‘Cane and Able’: Cheek’s second novel tells the story of black farmhand, farmer’s son

Features

Related Photos

Nancy Green

January 28, 2009

By Nancy Green The Star Herald Wed Jan 28, 2009, 09:21 AM CST

Having an extra measure of imagination and expertise in storytelling has paved the way for a Kosciusko native’s publication of his first novel.

Stephen Cheek, a landscape architect by profession, has turned author with the publication of his novel “Cane and Able.” But it’s not about the Cain and Abel of the Bible’s Old Testament, he explains.

His novel of fiction was preceded by writing the children’s book, “Catfish Cowboy and Mr. Turtle,” derived from a story he told his children, Cory, Megan and Logan, during their early years.

“All three of my children went to bed night after night with this adventure and never once did they tire of the stories. That was over 20 years ago,” said Cheek.

In “Cane and Able”, Justine Cane, son of a Mississippi farmer, is taught to drive by his father’s trusted black farmhand, Able. Along with being frightened by failures in the process of learning to drive, Cane is thrilled by the chance to experience something that could lead to freedom. The novel details Able becoming Cane’s mentor with Able coming across as a strong man, both physical and spiritually.

While the two take a trip through the Mississippi Delta, Cane learns many lessons of life from the black man in addition to the instructions in driving.

Cheek said he regards writing as a craft. “You learn as you go,” he said. Some of his first experiences in writing came through his keeping a diary and notes during the years while playing in the band “Class Reunion,” composed of a group local musicians, several of them classmates at Kosciusko High School.

“I compiled my notes along with funny stories and gave a copy to each of the band members. They loved it, and told me I should write a book. That really encouraged me,” Cheek said.

For 23 years, Cheek has shared his storytelling talent in Sunday School classes at Kosciusko’s First Baptist Church. He is currently teaching a class of fifth graders regaling them in lessons punctuated with his stories.

Then there are other books in the making. “The Hunt,” he said, is complete and he hopes to have it published this year.

He said he plans a sequel to the Catfish and Turtle story. “It’s a story about a catfish that lived in a deep water hole until he was befriended by a curious turtle who challenged him to jump out of the water one day. To the turtle’s surprise the catfish had a personality and luck that would marvel any creature, man, or beast. The catfish couldn’t wait to see what the real or dry world was all about,” he said.

The saga of the catfish and turtle is expected to continue in future books.

On Feb. 13, at 2:30 p.m. Cheek will hold a book signing at Jordan Gallery at the entrance of Jordan Furniture Co. on East Washington Street. The books may also be obtained online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Joining Cheek for the book signing will be Rick Acker of California, who will be signing “Blood Brothers,” a sequel to “Dead Man’s Rule” which he signed at the Attala County Library in February 2007.

Text Only

Features

Bygone Days: French Camp’s Pioneer Day takes a step back into the past
French Camp’s historic district took on a look of bygone days with activities of Saturday’s Pioneer Day.

May 17, 2012 4 Photos
Flashbacks
May 17, 1962
Kosy golf team members Roscoe Herod, Cem Morgan, Bobby Hardison, Bill McCandless, Jimmy Teasley, Harry Reynolds, Earl Bryant, Jimmy Hardin, and Jimmy Bailey accepted a trophy as team winner in the Choctaw Conference Golf tournament Saturday from team coach Jim Coleman. The foursome competing in the play were Bailey, Hardison, Bryant, and Herod.

May 16, 2012
Ethel’s 30th May Day: Pageant, crafts, food, music draw people to annual event
Blue skies, sunshine, and summertime temperatures were the ingredients providing the perfect setting for activities of Ethel’s 30th annual May Day on Saturday.

May 10, 2012 4 Photos
43rd Annual Natchez Trace Festival in photos
The Kosciusko Downtown Square was filled with activity Friday night and Saturday for the 43rd Annual Natchez Trace Festival.

May 2, 2012 5 Photos
Flashbacks
May 3, 1962
Graduation activities are well underway in schools of the area as all county schools wind up the school year within the next two weeks. At Ethel High School, valedictorian of the class is Margaret Hunt, and Linda Breazeale, salutatorian. At McAdams High School, valedictorian is William Ellington, and salutatorian is Linda Allen. At McCool Grammar School, Cynthia Rainey is valedictorian, and Delores Braswell, salutatorian. Barnes High School, with a tie, has two valedictorians. They are Karleen Bailey and Melba Moore. Linda Bell is salutatorian. At Sallis High School, valedictorian is Jean Carol Aldy and salutatorian is Timmy Gray.

May 2, 2012
War buddies: Former Marines reunite after 43 years
Although 43 years have passed since they saw each other, two Marine buddies who served together in the Vietnam War found no problem with conversation when they had a reunion this week.

April 26, 2012 1 Photo
Flashbacks
The Spot Cash Tire Co., a new retail business for Kosciusko formally opens this weekend with more than the usual fanfare and promotions that feature prizes with drawings Saturday for both adult and child registrants. Managed by Jesse Hedgepeth assisted by Joe May, the new store will feature Goodyear Tires, Delco batteries, and a line of appliances and related items.

April 25, 2012
‘A pie can change your life'
“A pie can change your life.” Lee Ann Flemming can emphatically say a chocolate chess pie has brought about a new dimension to her life following release of the movie, “The Help."

April 20, 2012 2 Photos
Tell me the Story of Jesus
"His last days, in its 27th year, is performed in at Kosciusko First United Methodist Church Thursday, Friday and Saturday prior to Easter Sunday.

April 13, 2012 3 Photos
Flashbacks
April 8, 1962
Financing of the Industrial Development Corporation for the year ahead was assured Friday when the members of Attala county’s Board of Supervisors decided to again budget $5,000 for the county’s share of IDC expenses.

April 12, 2012
More Features Headlines

Features

Search Results

Related Photos

‘Cane and Able’: Cheek’s second novel tells the story of black farmhand, farmer’s son

Site Map