Customer Reviews

Cane and Able

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The setting is summer in the late 50's, southern Mississippi, along the low lands of the Delta and Justin Cane, the son of a farmer, is ready to learn how to drive. One of his father's black farmhands lends his expertise as the two take to the open road.

The driving lesson soon turns into an adventure neither had bargained for and Justin learns more than just how to drive his father's truck. Through humor, mishap and racial prejudice, along with the guidance of a loving God and the driven faith of Able Johnson, young Justin Cane soon learns the meaning of integrity and righteousness through the eyes of a black man.

Humorous, tense, action filled with distinct southern dialogue, Cane and Able is a perfect fit for the troubled era in which it is set and lends a wonderful insight into the life experience of a family destined to be taken on the journey of a lifetime.

Stephen Cheek has a talent for storytelling. A good read overall.

Reviewed by Cindy Bauer
Writer/Editor/Reviewer/Interviewer

Chasing Memories (Memory Box Trilogy, Book 1)
Shades of Blue (Memory Box Trilogy, Book 2)
Crystal Clear - Third in the Memory Box Trilogy

The urge to embrace the road inevitably trumps nervousness and fear. "Cane and Able" follows young Justin Cane as he tries to gain his wheels in the late 1950s. His teacher is one of his father's farmhands, and through their travels, Justin Cane learns more than just how to maneuver a vehicle; he learns about life and the harsh side of reality. "Cane and Able" is a read that will leave readers thinking.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. It was a delightful trip by two interesting characters. I laughed out loud each time the creative names for the books of the Bible were mentioned. I was a child in Louisiana in the 50's, and I remember that things were not good in many ways. However, I appreciate how this book portrays the deep love and relationships of individuals, black and white. That is what I remember most about that time. I heighly recommend this read for its entertainment quality!

I just finished Cane and Able over the holidays and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I laughed out loud more than once and loved how the pace built to a fever pitch toward the end. A great look into what life was like in the deep south in the 50s, but through the eyes of a young boy, learning some valuable life lessons. For those of you who grew up south of the Mason Dixon line, this book is for you!