Too Close to Call

By Michael Kelsay

In this rollicking first novel there's dope in the bottomlands and coal in the hills--but not enough of either to keep anybody happy. Toomey Spooner hasn't achieved much in his thirty-nine years, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1578063698
• ISBN13: 9781578063697
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 1.0" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

FUNNY, INSIGHTFUL, DELIGHTFUL!! A Must Read!

I regrettably inferred from the Winchester, KY reviewer that with the acquisition of whatever level of his/her education, a diploma was received to hang on the wall... accompanied by a very large chip, suitable for placing on the shoulder. As a native of Breathitt County, Kentucky, I can attest that there are a "gaggle" of us "Ejucaided Rednecks in disguise" who are not only well-educated, but have been taught by the example of our forefathers, to engage with ease and versatility, as well as sincerity, in most any verbal exchange. (aka " We ain't got no problems talkin' to nobody about whatever a feller feels like talkin' about. But we're gonna tell 'em like it is!") My own brother, a dentist, an accomplished pilot, a true Renaissance man, was renown for his hillbilly banter and humor. "Doc" had no qualms about calling an under-educated man his good friend And he utilized hillbilly-speak with a magnificent finesse! Doc appreciated a good pot of soupbeans, served with a hot pone of cornbread as much as a perfectly herbed chateaubriand. Please! We hillbillies can appreciate the finer things of life without stickin' our noses in the air, alienating our neighbors, and making pure fools out of ourselves! I also have been blessed to glean from the many good people of eastern Kentucky, a sense of hospitality and a genuine wisdom that "book learnin'" alone can NEVER provide! I will now step down from my soapbox to LAUD THIS FINE BOOK (whew!): The characters in this book are just about as real as they get! And the fact that Tooney is a Good Man, despite his flaws, makes this story a joy to read! That he doesn't trash his opponent, a veritable scoundrel,is the very essence of Tooney's character...and the very essence of many eastern Kentucky men. The book's hero was the town's bad boy...and, yet,it's favorite son. One would be amazed at how often (in small Appalachian communities), this phenomenon occurs! The author knew that. One would have to absolutley know us to know that. If you REALLY understand and appreciate the wit and wisdom of eastern Kentuckians, (myself being one of them), you will not be able to put this book down. If you do not know them, this book is a delightful and honest introduction! The story is, agreeably, "fantastical", as another reviewer described...ah, but the joy and abandon of that fantastical tale! This is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. There is some sort of jewel, some sort of treasure on almost every single page! End of story. Another soon, please, Mr. Kelsay.

"Kentucky Meets Academe"

What an engrossing read! And one of the reasons is the juxtaposition between the authentic Kentucky cast of characters & dialect & syntax and the superior, compact writing which makes generous use of 25-cent words (not 50-cent, mind you).I will watch for future offerings from Mr. Kelsay, in hopes that they will be equally genuine but, like this one, slightly fantastical!

Spooner for Mayor

In a time where political analysis is an arm-chair past-time, "Spooner" wins us over in a campaign of self-discovery. In a land checkered with rivals, rouges, lovers, zaney relatives, and the damndest politics(!) change...or perhaps the lack of it...threatens the environment. If you have ever said that politics lacks honesty...you will quickly change your mind and embrace the universal and bittersweet truths of Kelsay's story. A good story and wonderful storytelling. Let go of the laughter! You'll want to read pages and pages out loud again and again.