Down the road from my little hometown of Franklin, Louisiana is a bigger town. New Iberia is a lovely village that sits on the banks of Bayou Teche. Spanish moss hangs down from live oak trees along the Main Street. The old Evangeline theatre marquise announces stage plays now instead of old movies. Cottages sit along the bayou banks and folks enjoy fishing with cane poles. There's a large gazebo in the middle of town where local bands play on summer weekends. Large antebellum mansions host old families.
This is where many of James Lee Burke's novels are set. I love his books and so does my good friend, Vicky. She used to go by Vicky Snow Sucks and in my mind, I still call her that. She changes icons often but I think now she has horns.
This photograph is of Jim and me at his book signing. I don't even remember which book. I buy all the first editions and have him sign them. This time he happened to be in New Iberia. Many times, he doesn't drive down from his other home in Montana until December. His books are usually mailed to me after they are personalized.
Books Along The Teche is a small family owned bookstore on the Main Street in New Iberia. If you like James Lee Burke or me, Mariana Titus, you can order our books there. Just ask me and I'll give you the phone number. You can also order Mariana's five books from her Web Site: www.Bayoutales.com.
Thank you all. Vicky - you go girl. I hope you enjoy Mr. Burke's latest book and some day maybe you'll get to meet him. I know he'd probably love to know you!
Salud
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Comments: 45
I just ordered Crowning Glories from the www.bayoutales.com website with Paypal. Thanks for letting me know it's now available. I've seen a few of the photos that will be in the book, and they are breathtaking. You do a first class job all the way. Maybe it'll be here before the weekend.
cheers,gayle
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Mariana you look so adorable in that hat I just want to pinch those little cheeks mama.
Salud.
Never heard of this author...What is it about Louisiana and the West? Intereesting........
Burke opens my eyes to the swirling of school fish, ears to the sound of cane in a coming storm and nose the the damp decay on low, wet lands on a cool fall day.
Lucky girl, you are to live in the world that others pay to read about.
Having lived in the deep south as a child, anything Southern resonates in my soul - thanks for the suggestion....
Two of my favorite authors! I like the one with the red chapeau the best!
Cheers,
Colonel Possum
Katrina, my favorite is White Doves at Mourning - it's a Civil War Novel - unlike his Dave Robicheaux series - but those are ok too - lots of action but his descriptions are totally southwestern Louisiana. Thanks for the compliment!
d.g. oh thank you my friend - I do count my blessings all the time. I live in three worlds actually and part of a a fourth - my mind whirls and twirls everyday - now, I'm back in a beautiful place but to me they are all wonderful - I love Louisiana the best in many respects - in others, well...glad you like Jim's books - he's the best!
Richard, you are most welcome and thank you for appreciation folks who do the same! I think if we all help promote each other in some positive fashion or another, this world would be a better place - even thinking kind thoughts iabout others is a gift one gives oneself! Not that I'm not cynical at times but a least I try!
P.S. I can't wait to see what is COOKING in your world next!
Lisa - well, his books aren't for everyone - they are filled with action, crime, all sorts of things some folks do not like but since I grew up in that area, I can relate to so many things he writes about! Thanks.
Kathryn - there is so much mystery to the bayou areas - loads of authors come from down there and after having travelled around, I can see why! thank you!
Lynn a. thanks! Yes, check them out. More later, thanks folks. Salud
"Eat, Sleep, Read!"
I like your hat, Mariana!
Thank you Chelsea - thanks X-Tabber I need to check you out next!
Madame Donna - I do love the connections and really am quite shameless in my self-promotion but I'm ok with it - after all, I love to read my books myself so maybe others do as well!
Gayle, thanks for stopping! Kerrell, appreciate you coming by!!!
Ellie - yes, do a google - he has his own web site and his daughter is an author as well!
Thank you Miz Dorine - many big hugs and hope you're feeling better! I also want to see what you've got cooking. If I were to have a virtual book signing, I'd have you and Richard Frisbie pair up and fix all the refreshments!!!
Salud Yall
There are several things about these books that make them special. Robicheaux is just a memorable character, complex and troubled and deep. I think of him the same way that I think of Martin Cruz Smith's Russian detective, Arkady Renko, who got his start way back in that wonderful novel, Gorky Park.
The second thing that I notice about Burke is the supporting characters. They are universally interesting and have a real feel to them. The third thing, is the local color. Southern Louisiana is so THERE that you can just about smell it.
I am not a big big fan of detective novels, but Robicheaux and Renko are the two who just seem to transcend the detective genre, and they can get me to reach for the book.
Thank you Ali!
Thank you Sheila.
Reena, appreciate very much. Thank you all. Salud
You look so beautiful in this photo!
The only time I was ever in Louisiana was passing through on a move from good ole Cape Canaveral, Florida to good ole Lompoc, California. But I was just a junior high school kid at the time, and I don't remember much.
Shelbia - thank you I replied to one of your wonderful poems.
Jim, oh you'll enjoy James Lee Burke - he's fun! Nothing's changed down on the bayous too much!
Michael - thank you my friend.
Melinda -bless your heart! Thank you, each of you are wonderful. Salud
Btw, if you get any prettier our eyes will not be able to view you....girl you shine like a star!!! I honestly believe you get younger in every picture I see!!!!!!
Yo William - I did buzz over to see you...
Diana - thank you and yes, you'd love the owners as well! Salud
Love Ya
Cajun Goddess
Krista - bless your heart - yes, I still have it - it looks like a tam but actually has a bill on it.
Hey Cajun Goddess - thanks my friend. Salud