Imagine living life without smart phones, apps, and video games. Most people would claim it's impossible. BAY BOY by Watt Key gives readers a chance to imagine the impossible. Key takes readers on a journey into his childhood growing up on Mobile Bay in Alabama.
BAY BOY is comprised of 32 essays with titles like The Longest Day of the Year, Hurricanes, The Ghost of Zundel's Wharf, and I'llNeeda. In the essays author Watt Key tells of wild adventures, family and friends, and what it's like to live in and around nature.
Key, the oldest of seven, tells about fishing on the bay and stomping through the local swamps. He entertains with stories about crazy pets like Sally the possum, Smokey the gray squirrel, and the craziest - wild pigs. There are fishing stories about shrimping and catching sheepshead, called convicts in and around Point Clear.
Included in the essays are tales about road trips in the family's green station wagon that are sure to stun readers used to seatbelts and airbags. I laughed out loud when I read about Key's clever sibling loosening a bolt on the church pew that resulted in a loud crash and the entire Key clan sliding down the broken bench. I wasn't surprised when I read that Key eventually became frustrated with his chaotic family and at age sixteen decided to head into the surrounding wilderness and live on his own. He was surprised at his mother's calm reaction and condoning behavior, and after a few short days, he decided to return home.
For me the most fascinating essay was I'llNeeda. The title caught my attention as I scanned the table of contents. In it, Key tells about a homeless woman who came to live nearby. When certain household items and food came up missing, it was discovered that Key's younger brother was taking them to the woman. The young boy had simply responded to the woman's statements, "I need a …"
Author Watt Key is well known for his young adult and middle grade novels such as ALABAMA MOON, DIRT ROAD HOME, TERROR AT BOTTLE CREEK, and DEEP WATER. This entertaining collection of personal essays will be available in October 2019.
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