The quintessential Texas novel. Johnny is a bad boy. A drunk, a carouser, and a basic loser. One night, in a heightened stupor, he beats up his pregnant wife and goes on a drunken rampage. Everything changes when he wakes up in a jail cell and realizes what he’d done. After he serves his time of 6 years incarcerated, he returns to his hometown of Palestine, Texas, in hopes of redeeming himself.
In Waide Riddle’s captivating short novel, we encounter a vibrant cast of quirky characters, with Johnny, the bad boy turned hero, at the center of it all. After facing the harsh realities of prison, Johnny emerges with a renewed sense of purpose. This transformation is pivotal, as it sets the tone for the impact he has on a group of misfit queer kids residing in the small town of Palestine, Texas.
Riddle skillfully weaves a narrative that showcases how a local bar owner turns his patio into a sanctuary for the LGBTQ community. This safe space becomes a refuge for those navigating the choppy waters of high school, where violence often rears its ugly head in the name of homophobia and racism. Through solidarity and support, these characters find the courage to face their fears, united against the societal pressures that threaten to tear them apart.
Accompanying this ensemble through their trials and triumphs is a nostalgic soundtrack of popular songs that resonate with the struggles and joys of adolescence. This short yet powerful story delivers an emotional rollercoaster, prompting reflections on redemption, forgiveness, and acceptance. Ultimately, it leaves the reader with a warm sense of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest times, we can turn our lives around and embrace our best selves.
About the Author
*1985 PLAYGIRL MAGAZINE model*
Waide Riddle is a Bradbury, Hemingway, and Andromeda Award-winning author, poet, filmmaker, and proud SAG-AFTRA member. He is a Literary Global Books Award Winner and Finalist for his literary works “Meet Me At Third And Fairfax!” and “The Little Boy In The Little Red Dress.” His short paperback, They Crawl On Walls, is a 2023 Kirkus Book Reviews Pick.
Born in Kingsville, Texas, and raised in Spring Branch, Houston. He now resides in Los Angeles. His poems and short stories are archived at the UCLA Library of Special Collections, the Simon Wiesenthal Center/Museum of Tolerance, the Poets House/NYC, the USC ONE Institute, and the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.
As a filmmaker, Mr. Riddle’s short film “Two Men Kissing” premiered at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and the North Carolina International LGBT Film Festival.
To find out more about Waide Riddle, visit
https://www.instagram.com/waideriddle/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725779/
