Apologize My Ass — Lee Smith

Apologize My Ass is a captivating and nostalgic coming-of-age novel that transports readers to the sweltering summer of 1972 in Opp, Alabama, also known as the City of Opportunity. Young Oliver Ellison cherishes his summers in this tight-knit town, where life lessons, both good and bad, are woven into the fabric of his upbringing. Armed with his trusty bicycle, Oliver effortlessly traverses the town of 6,493, shuttling between his grandmothers' houses and immersing himself in the vibrant tapestry of daily gossip and local affairs.This particular summer proves to be more challenging than the rest as Opp grapples with record-breaking heatwaves. People strive to keep their cool, but tempers run short, exacerbated by the unfortunate incident of two young boys crashing their truck into the Dothan television station antenna, rendering everyone unable to enjoy their favorite shows. Boredom and irritability tinge the atmosphere, setting the stage for an unexpected turn of events.Amidst the sweltering heat and simmering tensions, Oliver regularly visits his two eccentric and miserly great-uncles, who own a gas station conveniently located between his grandmothers' homes. Perched on a stool, Oliver silently absorbs the conversations that flow freely between the old men, feeling invisible to the adults around him. It is during one of these eavesdropping sessions that he overhears a seemingly innocuous conversation that quickly spirals into a misunderstanding.This misunderstanding ignites a fiery feud between the two brothers, spreading like wildfire throughout the town. Lines are drawn, and the once-harmonious community finds itself divided as people choose sides. Fueled by a genuine desire to set things right, Oliver, now fourteen years old, takes it upon himself to share the truth of what he heard, aiming to restore peace and the simple magic that characterized Opp as the City of Opportunity.Narrated by Oliver, with occasional assistance from an omniscient co-narrator, Apologize My Ass weaves together absurdity and sentimentality in a captivating narrative. It is a tale of good versus evil that showcases Opp's diverse and eclectic cast of characters, stimulating the reader's imagination from the very first page. Bellicose, audacious, comical, vindictive, narcissistic, wise, and brave—this coming-of-age story breathes life into all the facets of humanity.