This title is an epic American redemption tale about love and loss, hope and despair, God and whiskey, barbecue and the blues. LaVerne Williams is a ruined ex-big league ballplayer, an ex-felon with an attitude problem, and the owner of a barbecue joint he has to run. Ferguson Glen is an Episcopal priest, a fading literary star with a drinking problem, and a past he is running from. A.B. Clayton and Sammy Merzeti are two lost souls in need of love, understanding, and another cigarette. Hilarious and heart-rending, sacred and profane, this book marks the emergence of a vital new voice in American fiction.
"As Norman Maclean’sA River Runs Through Itdoes for Montana fly-fishing, Doug Worgul’sThin Blue Smokemakes the poetry of Kansas City barbecue accessible to all readers. More than gorgeous prose and fully developed characters, this novel offers us catharsis." —Matthew Quick, author,The Silver Linings Playbook
"In our world of increasing isolation and infidelity,Thin Blue Smokestirs our imaginations with the hope of what is possible through deep and tenacious friendships." —C. Christopher Smith, editor,The Englewood Review of Books
"Thin Blue Smokeis a wandering through a community bound by their shared histories, their dreams, and the food they love. It reminds me of the best things in life. And Doug Worgul has done what all great writers strive to do: make you crave for more." —Rajiv Joseph, playwright,Gruesome Playground Injuries
"[There is a] sort of Buechnarian tragedy, comedy, and fairy tale that laces this novel . . . It reminded me of a couple of my favorite books: David James Duncan’sThe Brother’s Kand Anne Tyler’sSaint Maybe. The characters ofThin Blue Smokeare not unlike most of us—sidetracked and puzzled, reaching forl³’
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