Whether or not this idea is based on reality, I prefer to believe that I learn at least one new thing every day. Recently I discovered that “flipping boxcars” means rolling two dice and getting double sixes. (Okay, I never said that all learning leads one to become a rocket scientist.)
Here at Rhoads Memorial Library, we received a newly released book by that name, “Flipping Boxcars.” It was written by Cedric Kyles, who is best known as “Cedrick the Entertainer.” Critics call his debut book a “charming, fast-paced crime caper that is a Valentine to close-knit black families and tightly woven communities struggling to get by during the Depression and World War II.”
The book is based on Cedric’s grandfather, Babe, a charismatic gambler whose knack for getting into tricky situations finds him on the brink of losing their land. Consequently, he doubles down and risks it all for one big score---this time, a plan that involves railroad boxcars.
Will his patient and loving wife, Rosie, continue to support him? Will his plan succeed? Are the Feds on to his make-or-break scheme? Cedric’s tale that pays homage to his beloved grandfather is ready for checkout.
Other newly released books ready for checkout include: -”Holly” (horror/thriller) by Stephen King; -”The Longmire Defense” (a Walt Longmire mystery) by Craig Johnson; -”Payback in Death” (an Eve Dallas novel) by J.D. Robb; -”Ricochet” (a suspense thriller) by Taylor Moore.
Taylor Moore, author of that last book, “Ricochet” spoke at Dimmitt Book Club’s recent meeting and fielded questions about his writing process. He spoke about his Texas High Plainsbased series featuring Garrett Kohl, noting that “Ricochet” is the series’third installment. It focuses on Kohl’s attempt to avoid disaster when he learns that Iranian operatives, intent on wreaking untold havoc, are blackmailing employees at the Pantex nuclear weapons facility. He must use his unique skill set as a former deep cover narcotics agent and former Green Beret to assemble a motley crew of outcasts and outlaws for a common goal--to save everyone from a devastating act of destruction.
Even closer to home: former Dimmitt Bobcat and author, David Espinoza, will be in town on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Monday, Sept. 25,, for a book signing. West Texas Coffee, located at 107 E. Bedford, will host the event from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. on both days. The newly released book, titled “Dave and Vee: Basketball Bobcats Forever” is a work of sports fiction that takes place in Dimmitt.
Espinoza attended Dimmitt High School in the 1970’s and was a three-sport Bobcat. His autobiography, “Half Blind with Full Vision,” recounted his time here. Now a resident of Oregon, he is an inspirational speaker as well as an author, having spent 31 years as a software engineer.
Until next week, Happy Reading!