One never knows what the topic of discussion will be when taking a seat with the gentlemen in the Backbooth at Chappy’s Deli in Auburn, Alabama. The topics change daily, often several times within the same sitting. The conversation is broad and knows no bounds. Throughout the day, conservative, liberal, and even some middle-of-the-road friends gather for breakfast to chat about the news of the day. Usually, the conversation is cordial and without rancor … but not always. This book is a collection of the group’s thoughts, recollections, hopes, and dreams. In addition to football, politics and religion, there are stories of friends and neighbors, and of people the gentlemen know only through the news media—mostly imperfect people in an imperfect world doing the best they can. Filled with Southern charm and keen insights, you’ll finish this book convinced that the world would be better if we as a nation had more conversations like the men at Chappy’s.

David Housel, a native of Alabama, has lived there his entire life. He knows the humor and pathos of living in the South, and he writes about it in the spirit and tradition of Ferrol Sams, Wendell Berry, Lewis Grizzard and Wright Thompson. He spent most of his career in intercollegiate athletics, as a sportswriter, sports information director, and athletics director. He served as chair of Auburn’s Liberal Arts Advisory Council and is in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. This is his seventh book.