“Is Chainsaws & Casseroles” a cookbook?
No. It’s a book of short stories and cartoons that have a very important golden thread running through them: Some of our best moments come from our worst. The title comes from a story about a national tornado storm chaser who comes back home to his hometown after a massive storm wipes it out. He notices that before people could get out of their homes, there were church vans pulling up full of people with chainsaws and casseroles. They’d cut the trees back and then feed the survivors.
That’s who we are. That’s what we’re about.
But there are many other stories and essays in there, too (85 to be exact). Some are funny. Some are heartfelt. If you like the stories you’ve read here, you’ll love “Chainsaws & Casseroles.” And if you’ve heard one of my speeches, you’ll get the same type of hope and humor from the book, too. I’ve also included 20 cartoons. And that’s part of why I’m writing this:
Starting in a few days, I am going to start a daily cartoon panel on social media. You’ll be able to find it on my Facebook fan page (linked to here), Twitter and Instagram. And yes, you’ll still be able to enjoy my editorial cartoons in The Clarion-Ledger. But this will be in addition to that. I’ve had requests for more cartoons. Well, here you go.
In the meantime, pick up a copy of Chainsaws & Casseroles. I’ve already heard some good initial reviews from people who have already gotten the book. How can you do that?
Tuesday, I’ll be signing at Lemuria Books in Jackson at 5 p.m. Stop by and get a copy. Next Saturday, I’ll be at Square Books in Oxford at noon. On Sunday, I’ll be in Starkville at Book Mart & Cafe in Starkville at noon as well. Stop by and I’ll personalize a copy of “Chainsaws & Casseroles” and will draw in it for you as well.
Thanks and I hope you enjoy the book and continue to enjoy what I write here.