Deep August

Short Stories from the American South

By: James Gardner

Narrated by: James William Gardner

In James William Gardner’s new collection of short stories, the listener will gain authentic insight into the fascinating world of the American south. With humor and sensitivity, the writer grapples with important cultural themes. His characters live and breathe, places become real, tradition is revealed and you may never feel the same way about the south again.

©2021 James Gardner (P)2025 James Gardner

Critic reviews

“A marvelous voice!” —The Oxford American

“Non-stop southern-ness!” —Forge Literary Magazine

A very unique perspective on contemporary southern culture.”—Emily Seyl, Texas A&M University Press

Entertaining stories steeped in Southern Culture

Gardner's collection of short stories takes the reader to a world of the downtrodden, the less-fortunate among us, who struggle to make their way in the South. While mostly comprised of contemporary tales, his characters would be equally at home in the South at any time over the past one hundred years. These are stories of heartbreak, dogged determination in the face of long odds, and the spirit of perseverance that permeates the Southern underclass to this day. Gardner's narration adds a note of genuineness to the tales; its as if one of the characters is telling each story to you personally in a rich southern drawl. Highly recommend!