Six of Lewis Grizzard's Books Are Re-Introduced After 12 Years Off the Market

Lewis Grizzard, the famed writer and columnist who recalled the mythic South with his folksy humor and nostalgia, is back in bookstores after 12 years off the market, in time for the holiday shopping season. Re-introducing six of Grizzard's best-loved books in paperback and e-book form, publishers NewSouth Books and Green-E Books are seeing a high level of interest from buyers, even though Grizzard passed away 17 years ago.

Grizzard's pointed, often sarcastic, sometimes controversial humor still resonates with millions of Americans. An icon among his dedicated fans, he made a career out of showcasing his Southern roots and good ol' boy style in his writing. Known for writing his book titles before his books, their titles give you an idea of their appeal, with such monikers as Elvis Is Dead and I Don't Feel So Good Myself and They Tore Out My Heart and Stomped That Sucker Flat.

His syndicated column ran in over 450 newspapers, and 18 of his 25 books made the New York Times bestseller list. His success was a result of his skill in talking about life in a way people could relate to. "The only way that I could figure they could improve on Coca-Cola," he said, "one of life's most delightful elixirs, which studies prove will heal the sick and occasionally raise the dead, is to put rum or bourbon in it."

Or on spirituality: "I don't have any out-of-body experiences. I had indeed seen a bright, beautiful light and had followed it, but it turned out to be a Kmart tire sale." On getting ahead in life: "If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes." And on growing up in a small Georgia town: "I grew up in a very large family. I never slept alone until after I was married."

Interest in Grizzard's work has remained strong through the years, helped by a one-man comedy show, "Lewis Grizzard: In His Own Words," which has had over 800 performances across the South with actor Bill Oberst playing Lewis. But Grizzard's books had been out of print for 12 years, because his widow, Dedra Grizzard, found it to be a challenge to find the right fit with a publisher, even as she continually received e-mails and letters from his fans asking why his books weren't available. "These two publishers understand Lewis' audience, and are committed to bringing Lewis' work back to the market," she said.

NewSouth Books has re-released two Grizzard titles in paperback and e-versions:

    Elvis Is Dead and I Don't Feel So Good Myself
    They Tore Out My Heart and Stomped That Sucker Flat

NewSouth is planning to re-release two more titles in early 2012:

    If I Ever Get Back to Georgia, I'm Gonna Nail My Feet to the Ground
    My Daddy Was A Pistol and I'm A Son of a Gun

Meanwhile, Green E-Books has re-released four other titles as e-books:

    If Love Were Oil, I'd Be About A Quart Low
    Don't Bend Over In The Garden Granny, You Know Them Taters Got Eyes
    I Took A Lickin' And Kept On Tickin' And Now I Believe In Miracles
    When My Love Returns From The Ladies Room, Will I Be Too Old To Care?

Source:Prnewswire