4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Southern Fried Stories is a reminiscent collection of firsthand experiences as told by Deuce Daulton. At under 100 pages, the story is told in an enjoyable and quick fashion. At first, I assumed the book would be a collection of stories told by different perspectives, but the story revolved around Deuce and his experiences, making him relatable throughout.
As a baby boomer growing up in South Georgia, Deuce grew up in what I have commonly heard referred to as “the good old days.” All the food is deep fried, the tea is extra sweet, and the most common phrase heard would be “bless your heart.” The stories told by Deuce alternate between his family, his dating experiences, school life, travel, religion, and enlisting in the military. The comical revelations told by Deuce are laugh-out-loud funny and brutally honest.
Growing up in southern Kentucky (although in a later generation) the stories seemed familiar to me, and it comes to mind that I remember hearing comparable stories from my father and grandfather growing up. The stories told by Deuce are depicted in a way that you simply cannot make up, and everything felt genuine while reading. My favorite story in the collection described a time when Deuce’s family first got more than one channel on TV, and just so happened that they had to attend revival at church at the same time. The chain of events that followed were truly comical with Deuce hoping to be home in time to catch a local celebrity on TV and wishing the pastor would just hurry up already. The service seemed to be speeding along, that is until Deuce’s brother “heard Jesus” and they were delayed.
I was really pleased with how the storyline developed and was well put together. I also liked reading the incorporation of Deuce’s family and how everything felt so real. The end of the story also included an additional letter from the editor (who was also mentioned beforehand in the story) that gives an even more genuine feeling by coming from someone who knows the author personally.
The collection ended strong, leaving me wondering what Deuce was up to now. As a frequent traveler, I’m sure he has even more stories to share with others, and his way of telling a delightful story to keep others laughing and interested is truly a gift. I look forward to seeing if the author will write again. I’m honored to rate this story 4 out of 4 stars and would gladly recommend it to readers who enjoy memoir-like readings with a hefty dose of humor included.
******
Southern Fried Stories
View: on Bookshelves
Like klbradley's review? Post a comment saying so!