On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

Comments on this board should be written with the assumption that not all readers have finished the book. Please take care not to reveal information that might lessen other readers’ enjoyment.

I'll be reading this one, picked it up at the library yesterday. I've read 3 of his books so far, all very different, but all amazing.

I’d like to do audio of this one later in month.

I want to read this one. I have owned this for quite a few years now so I’m glad it won the poll.

I am enjoying this. I find Everett a little over the top and attempting to appeal to the masses in some of his latest work and this, while still over the top, seems a bit more adventurous.

I'd like to read this one. PE has not disappointed me yet.

I look forward to reading- this will be my fourth Everett novel.

I've read The Trees last summer. And loved it, obviously.
Maybe reading an Everett each summer will become a tradition.

I started this yesterday. Very impressive and a lot of AHA moments amid some confusion as to events. Important to know that a lot of scenes are tied into the real Sidney Poitier movies. I needed a novel to make me think.

Look forward to reading this one. I'll get to it later this month!

I love when you come across a bit that proves very forward looking for the time.

I was in our old kitchen and she was baking cookies, talking about investments and the changing face of media. “News will be the new entertainment,” she said. “Trust me, Not Sidney. It won’t be enough to report it, news will have to be made. It’s going to be a bad thing, but it’s going to be.” She slid the first batch into the oven and closed
the door. “That’s where we’ve gone. Everything in this country is
entertainment. That’s what you need for stupid people. That’s what
children want.

Far from being a simple woman, his mother was a genius. That is one of Everitt's charms for me, the bit you quoted is his way of remarking on what we have become, and it's right on the mark.

That line was brilliant, one of several stand-out lines in the book.

Everett has a knack for capturing the absurd. He tells stories that strike the reader as extremely silly, yet on reflection, they are also very profound. It's interesting that on several occasions he describes dreams that he is having yet the whole narrative seems very dreamlike.

Some of those dreams are actually daydreams, he just goes into an alternate reality. I love his character of Ted Turner, with Jane Fonda perpetually sunning or swimming.

I started the book and, in the first 6 pages, I am struck by both the author’s originality of thought and his skillful and creative use of language. My goodness, I think I am in for a treat!

It really is a treat Terry. Enjoy it!

Why does Everett use himself as a character? I like it but wondered if any readers have seen this in other books and what point does it get across, if any?

I think it's to accentuate the absurdity of the whole thing. He says right up front that he spouts nonsense. This is my third by Everitt, but in James and Trees, he was not a character.

Those are the two books of his I’ve read. Good point on absurdity.