Gravel and Grit
Gravel and Grit is a memoir of how a young man experienced both gravel (the unflattering and shameful side of his culture) and grit (family determination to survive, provide, and prevail) on his way to a transformation of his values.
This is a chronicle about staying alive, persevering, coping, and succeeding that coexisted with another side of our humanity.
Ethereal
Ethereal….
The quality of being able to place oneself on levels of invincibility and seeming to belong to another world created through poetic imagination with notions of justice and fairness.
“All right, we’ve got to ‘decide now whether we’re going to be fearless men or scared boys.’”
Reviews
Ethereal
by Al Price
Xlibris
book review by Michelle Jacobs
“When you live your life on the ethereal plane, there is always a way to succeed or win.”
In 1983, 17-year-old Aeamon Lee is determined to make the Ole Miss football team as a walk-on prospect. Growing up in rural Mississippi, Aeamon Lee is a resourceful, spirited young man destined for greatness despite his humble beginnings. He works on the family farm and takes over most of the responsibilities when his father is crippled from an accident. He also builds a strong bond with the African American family that lives nearby, befriending their son Jo-Nathan. The two enjoy good times and bad in their last years of high school, and each takes different paths when Jo-Nathan joins the Marines while Aeamon Lee goes to Ole Miss. With a strong work ethic, a curious mind, and an optimistic outlook, Aeamon Lee’s journey to glory on the football field is a rousing portrait of adventure and friendship.
Principles of justice and fairness guide Aeamon Lee, and Price explores issues of race and economic inequality through his character’s experiences and encounters. He spins a coming-of-age narrative and combines it with a cinematic season of Ole Miss football as the freshman third-string quarterback, Aeamon Lee, takes over when the other two quarterbacks are injured. Aeamon Lee becomes a beacon of inspiration and celebration during the historic football season. With his penchant for philosophical quotes with biblical allusions, Aeamon Lee uplifts people around him and reproaches those who need it most. In one telling scene, he speaks out against the use of the Confederate flag to celebrate during the Ole Miss football games. Incisive and heartwarming, this story about friendship and self-determination is a nuanced take on race relations. The author illuminates a not often seen dynamic of equality and hope despite a palpable history of hate that arises in tense scenes as Aeamon Lee and Jo-Nathan encounter racism. Price balances the tragedy and the triumph in this hopeful story.
©2020 All Rights Reserved • The US Review of Books
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
The journey and path of a friendship is one of the defining aspects of a person’s life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “A man’s growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends.” In author Al Price’s book Ethereal, the story of two friends from very different families takes on life together and discover their own paths in the process.
In this book, readers are introduced to a white boy named Aeamon Lee Mistral and JoNathan Markhum, an African-American boy, both of whom have grown up to become best friends with in family’s that are as close as the boys are, and have no concept of the symbolic materials that resonate within the class-conscious era of the time. After a series of adventures in their teen years, the boys meet a mysterious woman who encourages them to pursue journeys of their own; with Aeamon Lee going for a football scholarship while Jo-Nathan goes for a career in the United States Marine Corps. It is the adventures and journey they take that defines not only their friendship, but their lives overall in this coming of age tale.
This was a well written, relatable and evenly-paced read. The author does a great job of creating a sense of familiarity amongst the cast of characters, while showing off the unique nature of the boy’s friendship and the encouragement they shared for one another’s paths in life, no matter how hard it was on their desire to maintain their close friendship. The author’s use of the setting and lifestyle of the character’s backgrounds became as much a part of the story as the boys themselves, even giving unique moments to the protagonists’ stories throughout. It was interesting when readers saw the unique training technique Aeamon Lee used to get in shape and preparedness for his goal of gaining a football scholarship involving the land their families shared and the wildlife of the area.
Ethereal is perfect for anyone looking for a fairly fast-paced read with well-rounded character arcs, genre fiction and of course stories set in a now historical period, the early 1980’s. The time era of the story and the character’s arcs were truly engaging and seeing the transition of the boy’s friendship into Aeamon Lee’s life in college and his athletic and scholastic journey is something a lot of readers will be able to identify with on some level.
A well written, fast-paced yet thoroughly engaging read, author Al Price’s Ethereal is a brilliant novel for anyone who enjoys genre fiction and is looking for a well-rounded story to get lost in. To read the amazing story of these two friends and the journey they undergo to finding their true self, be sure to grab your own copy of this book today!
Jane
4.0 out of 5 stars | Living on an Ethereal Plane
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2018
Format: Paperback | Verified Purchase
When Aeamon Lee Mistral was born, the midwife told his mother Martha that Aeamon would have a special mission in life. Most of the narrative is set in 1983 Mississippi and revolves around the lives of Aeamon, who is white, and his best friend Jo-Nathan Markum, who is African-American. From an early age Aeamon has dedicated himself to living on an ethereal or higher plane, which leads him to fight for justice and fairness, and especially to challenge the racism of the time. The Mistral and Markum families encounter the usual trials and tribulations of life, more than most. This is a wholesome read that brings to light how Aeamon’s strong beliefs and dedication to living on an ethereal plane influence his life and the lives of his loved ones.
John D. Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars | Billy Jack and Huck Finn …make room for Aeamon Lee Mistral!
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2017
Format: Paperback
This novel reads like the true story of a poor family growing up in rural Mississippi during the 1970’s and 1980’s … just as the civil rights movement was beginning to have visible results. While reading, I had several flashbacks to movies “Billy Jack” and “The Blind Side” and the classic novel “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The protagonist comes across very much like the Billy Jack character: wise beyond his years and stubbornly rooting out any social injustices he encounters. Readers who enjoy Southern history, college football or any of the movies/novels mentioned above should enjoy this wholesome story.
Deborah
5.0 out of 5 stars | Etheral is a worthwhile investment of time
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2017
Format: Paperback
Ethereal is a worthwhile investment of time, and will keep the reader thinking about the story and its theme long after it ends. It is the inspirational story of the coming of age of Aeamon, a young man who decides to live his life on the Ethereal plane, the concept of which is defined early in the book, and guides the decisions and events unfolding as he grows into manhood.
Absent extraneous detailed descriptions in many books that add to the length of the book, but are unnecessary to the story line, this book has something happening on every page to keep the reader’s interest. I found myself staying up until midnite to finish it, caught up in the unfolding story and the dogged determination of Aeamon, as he faces challenges with courage and a steadfast compass of values guiding his actions to achieve his goals.
Ethereal will appeal to football enthusiasts, particularly Ole Miss fans, as well as those familiar to references to towns and places in Mississippi and Memphis, where the author has selected the setting for the book. Those who long for simply a good read, that incorporates a positive message of living life beyond mediocrity, will find Ethereal meets those expectations. The story ends leaving the reader hopeful that the author will continue Aeamon’s story in a second book
J Buckley
4.0 out of 5 stars | Be prepared to be inspired.
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Al Price brings a rich heritage of American literature to bear on his accessible and inspirational novel “Ethereal”, which chronicles the remarkable achievements of a young man with vision and dreams. Despite disadvantages of pedigree, money, and power the protagonist goes on to achieve tremendous success as quarterback in the powerhouse South East Conference of college football. Mr. Price channels his expertise in the fields of education and counselling to bring to life a character that refuses to be diminished by the racial and class consciousness of the rural south, a genuine hero who strives to achieve excellence in himself, and to foster self-actualization in those around him. The story is straight-forward, and the locker room and gird-iron action will resonate with any and all fans of college football. Emergent Victorious
Charles M.
5.0 out of 5 stars | In fact, I think this story is a movie just waiting to be made.
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
I just thoroughly enjoyed reading Ethereal. I could just imagine each one of the characters and, of course, fell in love with Aeamon Lee.
He was such a compelling character that I believe anyone would be motivated by his example of standing up for justice and fairness.
I remember that time when young people got so caught up with being a preppie or a yuppie. But none of this affected Aeamon Lee.
I have to admit that there were several scenes that got me emotional, especially right at the end when he came home to see his beloved Maleah and his mother and father.
In fact, I think this story is a movie just waiting to be made.
Joe Atkins
5.0 out of 5 stars | SEC fans will love this book for sure
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2018
Format: Paperback
Just finished Al Price’s “Ethereal”, and I’m already missing his character Aeamon Lee Mistral, whom the reader accompanies on his “coming of age” journey from Memphis and Mississippi to New Orleans and back to Mississippi. Aeamon Lee is wise beyond his years but always learning as well, and one of the strengths of this book is the wisdom about life it offers. I was also impressed with the author’s knowledge of college football. SEC fans will love this book for sure! A good read!
BeBe
4.0 out of 5 stars | I was not disappointed. I literally could not put the book down
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
When I read the story summary on the back of the book, I thought that this is what I want to read. I was not disappointed. I literally could not put the book down. You identify with the main character right away and feel for him as he struggles as a 17-year-old trying to make his future. If you like a story of a poor boy succeeding, after going through so many dramatic events in his life, then this book is for you. The story is filled with sentiment and emotion and takes you on the inside of their lives. I especially liked the part of his dealing with a sophisticated society woman and having to live in a new barn with “Toe Foot” until he got to move onto a college campus.
J Wayne Kilpatrick
5.0 out of 5 stars | Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
I loved the book. Could hardly put it down. It was a delightful read. It was a great story about a young man coming of age in rural Mississippi back during the struggle of the Civil Rights Movement. I loved the stories of football games in the SEC and the author had a great understanding of the game. I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about the rural south, seeing justice and fairness to all, regardless of race or social standing, and who loves the game of football. The author, Al Price, is a son of the South and a native of Mississippi.
Kay clever
5.0 out of 5 stars | I fell in love with Aeamon Lee from the beginning when he did …
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
The more I read in Ethereal, the more I realized there was much mystery as to just who some of these characters were. I’m not sure I ever understood what Aeamon Lee’s mission really was. But, wow, what a story of adventure by two young boys trying to find their way in life, experiencing both victory and danger. I fell in love with Aeamon Lee from the beginning when he did so many remarkable things to save his family at such a young age.
Gutter Guy
5.0 out of 5 stars | A quixotic journey through the South
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Ethereal is a quixotic journey of Hero Aemon Lee as he struggles with racism and injustice in 1980’s Mississippi. The backdrop of SEC football and religion amidst racism encapsulates the South of the not to far distant past. An easy read 350 pages about a 2 hour read couldn’t put down.
Terri Trent
5.0 out of 5 stars | Hang on, you’re going to love this one.
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
This book will take you on a real roller coaster of emotions. I was laughing one page and crying the next. I’m already missing these characters and looking forward to the next book by Al Price.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars | Price’s book is a pleasureable read with a Southern backdrop …
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Price’s book is a pleasureable read with a Southern backdrop and heroic characters. Entertaining yet thoughtful, the book features the character JoNathan who must continually overcome obstacles, leaving the reader ready for more.
Shannon
4.0 out of 5 stars | Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Great read! Wonderful story line and character development.
reader
5.0 out of 5 stars | I really enjoyed this book
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2017
Format: Paperback
I really enjoyed this book. It was written as if a story was being told by an elder to friends and relatives sitting on the front porch on a long, hot summer evening. It offered such warmth and understanding of the characters, it appealed on a personal level. It spoke of issues that affect us all, especially in the south where racism, culture, class and social issues are apparent but often go unaddressed. It is an appeal to make us all better by doing what we can where we can despite the odds; the characters, Aeamon Lee and Jo-Nathan, give us hope in humanity in an often inhumane world. Personally, I loved the read and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good homespun tale or anyone who remembers sitting on the porch on long hot summer evenings listening to grandparents, parents and their friends and relatives tell stories of those they admired.
Juanita Clay
5.0 out of 5 stars | ETHEREAL WAS A GOOD READ AND HELD YOUR INTEREST TO THE VERY END
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2018
Format: Paperback
JUANITA G, ETHEREAL WAS A GOOD READ AND HELD YOUR INTEREST TO THE VERY END. I AM HOPING TO READ ANOTHER BOOK FROM THIS AUTHOR. GROWING UP IN THAT TIME PERIOD IT TOOK ME BACK IN HISTORY TO EXPERIENCE THE TRUE VALUE OF LIFE THROUGH AEAMON LEE’ S STORY.OF FRIENDSHIP, FAMILY, LOVE AND SACRIFICE. THE SEC FOOTBALL PROGRAM WAS AT THE HEART OF IT ALL!. GREAT JOB!
