Necklace for the Neckless: a tale of human nature

by Kevin McBeth

It would be difficult to imagine a place more pathetic than the trailer park of Aimlow, a small town cultural wasteland whose inhabitants are bent on nothing more than hunting, drinking and driving four-wheelers – oftentimes, simultaneously. They are uneducated, modern day peasants who spend their time glued to television sets, gulping wine straight from the box, feasting on pork rinds and breeding simply for something to do during commercial breaks. The one bright spot in their lives is the hope that Aimlow may one day play host to the next Y’alMart Supercenter. But when an old peddler arrives with an offer none of them can resist, this good-sized trailer park begins to rethink its priorities. Even the town’s mayor, Def Leppard fanatic Bob Pugel, finds himself with the ethical Just what would you trade for riches beyond your dreams? Your dignity? Your self-respect? All four of your black Camaros? With a cast of animated characters and a quick-moving plot, “Necklace for the Neckless” focuses on a variety of themes in a silly, offhanded manner. These themes include greed, love, the battle of good versus evil, and the appropriateness of wearing pajamas to the grocery store. From Wolley Ledbetter, the lovably non-self-destructive town drunk, to Diva Sue Klondike, the beautician with a penchant for fistfights, “Necklace for the Neckless” will have readers laughing and cringing throughout.

136 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2015