On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

Let's begin our discussion of The Pecan Man by Cassie Dandridge Selleck. What are your thoughts as you see the story develop?

"Lawyer Stevens"

I loved this book and highly recommend the audio version. If you need a quick and easy book to kick off the new year this may be what you're looking for.

Laura wrote: "I loved this book and highly recommend the audio version. If you need a quick and easy book to kick off the new year this may be what you're looking for."

Definitely a short, quick read. I urge readers to consider the issues of race portrayed in the 1970s as compared today. Some reviews have compared Selleck's novel a combination of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Help. That's some pretty tall cotton. Readers, how do you feel about this? Perhaps a topic suited more to final impressions. But as you read something to consider.

I wasn't expecting a lot from this novel, and got more than I bargained for. But I don't think it should be compared to either of those novels, it stands on it's own.

This story, recorded by an octogenarian as a confession to her part in a crime, was one of my favorite reads of the summer. Maybe because we were all discussing TKAM and whether Harper Lee truly wanted her first pass at the book published, the voice of Ora Lee really grabbed me. She fully admitted her shortcomings throughout the story, making me love her character.

I'm looking forward to hearing what y'all think about the book as you go through it.

A very memorable novel that I found somewhat like a fable in parts.

The Pecan Man s decisions of resignation I found difficult to comprehend at first ,seeming not to expect anything from society anymore.

Ora Lee s view of a different world and her goal towards it added all the charm.

Alright folks. I wasn't going to read this one but all of your enthusiastic reviews have sucked me in. I'll be starting it in the next few days.

Tom, it's a very short novel, 142 pages if memory serves me right. But a great story, with much to make you think.

Just started this and can already tell it will probably break my heart.

I started reading this last night with my teenage daughter. After reading four chapters I stopped and asked her what she though so far.

Her response: Whaaaaaaw!

I started reading and am at chapter 4. It's so easy to read, but my heart already stopped at chapter 3 and I've left it alone for a few days.

Ora is such a strange narrator.

Mance wrote: "I started reading and am at chapter 4. It's so easy to read, but my heart already stopped at chapter 3 and I've left it alone for a few days.

Ora is such a strange narrator."

How so?

Started and finished in less than 24 hours. A bittersweet meditation on social injustice and how we all are somewhat blind in our everyday lives. Also, on how the best intentions can lead to disastrous consequences.

Diane S ⛄ wrote: "Just started this and can already tell it will probably break my heart."

Best book I've read so far this year. Anxious to see what you think

I found this group while looking for Southern fiction groups to join and realized you had also read my little novel The Pecan Man. I hope this is okay to post...I look forward to being a reading member of the group. I am just finishing up studies at Goddard College, a BFA in Creative Writing with a focus on Southern Literature, so definitely my kind of group. Anyway, wanted to thank you all for the insightful comments re: The Pecan Man. I agree with all of the constructive criticism and hope to do better in the future. Thanks again.

Cassie, I am a huge fan of yours and thePecan Man sits in a prominent position on my shelf I have read it twice so far

I am so looking forward to reading more of your work

I loved the book too. There is a new copy that came in the mail this week from Amazon that my mother in law ordered. Word of mouth always helps. I too, look forward to your next work.

Welcome, Cassie. I loved The Pecan Man as well. I saw that you are working on a sequel featuring Grace. Is that truth or rumor? You can count me among those who is looking forward for your next book.

Cassie wrote: "I found this group while looking for Southern fiction groups to join and realized you had also read my little novel The Pecan Man. I hope this is okay to post...I look forward to being a reading me..."

We're all excited that you chose to join our little gang. We really enjoyed reading Pecan Man.

I am thrilled that you found us, Cassie. I loved "The Pecan Man". Sounds like our Trail is right up your alley.

Quick response to all of you who commented. Thanks for such a lovely welcome! I don't know that I'll ever be able to convey how thrilling it is to talk to people who read my novel. It was my first completed novel and I had no clue what I was doing. I completely agree with those who think I rushed the ending. I had no idea it would be so successful. It was kind of a whim. Anyway...that whim has turned into a movie deal. Somebody pinch me! To answer the next book question, I have not gotten to Grace yet. But I have just finished my second novel and should be putting it out by September. It is a completely separate novel and, While entirely southern, has nothing to do with The Pecan Man. Hopefully the fact that I did the second book while in a writing program will fix some of the issues I had with TPM. Thanks again, y'all. Already bought one of the current reading list books and will be participating with the group this month. Exactly up my alley. Thrilled to find it!

Cassie
Do you have a title for your September book release?

Laura...LOL. I was trying to make sure I wasn't self-promoting so I didn't say the name. It's What Matters in Mayhew. Small town, southern life, quirky characters. Lighter theme than TPM. :-)

Thank you. I didn't want it to slip through the cracks.

Thanks Cassie. I'm dependent on the library so it's good to know in advance :)

Cassie, welcome to the group!

Tina wrote: "Cassie, welcome to the group!"

Thrilled to be here! This has been great!

Hey Cassie ~ so happy to welcome you and so sorry to touch base so late ! Just checking in late after having some account profile issues ! Oh Well! My shelves online will just look like my bookshelves at home ! I give up !

I look forward to book talk and friendly discussions getting to know you . I really love this group and I hope you find it fun too ! If you want any bits of info from down here in Oxford, Mississippi just ask ! I love to make new friends who love books !

At Square Books the other day I bought a joke gift for a reader in SC . It was a Red had in the fashion of Trump campaign hats that make you look twice that say MAKE AMERICA READ AGAIN ! On the back was the name of the bookstore and address ! HA! Just a bit of humor ! LOL! If you or anyone in the thread wants one let me know !

Hope you enjoy our Trails , Cassie !
Dawn

Ha! Love it!!