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 have already read this book, and won’t spoil for anyone, but I will add that the audio version is superb. Terrific reader. If anyone has ever been curious about audio books and wants to stick their toes into one to try them out, this would be a good gateway.

I liked this one, but...
1/ I thought that Blacktop Wastelandwas more punchy and had more realistic characters
2/ at many, many points in this book, I felt that Crosby was almost begging Netflix/HBOMax/Hulu/Amazon Prime to cut him a 7- or 8-figure check to get a mini-series shot.
Nonetheless, it is an entertaining read in the sort of Jack Reacher mode.

I had to choose between the two and went with the one that I thought best fit with the group's theme. I do plan to read both, though.

@Tom you will love Blacktop. More coherent story, better character arcs. Not begging for a Netflix producer.

Have watched an interview with Cosby on this book. Have the book in my stack of "To read - Soon" - so it will be coming up quickly.

Finally this book sits at the top of the stack...I will be starting it very soon.

I was immediately impressed by the subject matter! Homosexuality in the black community?! That is not an easy subject to tackle, and I am thoroughly enjoying the read so far. I also appreciate that this particular book club is so diverse in their selections. I know that we vote on the books, but the variety of narratives nominated from various racial and social classes is so wonderful to experience. It is a true reflection of our mutual desire to understand each other on our shared human journeys.

I'm about midway through it and I am definitely enjoying it, although I do understand how some people can be turned off by its violence. I am impressed by its discussions on racism and anti-gay discrimination.

I love this line: “My mama told me when she was pregnant she prayed for a boy. Then once I was born she prayed for discernment,”

Tom wrote: "I love this line: “My mama told me when she was pregnant she prayed for a boy. Then once I was born she prayed for discernment,”"

Buddy Lee has the best one-liners in the book. How about this one - "Yeah, but man, look at him. He couldn’t bust a grape in a fruit fight."

And this - “He wound up tighter than a goddamned duck’s ass,” Buddy Lee mumbled."

There were a bunch of great lines.

Half way thru the book and enjoying it very much - just wishing for more time to read....sigh!