! If I read Hampton Sides, I live in the non-fiction world he creates. With Michael Connelly, I become Harry Bosch. For James Lee Burke, I walk in Detective Dave Robicheaux’ shoes. I am sure your favorites make you feel the same way.
This week I have two books by regional authors that should enrich your experiences and expand your horizons as you read their words and follow in their footprints.
The first book is the late Michael F. Ford’s The American Dream…or What’s a Heaven For?
Ford, a former national political strategist, founded Xavier University’s Center for the Study of the American Dream. Ford defines the American Dream in his book and provides a fresh and a contemporary perspective on a concept first popularized during The Great Depression.
The author, a Xavier alum, “discusses threats to the American Dream, including the shortcomings of American higher education, the problem of automation, the economy of the future, the decline of the middle class, and the prevalence of civic illiteracy in the American population.”
There is more.
His lively, journalistic approach leads the reader to new possibilities; it’s an enlightening and informative read.
The next work is Liar’s Bench by Kim Michelle Richardson.
Here’s the synopsis: “In 1972, on Mudas (aka Muddy) Summers’ seventeenth birthday, her beloved mama, Ella, is found hanging from the rafters of their home. Most people in Peckinpaw, Kentucky, assume that Ella’s no-good husband did the deed. Others think Ella grew tired of his abuse and did it herself.
Muddy is determined to find out for sure either way, especially once she finds strange papers hidden amongst her mama’s possessions.”
However, Peckinpaw buries its secrets deep. “Muddy’s almost-more-than-friend, Bobby Marshall, knows that better than most. Though he passes for white, one of his ancestors was Frannie Crow, a slave hanged a century ago on nearby Hark Hill Plantation. Adorning the town square is a seat built from Frannie’s gallows. A tribute, a relic—and a caution—it’s known as Liar’s Bench.
Now, the answers Muddy seeks soon lead back to Hark Hill, to hatred and corruption that have echoed through the years — and [the] lies she must be brave enough to confront.”
Richardson (not too long ago I reviewed her book The Unbreakable Child) has a lush writing style that contrasts a Southern backdrop exuding bigotry, brutality, hope, and promise.
Here’s an example: “Sometimes still, if I sit…and cock my head just so, I can hear Grammy Essie quoting old St. Jerome, her words blowing through the Osage leaves likes pieces of paper rattling around in a Dixie cup: ‘The scars of others should teach us caution,’ she whispers.”
That lyrical narrative depicts rare talent. Liar’s Bench is a compelling tale with an unusual heroine. The book describes first love, offers a glimpse of rare courage, and uncovers truths that ring familiar.
Each book is available on Amazon.
Here’s a reminder, don’t forget the Books on the Banks Festival is Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm Street, in Cincinnati. Many local and national authors will attend.
Donald Then, a novelist and experienced editor and journalist, is NKyTribune’s literary editor. He will review books written by local authors or those with a Northern Kentucky setting. Reach him at author@djamesthen.com. Visit his web site at www.djamesthen.com. You can also follow Don on Twitter: Novelguy@DJamesThen.