St. Dale

by Sharyn McCrumb | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 075820776x Global Overview for this book
Registered by wingGoryDetailswing of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 9/2/2011
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1 journaler for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by wingGoryDetailswing from Nashua, New Hampshire USA on Monday, September 5, 2011
I've enjoyed many of McCrumb's works, from her folk-song mystery series to her Elizabeth MacPherson series to her quirky homage to SF fandom, Bimbos of the Death Sun, so I was pleased to find this good-condition hardcover among the charity-sale books at a local Hannaford's. This one deals with NASCAR fans, and while I don't follow the races much these days, I did watch enough of them at one time to know who "St. Dale" (Earnhardt) was - and to recognize most of the other drivers who appear or are mentioned in the book.

The story's quite delightful, an affectionate homage to the sport and its fans, with plenty of quirky characters who come together on a special "Dale Earnhardt Memorial Pilgrimage" to racetracks across the South. (The story opens with a woman, stranded on a Carolina road one dark night, having an encounter with someone whom she is certain is the ghost of Earnhardt himself...)

The back stories of the characters are introduced bit by bit as the tour proceeds, with some poignant, even tragic notes mingled with warm and funny ones. And we get varying details about the racetracks, some of which are hosting elaborate memorials for Earnhardt. There are people on the tour who aren't fans, there for the sake of beloved family members; seeing them grow to understand the love of the sport is part of the charm of the book.

There's lots of race-trivia, nods to many, many drivers, and homage to those who died. "It's no wonder that Talladega is haunted... The wonder is that all the tracks aren't."

Released 9 yrs ago (12/3/2014 UTC) at Post Office Bookswap Shelf (UBCZ), 353 Middlesex Rd. in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

I plan to leave this book on the book-swap shelf in the Tyngsboro post office lobby at around noon; hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2014 D for December release challenge. ***

*** Released as part of the 2014 What's In A Name release challenge. ***

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