Memphis Reads Archive

Nonfiction/Humor

Beth reviews WAY OFF THE ROAD: DISCOVERING THE PECULIAR CHARMS OF SMALL-TOWN AMERICA by Bill Geist (Broadway Books, 2007)

Maybe it is nostalgia for the small towns I grew up near, as my parent’s farm is in what I kindly refer to as “the middle of nowhere, make a left,” but this book found a special place in my heart. Every city or town has something that is special to it and Bill Geist shares some of the more bizarre sides.

--Huntsville, Texas.
(This one is most understandable to us Memphians...) The Church of the Holy BBQ-- OK, actually it is named “The New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Bar-becue” but the locals renamed it—thanks to Annie Mae and her husband Howard.

-- Nederland, Colorado
Need something to celebrate? How about a dead guy that has been kept on ice in the backyard? You can attend “Frozen Dead Guy Days” where you can participate in the coffin decorating, coffin races with pallbearers competing on a course complete with moguls, and much more!

-- Monowi, Nebraska
Think you are in a league all by yourself? How about being a town all by yourself? Monowi is a town made up of just Elsie Eiler. She does it all—mayor, librarian, bartender, police chief....

-- Bithlo, Florida
Looking for something like the X Games? Here is just what you need in Figure 8 school bus racing! Buses line up and race at 60 mph—aiming for each other.

--Cortex, Colorado
How do you get rid of prairie dogs without hurting them? Why with a giant vacuum cleaner, of course!

Want to visit a one of these towns right here in Tennessee? Check out the Museum of Towing in Chattanooga! There is even a Hall of Fame for the “greats” of this profession, along with early tow trucks. (I admit it, after living in Chattanooga for four years I never did make it to the towing museum. But I did know it was there! Next time....next time....)

Wishing you all the best vacation spots you can find—from the largest ball of twine to the cow carved out of butter. Enjoy!


Beth, Highland Branch Library

Labels: Humor, Reviews by Beth