Official Review: Tallyho in the Squat by Asa Ingram

[samuyama]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tallyho in the Squat" by Asa Ingram.]

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“Tallyho in the Squat” by Asa Ingram is a humorous fiction that follows the redneck shenanigans of cousins Bill and Jimbo. Bill is just weeks shy of graduating college and his wealthy redneck father is already on his tail about getting a job and pulling his weight. Unable to find a job and unwilling to take on the family business, Bill’s only option is to smuggle wild rabbits from Kentucky for his father. Around the same time, Jimbo loses his job as a beer truck driver due to a heart condition so the two decide to set out on another adventure. Everything seems straightforward until the duo encounters the rabbit supplier’s off-limits daughter, Rye Cotton.

I really enjoyed reading this book. From activities, attitudes, and accents, Ingram does a fantastic job of bringing the reader into the Dirty South. You feel like you’re getting a taste of the real thing, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the stories come from personal experience. Even after growing up my whole life in North Carolina I feel like I’ve been shown a whole new world. I never imagined driving a lawn mower to the bar in order to avoid getting a DUI, shoot I didn’t even know people still made moonshine.

I feel like the South has a certain kind of honor that isn’t found anywhere else in the country and that comes out really well. If you were to describe some of the scenes like the neighbor rivalries and causes for a few of the giant bar brawls it may sound too far-fetched, but actually being there when it happens and seeing how it plays out makes it very real. The pronunciation was perfect as well. I’ve heard my fair share of the drawl and the words came out spot on in my mind.

I enjoyed all the characters that appeared throughout the story; nothing about them seemed out of place. Bill’s trying to get his life together while handling one crazy scenario after another. Jimbo’s set to have a good time no matter what, but isn’t afraid to share a bit of wisdom along the way. The only thing that didn’t completely click with me was Buck’s (Bill’s Dad) adamance that Bill absolutely stay away from Mr. Cotton’s daughter. Mr. Cotton is overly protective of Rye and would likely warn Buck, but Buck takes a real shine to Rye and even tells Bill to find a girl just like her (just not her). I would’ve imagined as a parent that if Buck saw Rye as a real gem and his son had some interest in her he’d be keen for it to find a way to work out.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Each chapter is entertaining and the characters are very likable. It doesn’t feel like a typical stab at Southern humor, but something from the inside. In a word, I’d call it genuine.

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-- 20 Jun 2014, 15:00 --

I'd love to hear what the author thinks!