We are thrown into the maelstrom that is Evidence of Insanity in Little Callie's kitchen where her Mama and Daddy stage some of the most hysterical fights you have ever hoped to encounter. Not seeing this as most people would, Little Callie is found wriggling around on the floor about to pee herself while having the time of her life. Her Daddy had "stenches".
Her Mama made a decision that threw the family into the onslaught of abject poverty. Terms like "roach sandwich" were used to describe the terrible conditions under which they found themselves. However, our Callie, as always, was having the time of her life. Looking deep into hearts and listening to the gossip about her family, she began to form a life-long habit of making fun of everything and everyone she encounters. Aided by her Mama's abilities to laugh at anything and her gift of story-telling, Callie put those same gifts to use and made us, break out laughing.
The stories she tells are magically original. You haven't heard this before, believe me! She tells us about all the messes she got herself into as a chaos magnet, which makes up the basis of her story, are true. However, she embellishes some of the endings for humor and impact.
Every emotion you have available will be put to the test as you barrel through the story of Callie's life. When you are finished, you will love her for telling it to you so well that you felt like you were standing right beside her. If you don't believe me, read the reviews on pages 01, 02 and 03.
sunny_clis.com
Rod Cockshutt - Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University - "A remarkable achievement...funny and gut-wrenching...honest and direct...poignant!" He told the author not to change one word of the last ten to fifteen pages, so she didn't.
WOW!!! Carol Piner brings an incredibly unique meaning to the art of story-telling. Evidence of Insanity makes you come alive with a feeling you are actually part of the events as they unfold. You'll read Evidence of Insanity one, two, three or more times to make sure you've got all the details of each event because you'll be anxious to talk to someone about them. And you will talk about them; you cannot help yourself, it's contagious. I've been talking about it for two months. Evidence of Insanity contains the best humor I have ever read. After my friends and acquaintances read it, they feel the same excitement about it. It's packed full of one hilarious event after another. I'm not taking anything away from the sad events, they were real also. Needless to say, it's on the way to becoming a BEST SELLER! Piner's Evidence of Insanity should produce the movie of the century, and I hope it does because I look forward to seeing it...Susan Dail
What a fun read! It was a story that told it like it was, no holds barred. The sense of humor in all that insanity was sometimes shocking, but side-splittingly funny. It also offered poignancy and reflection. The old south from a real life perspective that is not usually told or policitically correct. I loved it! I also admire the author for surviving such and interesting, colorful family and for being truly an overcomer of adversity and yes, insanity as well. Go buy it today!!!...thecoolmom
Carol Piner's Evidence of Insanity is a full-speed-ahead-romp through the life of one dimunitive Southern girl with a heart the size of Texas. Using her Mama as her muse, she dances shamelessly through all that life can throw at her. Along the way, we get glimpses of that special kind of insanity that only families can provide and Carol insists that we laugh OUT LOUD. It is action-packed storytelling at its best; full of those "can you believe that just happened?"moments and stories that resonate with the pathos of lifes curve balls. She details and defines for us the true meaning behind what every therapist, priest and good friend meant when they told us our parents "did the best they could" especially our mothers. So when Carol's Mama puts her size 5 foot down with a resounding "No More" to a marriage full of adultery and abuse, we want to applaud. What happens next sends the insanity meter off the grid, but her Mama stands steadfast in her choice between bad and worse. Carol's life thus becomes a universal response to her Mama's struggle. We witness how "No More" morphs into "Don't Even Go There!" and her story becomes our story as well. Carol is a natural born story-teller. Her story is our story - crazy as hell and ultimately timeless. She insists on living out loud, reminding us that there is healing in the telling. This book has all the ingredients of a bestseller...Christy Robinson
In an age when everything is whitewashed for political correctness or proclaimed as abusive then psychoanalyzed sagely by folks of privilege, Evidence of Insanity is an unapologetic, knock-down-drag-out hilarious romp through Carol Piner's memory...She begins by sharing that "talk...was our biggest industry...low down, dirty, mean mouth kind of talking...Piner isn't shy about spinning the yarn of her life, boldly exposing herself, her neighbors, her family and relationships for their inglorious humanity. She does so by washing laughter over all, as she out-truths the gossip mongers in this "tell all" book.
Evidence of Insanity reveals as much about the strength and courage, pride and perserverance to be found in womankind as it does about Piner's life. If you have painful memories about your childhood or traumas that you just can't seem to let go of, an hour reading Evidence of Insanity will slap the self pity right out of you, and leave you humbled but ready to go on living, a little freer for the reality check...Fried Green Tomatoes and the Ya-Ya Sisterhood have nothing on the Yee-haas of Carteret County...Vonnie Farouqui - "Ink Slinger's Whimsey"
Wow! What a book, and what an expert Carol is at telling her tale! this is an emotional roller-coaster through one amazing life. You will laugh, cry and whoop with joy as Carol tells you her experiences of growing up, love, work and just trying to get through one day at a time. A truly inspiring woman! You rarely get to glimpse into the life of someone else, let alone live it through their eyes. Carol has the amazing ability to harnass this. The narrative is vivid, urgent and compelling in its intimacy. You will feel as though you have been best friends and known Carol for years. Her strength, courage, candour and how she manages to survive through very difficult times will inspire and move you. Even when things are at their worst, Carol shows you that you can still laugh at yourself and keep on laughing. Yee-haa! I have just finished reading this book, but I am going to turn back to the first page and start all over again. I didn't want it to end. Lastly, everyone should be introduced to Carol's amazing and wonderful Momma, she lives on in this book forever...Laura Cilliers
This books is a whole lot of fun. From the start, it feels like you are actually sitting down with the author, hearing her tale in person. She has faced some amazing challenges and adventures with a fantastic sense of humor and a "never let them keep you down." incredible attitude. It is also an educating chronicle of growing up in the south. I absolutely loved it...fieryhellcat
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