Hairdos of the Mildly Depressed

Doug Crandell's engrossing novel tells the heartwarming story of brothers Brad and Compton Orville, with Brad ultimately learning what is really important in life. Younger brother, Brad is very unhappy with his entire life, especially his prematurely bald head. He has always envied Compton's beautiful head of hair. Also, Brad feels he lost his one chance to be happy years ago, when Compton seduced his fiancé. Now, Brad is responsible for the care of his older brother, who is brain-damaged following a beating by a lover's husband. Although disabled, Compton cheerfully moves on with his life...he makes friends, marries and starts a family, while Brad remains stuck. Convinced that everything will get better once he has a full head of hair, he invests in a "hair system". Mr. Crandell has brilliantly created a cast of fascinating, endearing characters who thoroughly entertained me. Many amusing antics with the bad 'rug' were laugh-out-loud funny. I really, really LOVED this wonderful story!! I could easily understand and relate to Brad's difficultly in accepting his baldness. Too many of us feel that a full head of hair, thinner body, prettier face, etc. will magically make our lives better. This book reminded me that our lives can improve by focusing on what's inside of us, rather than worrying about what we look like on the outside. I recommend it highly!!

If I had to add a caption to the group photo from my last family reunion - it would be Hairdos of the Mildly Depressed. Tapping into the same vein that Flannery O'Connor mined so hauntingly (and often scathingly) well; Crandell reflects the New South - and the New Southern Man - emerging from the past and coming to grips with change. Also as O'connor often did, Crandell mirrors The physical landscape and Brad's physical/mental self - intertwining the two on their downward spiral. Sad and funny (and yes, sometimes scathing) Hairdos is perhaps the most honest assesment of coming to grips with identity (as a region and as a man) I've read in some time. This is the real deal.

This story of everyday life that doesnt color a fairytale ending is so true to real life. Some men have problems accepting going bald at an early age but bald men are sexy to me. This story tells of a man trying to cover his bald head with a rug when it would do him better to go without it. He has the task of taking care of a mentally challenged brother that used to be a ladies man. It truly is a great read. I cant wait to see what Doug Crandell is going to come up with next. Dont miss this one!