Book Review/ Giveaway : Gar Fish and Long Gravy by Alexander Devereaux

on December 26, 2010

** this giveaway is closed ***

Synopsis: Growing up poor in the small town of Vicksburg, Miss., Alexander Devereaux didn't have much materially, but there was no lack of remarkable personalities around him -each of whom left an indelible imprint on his life.

Gar Fish & Long Gravy collects the stories, insight, tragedies, and uproarious wit of an unforgettable cast of characters. There's Granmama Lia', whose hard-won wisdom on life, love -- and mistresses -- is dispensed in her kitchen to her beloved grandson, sometimes over Johnny Walker Black. There's Ms. Peaches, who raises chickens in her ramshackle hut, yet might be one of the richest people in town. There's Big Daddy, an imposing hulk, but his massive frame hides a vulnerable past and humiliating secret. And there's Ms. Annie Laurie, a fabulously wealthy white woman who never had children of her own, but her love rains down on young Alexander.

Based on real-life experiences, Gar Fish & Long Gravy is about the mistakes we make, the loves we share, and the stories we tell each other that make us who we are. It is the touching story of a boy who ultimately breaks free of the poverty and abuse of his extended family, yet never forgets the important lessons he learned along the way. As Grandmama said, "If sense were common, everybody would have it."

About the Author: Alexander Devereux overcame epilepsy at birth, dyslexia, and poverty to graduate from college and become a highly successful professional. An ordained minister, he works in the administrative field of higher education. Devereux is at work on his second book, a follow-up to Gar Fish & Long Gravy. He lives in Atlanta.

Review: This is pretty much a book about good old Southern styled common sense. I would call this more of a vanity book- it is very small and covers really only a small portion of the author's life and the elders who influenced him during that time.

There are alot of great quotes and concepts to live by that make the book an interesting read.I wish the book was longer and there was more on how the author carries out the ideals taught to him by the elders in the book, and more info on what happened to some of the family members.

There is a gar fish recipe in the front of the book, but that is the only one. As much as the author talks about food in the book, it would have been great to have a few more of the family recipes thrown in as well.

Giveaway:

Winner will receive this review copy of Gar Fish and Long Gracy!

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Contest will end on January 15th, at midnight. Winner will be picked by Random Number (random.org) on January 16th, and emailed. As soon as winner's info is received, I will email their info to Workman, who will mail book out to the winner!

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from the author via Bostick Communications, for review purposes. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it either.