The first time I read this book, I didn’t think much of it, but after hearing Alexi speak at the Dogwood Festival, I had a much deeper appreciation for his work.  Great characters–Big Ma on the mountain, Robert Johnson and his guitar, Chess and Checkers, and the others–who have issues with their own disillusion, broken families, the church, politics, suicide, and drinking.  It sounds depressing, but Alexi also weaves quite a bit of humor and spiritualism in.  Maybe it’s one of those books that needs two reads.  (fiction)