It Falls Gently All Around and Other Stories

In Mobile, Alabama, Babbie and Donnie strive for the American dream despite challenges and the specters of status, race, and class. This debut collection of eleven linked stories explores the fallibility of being human and the resistance to change, with humor and honesty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 221 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

In this captivating debut collection of eleven interconnected stories, "Happiness and Connection" delves into the complex dynamics of Babbie and Donnie's lives. Babbie, a thrice-divorced former call girl, and Donnie, a sobriety-challenged trucker turned yogi, navigate the intricacies of their relationships within a community of exes, in-laws, and coworkers. Despite the daunting challenges and the ever-present specters of status, race, and class, these characters relentlessly strive for their versions of the American dream, employing modern and often unconventional methods. Told with a blend of humor and honesty, these stories serve as a poignant reminder of the inherent fallibility of human nature and the resilience of those who resist change. They also showcase the possibility of redemption found in unexpected places, adding depth and complexity to their narratives. Through their struggles and triumphs, Babbie and Donnie become emblematic of the human spirit's enduring quest for happiness and fulfillment. This collection offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of these remarkable characters and provides a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth.

Dimension: 222 x 146 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822967101