Bub: Essays from Just North of Nashville

In his collection of essays, Nashville native Drew Bratcher explores themes such as music, memory, family, and identity, using vivid imagery and musical references to convey his experiences and emotions. The title essay, a requiem in fragments, pays tribute to his grandfather through various sensory elements. The book combines memoir and arts criticism, encouraging readers to listen closely to stories and songs and find meaning in the melodies and memories they absorb.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2022
Publisher: University of Iowa Press

Nashville native Drew Bratcher is a musical maestro who delves into the depths of memory and weaves enchanting melodies that resonate with the soul. In his remarkable collection of essays, Bratcher unveils a fresh and captivating voice that promises to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape. The title essay, a requiem in fragments, takes readers on a poignant journey through the senses, exploring the life of a grandfather through his ear, comb, hands, El Camino, and clothing. Bratcher's tribute is a powerful and moving celebration of a man who ventured forth, embracing the unknown, and ultimately finding his way "on up the road, and then the road turned."

Elsewhere in this literary masterpiece, Bratcher delves into the profound influence of Johnny Cash on his childhood, the poignant sting of red paper wasp stings, the evocative homesickness of Dolly Parton, the humbling experiences of becoming a new father, the exhilaration of hearing his name in a Taylor Swift song, and the enigmatic hymns cherished by both his great-grandmother and D.H. Lawrence. With a seamless blend of memoir and arts criticism, Bratcher aims to touch both the heart and the mind of his readers. This book is a testament to the power of listening closely to stories and songs, to the journey of leaving home in search of a deeper sense of belonging, and to how the melodies and memories absorbed along the way become a living music that shapes and guides us at pivotal moments, bringing order to the chaos and offering liberation through the simple yet profound rhythms of verse, chorus, and verse.

In conclusion, Drew Bratcher's collection of essays is a masterpiece that invites readers to embark on a sensory journey through memory and music. Through his poignant prose and captivating melodies, Bratcher unveils a new voice that is sure to resonate with audiences for years to come. This is a book that celebrates the power of storytelling, the beauty of music, and the enduring human experience.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781609388492