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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.

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 those that take place in the backbooth at Chappy’s.

“As his mother used to say, “Lawd, God, Dave,” this is your best work.”

– Rheta Grimsley Johnson

“It’s got small town authenticity with mass appeal.”

– Peter Le, Archway Publishing

“You really put yourself out there on this one.”

– Jason Peevy, Auburn University

Excerpt

C.M. Newton was the man who made me stop hating Alabama.

There was never anything false or fake about C.M. He was a great coach and an even better man, mentor, and friend. He would always come by, seek me out really, to ask how I was doing, how Susan was doing. Just a good, fine, decent man.

How could I dislike this man, I finally realized, just because of where he worked? I couldn’t.

C.M Newton caused me to put away childish things and begin to think and act like a man.

I shall be forever grateful.

About David

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.

“From the Backbooth at Chappy’s” is his seventh book.