Dispatches from Home – A Chasing of the Wind Book Review.

Another review of A Chasing of the Wind, by Carol Szymanski, Fine Arts Chairman, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TX.

“This weekend, I read A Chasing of the Wind. Move over Faulkner, Williams, Welty, and Grisham—Mississippi has a new Southern writer. I give it TWO thumbs up! When you finish, you will feel like you really know all the characters—and you love, hate, feel sorry for, identify with, or resemble them. There are even a couple that will repulse you, and many are so familiar that you will feel like you know them. Like a good novel, the characters are revealed little by little—and there are some surprises.

Of course, there is hardship, trouble, tragedy, and conflict (It wouldn’t be a novel about the South without those, right?). However, it’s balanced with a few good hearts that represent the best of Southern folk. Maybe it’s because Port Haven is “close to home,” but the imagery conjured up vivid pictures in my mind.

One suggestion: Don’t read it while hungry because the coastal, southern cooking descriptions will “have your stomach gnawing on your backbone” (one of my favorite quotes from the book). I will be sending a private note to Mr. Kalberg with a few more comments, but I don’t want to spoil the book for the rest of you.

Congratulations Andy! It’s a successful adventure—can’t wait for the movie!”

(Originally published October 26, 2014)