Darlene Walker lived most of her life being a devoted mother to her deceased sisters’ children and a faithful daughter to Josephine, whom they call “Grey Mule.” The dry winter in Catherine, Alabama went away and now family members are visiting the home house and bringing their burdens with them. Although, dysfunctional and they fight hard, underneath their hard exterior they seek to find answers to move on with their lives. Eventually, Darlene found the most shocking truth that changed her and broke the generational curse.
An Excerpt from the Book
“Good mornin’, mama,” Darlene said softly. One could tell that she was barely awoke. Still sluggish, she came out her room with two pill bottles in her hand. The other hand she rested on her back. “Folk been tryin’ to get some rest and they want everybody to know how happily in love they are.”
“You mad?”
“Of course not, I’m proud of Ronnie. He’s my sweeter brotha. Although I don’t trust Mary too much. They said the only reason she came back to Alabama is because she slept with all the men in Georgia.”
“Then why she ain’t go to Mississippi?” Josephine asked. She smirked at Darlene and waited for a messy answer.
“Cause all the women got big butts there, and prettier faces too, and that’s one thing Mary can’t compete with.”
Josephine got too tickled as she slapped her hand on her thigh. “Well, ain’t that the truth.”
Darlene was in her fifties, but she aged finely. Her skin was like a caramel and it was smooth like butter. Honey butter to be exact. She wore her hair in a bob and had only a few strains of silver hair that plucked out. All the men tried to date her, but none were too lucky, except for this one guy named Todd, and nobody better not mention him. The men around town called Darlene the stingiest woman in Alabama. Some wondered if she even remembered what sex felt like. However, Darlene wasn’t hardly ever searching for any affection since Todd broke her heart. That been nearly eight years ago.
“Yuh want some coffee this mornin’, mama?” Darlene asked. She scurried around in the kitchen and grabbed a coffee mug.
“I’ll take a cup. Two teaspoons of cream and no sugar. I’m trynna stay fit. Henry and I goin’ out to dinner this evenin’.”
“Mama, you and that Henry. I swear you two carry along worse than Ronnie and Mary. Yawl are too old for the foolishness.”
“Too old? Baby, you must don’t know yo’ mama still got it goin’ on.”
“Enough mama. I don’t want to hear all that.”
“It’s the truth.”
Josephine sat down in her favorite chair in front of the window where she gazed out and saw the Magnolia tree in her front yard and long gravel that lead to the shed.
About the Author
Gerald D. Johnson writes books exploring all genres. Johnson does not put himself in a box when it comes to the art of storytelling. He believes he is born to tell stories that inspire, redeem, and give people through bold narratives. Whether readers laugh, cry, find hope, or do all three, Johnson aims to develop everyday people and make them heroes. Born in Mobile, Alabama, he knew at a young age that he was supposed to become an author, so he paved his way into the literature world. After graduating from Auburn University at Montgomery with a degree in Communication, Johnson published his first book, Unbreakable Bond (2013). Later, his dreams came back full force when he wrote two novels in 2019 titled, The Eye to My Storms, and Alabama Sunrise. Johnson enjoys writing and is excited to contribute more dramas in the hands of readers.
What do you like most about being an author?
Being an author is an outlet from me. I can step outside of my world and engage in characters that I developed. I get to tell stories outside my perspective.
Who inspired you to write?
From a young age, I always loved books, so I had a natural urge in me to create stories, but I have to say, Sharon M. Draper, Tears of a Tiger, made me push for my dreams.
What type of books do you write?
I explore all genres. I write how I feel and what my spirit leads me to do. I wrote The Eye to My Storm, where I stepped into the eyes of a ten-year-old boy. That same year, I wrote Alabama Sunrise, where I got in tune with a fifty-six year- old- woman and explored her world.
What do you want your readers to get out of your books?
Ultimately, I want them to be inspired. No matter what genre it is, there will be laughter. However, each story has to do with a journey of self-discovery.
What inspired Alabama Sunrise?
Well, the story takes place in a rural town of Catherine, Alabama, which is the place my mom grew up. However, the story goes deeper than that. I wanted to target generational curses and family secrets.
What else you like to do besides writing?
I enjoy reading books and listening to music. R&B, Gospel, and Neo-Soul music are my favorites.
Are you working on any more novels?
Yes. I’m currently working on the book, A Dream Deferred. Jayson Love, the owner of a restaurant, learned the ultimate lesson in life that no matter what they are, he must serve them the same.
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