HumorByLathanHudson

Move over Mark Twain, Lewis Grizzard and Gary Larson! Here comes Lathan Hudson, bringing fun and laughter to the literary world. Lathan says the Thurmond stories were greatly influenced by the humor and characters he knew in Nashville. His friend Thurmond is witty, folksy and not just a little irreverent. He slyly pokes fun at anyone and everyone. His world view is wildly imaginative and his stories follow his thoughts wherever they go. According to Lathan:

"He's your butcher - he's your baker -

He's your little old winemaker

He's that funny neighbor living down the street

Yeah, but friend, before you chide him

You'd better look way down inside him

You might find a little bit of you and me." (from the

introduction to Thurmond: Permanently Sealed)

Through short stories and cartoons, Thurmond becomes bigger than life. He loves to reminisce, and his stories are spiced with wild exaggerations and surprise endings. Thurmond sees himself in black and white, while the rest of his world is in glorious Technicolor. No story is too outrageous if it has a happy ending, and Thurmond knows just how to make you happy. His stories are told in deadpan seriousness; his listeners groan and moan but can't resist listening, never knowing just how things will turn out in Thurmond's tall tales. His antics are just as unbelievable.

For instance, consider the time he was thrown out of a baseball game for "odor unbecoming a baseball player." The reason? Would you believe that he attempted to play the game with a dead fish in his back pocket? (Read "The Baseball Game, the Dead Fish and the Old Oaken Bucket.")

This is one book that's sure to become a classic. Find out for yourself how Dr. Otis' wife treats his bad back; of Uncle Willie's experience with Art and Bart, the Siamese crooks; of the incredible pet pig which belonged to "Honest Carr--The Used John Dealer" and many other delightful episodes in this first book about Thurmond and his friends and family.

Early one Sunday morning, Thurmond witnessed a Hare Raising Feet.

After completing his victory lap, Dale Earnhardt mistakenly ended up in Thurmond's driveway. Being kindred souls, they seized the moment, drank a tall pitcher of iced cappuccino, then shared their views on Zen, Hatha Yoga and The Afterlife.

While rummaging through his attic, Thurmond discovered a rare painting by Salvador Dali Parton.

Last updated: March 30, 2007