NASCAR Fiction by Sharyn McCrumb

Last year, I was searching the stacks in my local library for a new book to read. I remembered meeting Sharyn McCrumb years ago at a writer's conference and quite enjoyed talking with her.

This author writes a decent mystery--which is my favorite genre, so I ambled over to the Large Print (easier on the eyes) book section hoping to find a good read by Ms. McCrumb.

Lo and behold I saw the book St. Dale! What could this novel be about? I read the flap; it sounded interesting and fun. (Fictional account of a bus tour honoring the memory of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.)

My opinion: It was a blast to read! Learned a lot of interesting history about NASCAR racing, too. I could finally tell my husband something he didn't know about Dale, Sr. and NASCAR. I am reluctant to tell you that I did not notice the similarities to The Canterbury Tales. I really should have made that connection as I majored in English in college. I got an A for the course, too. It was a long time ago, though, but that is NO excuse.

Ms. McCrumb has also written another novel and several short stories with a racing connection.

Keep on moving down to find out more.

photo credit: ozmafan via photopin cc

Sharyn McCrumb and Ward Burton.

Photo by Lisa Kipps-Brown.

The link below is found on McCrumb's website. The image above can be found there. On that site, the author discusses the relationship of St. Dale to The Canturbury Tales. I must go re-read this novel with due diligence. It probably would not hurt to find the Cliff Notes for Chaucer, as well.

At one time, NASCAR had plans to publish fiction books set at the races. It seems that paperback books would definitely have a place at the track. I can just see all the women reading during the "down" time during races. I know I get bored watching cars race in a circle, especially when my favorite driver is not in the chase.

If you care to visit Sharyn McCrumb's website, the link is provided below. This talented author has more than just NASCAR fiction to her credit. I have read a few of her mysteries and am looking forward to discovering a few of her Appalachian inspired tales

A few memorable quotes from the website below about St. Dale by author Sharyn McCrumb:

"He is a 21st century St. Thomas a Becket: a poor boy who made good in a system stacked against him, and who retained his humility to the last."

"In my novels, I try to explain Southern traditions and combat unthinking stereotypes about the South," McCrumb says. "There is no sport more maligned than NASCAR racing."

For those of you who need NASCAR and fiction in small, short doses the book shown below (available on Amazon) might just be the ticket!

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Thanks for visiting this lens about NASCAR racing fiction!