I found this book delightful. Homer's undying love and patience, Elsie's childlike boldness and hidden love, and Albert's sweet disposition all work to make a true odyssey of adventure and love.

rollicking adventures of a couple taking an alligator given as a wedding gift from a West Virginia coal mining town to Florida

Carrying Albert Home is a charming book that is a combination of stories told to Homer Hickham by his parents and a great deal of family mythology. This is southern storytelling at its finest. It is kind of like reading a bit of Forrest Gump and a bit of Fannie Flagg. But is is also its own animal.

Elsie Hickham married Homer senior with both of them knowing she settled for second best. In a move to Florida, Elsie fell in love with a charming, sophisticated dancer named Buddy Ebsen. Yes, that Buddy Epsen. But, he was pursuing a career in show business and left for New York. Elsie returned heartbroken to Coalwood and was convinced to marry coal miner Homer, who very much loved her. As a wedding present, Buddy sent Elsie a live alligator which she named Albert.

Homer, Elsie and Albert made an uncomfortable trio. Elsie lavished all her love on Albert and there was little affection between Homer and the now large alligator. Homer gave Elsie an ultimatum - either the alligator went or Homer did. Elsie agreed to keep Homer, but on the condition they took Albert home to Florida. Thus the title of the book.

Along the way to Florida, Homer and Elsie have many adventures and meet many interesting characters. Hilarity ensues.

Carrying Albert Home is written in the great tradition of tall tales. You know there is the possibility that a kernel of truth is hidden in each part of the story, but it's hard to identify! This is the type of book written with a tongue firmly in cheek. At times it is even a bit over the top. You will smile and smile and occasionally laugh out loud. In our crazy high speed world, this very light set of tales allows you to sit quietly and listen to this southern collection of whoppers. Silly and fun and highly recommended.

Published 2015. 432 pages
Library- book, ebook, audio CD, downloadable audiobook