Gods in Alabama (2005) (edit title/settings)

Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit

Write a ridiculously simplified synopsis.

Characters/People edit see section history

• Arlene Fleet: The main character, who leaves her hometown of Possett, Alabama at 18, and promises God she will stop fornicating, will never tell another lie, and will never, ever go back to Alabama if he makes sure the body of her high school classmate is never found.
• Clarice Lukey: Arlene's cousin who is more like her sister during their childhood but they grew apart throughout high school and adulthood.
• Burr: Arlene's boyfriend.
• Florence Bent: Arlene's Aunt and Clarice's mother. Very strong character.
• Rose Mae Lolley: Pretty girl from high school. Dated the football QB Jim Beverly
• Jim Beverly: Considered a "god" in high school. Popular, good looking, QB, dating Rose Mae Lolly. Has a secret ugly side.

Quotes edit see section history

• “There are gods in Alabama: Jack Daniels, high school quarterbacks, trucks, big tits, and also Jesus. I left one back there myself, back in Possett. I kicked it under the kudzu and left it to the roaches.”

• Popular Highlights from Kindle Customers

• “God gave us crying so other folks could see when we needed help, and help us.”

  Highlighted by 19 Kindle customers

• You will be much too busy being black. When you’re with my family, being black is such a big job, it takes up your entire definition. You don’t get to be anything else.

  Highlighted by 10 Kindle customers

• THERE ARE GODS in Alabama: Jack Daniel’s, high school quarterbacks, trucks, big tits, and also Jesus.

  Highlighted by 9 Kindle customers

• But the good guy knew the monster was there. He chose to drink. He chose to let it out.

  Highlighted by 9 Kindle customers

• I knew you couldn’t kill only the pieces that needed killing, and leave the pretty parts whole.

  Highlighted by 7 Kindle customers

• They’ll look at me and see that weird Arlene Fleet who was never any better than she should be, and when they look at you, they’ll see that nigger she’s fucking.”

  Highlighted by 7 Kindle customers

• He changed his behavior, but I don’t believe people can change their essential natures. The things that happen to me just make me more me.”

  Highlighted by 7 Kindle customers

• You don’t ever let a man say ‘My way or nothing’ to you. Not even a good man. Not even my son. And you never say ‘My way or nothing’ to him. You don’t take your sweetheart’s love and use it on him.

  Highlighted by 6 Kindle customers

• You can take the girl out of Alabama, but how do you stop Alabama from following you over a thousand miles to lay siege to your doorstep?

  Highlighted by 5 Kindle customers

• I WAS FIFTEEN YEARS old when I killed Jim Beverly, right at the end of my sophomore year.

  Highlighted by 4 Kindle customers

Setting & Locations edit see section history

• Alabama
• Chicago

First Sentence edit see section history

Themes & Symbolism edit see section history

• Home: Arlene tries to escape, and then tries to return. Is either possible?
• Revenge: Women in the story avenge the dangerous behavior of the local football hero.

Series & Lists edit see section history

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

1. Joshilyn Jackson (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Awards edit see section history

• SIBA Novel of the Year (2005)

Classification edit see section history

• Library of Congress: PS3610.A3525
• Dewey: 813.6

Subjects edit see section history

• Books › Literature & Fiction › World Literature › United States
• Books › Mystery & Thrillers › Mystery
• Books › Literature & Fiction › Comic
• Books › Literature & Fiction › Contemporary

Links to Supplemental Material edit see section history

• Joshilyn Jackson's Official Website