We Don’t Push in Fairhope
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Release Date: October 8, 2024
Pages: 253
ISBN13: 979-8-9883884-2-5
OVERVIEW
“One place understood helps us understand all places better.”
This quote by Eudora Welty opens and sets the scene for, We Don’t Push in Fairhope, a book that weaves quips, quotes, tall tales, sweet stories and even a rhyme or two in order to explore a beloved Alabama home. The city that's growing faster than Kudzu on a humid summer day is home to people who are creative and kind, and definitely don't push.
We Don't Push in Fairhope is a delightful collection of humorous and heartwarming tales of the people and places that make Fairhope, Alabama, unique. A mix of travelogue and memoir, We Don't Push in Fairhope provides readers with an inside glimpse of a small town with quirky folks and costume-wearing dogs. Readers will learn about the Walking School Bus, teens locked in the old jail, why a cookout is not a barbecue, and the revelation that an insulated casserole tote is the best thing since Miss Mississippi discovered hot rollers. This book is a must-read stroll through a beautiful small town and will make you love the place you live, whether it's Fairhope, Alabama or another place full of love.
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Reader Reactions and Reviews
"This book reads like a love letter for modern Fairhope."
Journalist John Sharp, Alabama Media Group
"If books were a beverage, We Don’t Push in Fairhope would be sweet tea." - Heidi Weekly, Southern Etiquette Consultant
"I happen to have lived in this small town my entire life, and boy have there been changes through the years! You just can’t make this stuff up! I am so happy I bought this book and you will be too. If I could give it 10 stars I would." - Keith T.
The writer has a way of storytelling that pulls you right in making you feel a part of this small town! - J.R. Ryan
"Doesn’t matter one bit if you are from this idealistic town or not. These short stories will, not only make you laugh, but at times, you will truly feel your heart warming with delight, as you notice yourself smiling and giggling.” - A. Daves
“Sure I was laughing, but I also had tears throughout the whole thing. It’s that kind of storytelling.” – Deb F., Barnes and Noble
EXCERPTS
Chapter 1 This is my Story
Have Americans suddenly realized sweet tea is the fountain of youth? Are they craving dirt roads and grits? No matter what their true reason may be, everyone seems to be reenacting the Jed Clampett story and, loading up their trucks and moving to L.A. – Lower Alabama.
This collection of stories isn't a declaration that Fairhope, Alabama, is better than any other city. Instead, it serves as a reflection of the home where I've lived since 1999. It also isn't a scientific analysis of why or how it has become so popular. Instead, it's a fun look at our much-publicized town's local flavor, quirks, and unique personalities.
In between the stories of people, places and traditions, you'll come to see why seemingly every newspaper, magazine, and social media maven wants to publicize our small town by awarding it the honor of, “best of" something or the other. Fairhope has earned the titles of "best small town," "best place to retire," "best place to see a bird fly," "best place to slurp a real oyster," "best place to get your roots touched up," "best place to have Barbie and Ken as your neighbor," "best place to find God" "best place to lose your religion," "best place to raise children," "best place to ruin your children," and let's not forget the most magnificent honor, "best place to be buried next to a trailer park just off the four-lane."
My husband and I moved to Fairhope, not only for the benefits of small-town life, but also to be close to my Gulf Coast family without living in the same town. I'm sure many of you understand that particular family plan—close but not too close. (more)
Chapter 38 Campers in Love
. . . Stars twinkled overhead while Mobile Bay’s slow “slosh-slosh” lapped against the sand. Exhausted from a day of sailing, swimming, awkwardly dancing around “like fools,” and running around being silly in the sand, the two 13-year-olds finally collapsed in laughter and took refuge in the old army tent James had taken from his parent’s garage.
“They’ll be looking for us by now,” Lisa reasoned. She didn’t care if her parents were angry because all she wanted to do was to be with James. He was the funniest best friend she’d ever had. They had known each other since the first grade but never paid much attention to one another util recently. He’d passed her a note during civics class at Fairhope Middle School three weeks earlier that said, “We’ll get married someday.” (more)
