Book Review -- Real in Memphis by Stevie Pearson

As most people know as it is not a secret -- I am a diehard professional wrestling fan. I can recall times my brother and I would be camped out in the living room waiting for Saturday Nights Main Event; only for me to fall asleep as soon as the theme song is over. I remember my first live show (August 24,1990 NWA World Championship Wrestling in East Rutherford, NJ before the WWF placed a no competition order on the venue). I remember my first autograph being Jim Ross and I was the only one he stopped for. Even back then I had the Queen of Small Talk powers. One of my first crushes was Sting. The sass of Sherri Martel was an inspiration and influence in my personality today. And who could forget to chew bubblegum and kick ass?

As you can see -- I can go on and on with wrestling stories. How professional wrestling shaped who I am today. So when I was contacted on Twitter to review a book; another one of my passions; dealing with professional wrestling -- how could I say no?

The book is Real in Memphis by Stevie Pearson

and is set in 1979 in Memphis Tennessee and has ten different parts interwoven throughout. I will not go through all ten parts; only the ones I feel were the main plots which leads me to the main plot of the book- Sam South, is the son of second generation star Bull South, and he wants to make it big on the professional wrestling circuit; all to win his estranged father's respect. Sadly, like most independent wrestling federations, the promoter Harvey Wallbanger doesn't see him as a top star. But through an audio recording of Harvey's shadier business practices, Sam might just get the chance to prove himself after all.

Then you have the saga of Harvey Wallbanger who has his own problems micro-managing his talent. Another saga -- Former wrestler turned Church Pastor Bull South, who Co-owns the territory, has turned to religion. The main problem in this story is that now he and Harvey are at odds with one another. As you go through this saga you develop this hope that he and his aide-de-camp, also former love interest, Vixen Vegas can amend any and all problems that the lord might cause for the territory.

Now lets add in the underdog, or the babyface saga to this mix as you will with 'The Golden Wonder' Rod Golden. He unfornuately is on the verge of losing his world title, and in turn a whole load of money. That’s something that his tearaway daughter and avaricious wife aren't going to be too happy about.

Got to have the wrestler that everyone wants to see kind of saga right? Enter 'The Chattanooga Nightmare' Hex Clearfield. He is one of the few remaining free agents in wrestling. His services are well sought after. Sadly, his bodacious attitude and lust for women might be more than the Memphis faithful, and the Fearsome Monroeville Mauler are willing to handle.

All of this unfolds and brings together Hex and his promoter, Milton Morton, who may have their work cut out for them in the cut throat territory of Memphis Tennessee.

One way or another, everyone in this book is finding out that wrestling might be 'Fake', but business is about to get Real in Memphis.

As a avid bookworm who can read 5 books at the same time in a month -- for me to push what I was reading off to the side to make time for this book says tons. After spending close to two days hooked into the story I felt unable to put it down.

The various viewpoints were interwoven beautifully and seamlessly. Definitely unpredictable, which is something I look for in a book, and kept me thinking even after I finished the book. I do not say this often as I feel authors are stuck into making everything a series when a stand alone book is just as good but with the style of writing that Pearson has as well as details and the cliffhanger type ending -- I would not be opposed to seeing a series grow from this.

What also drew me into this book was how I could relate to the characters; even though I never stepped through the ropes and only had my elbows on a ring apron for photography. There was so much human nature in this book, especially with how everyone is manipulating one another for the few paying jobs in wrestling in Memphis (hello backstage politics!) and although they seem like extreme and violent people, at heart they are all just regular people with regular interests.

There isn't an abundance of wrestling fiction books published (but if you want a modern fairy tale retelling....) and this book is as such something of an anomaly it seems, as while it is clearly written with a love and appreciation of professional wrestling -- it isn’t just some wrestling book. It has many layers of deep complex thoughts throughout and the stories, while set in the world of wrestling, the stories feel like they could happen anywhere in any industry and at any place.

I found Real in Memphis to be a strong story with so many twists and turns that are not obvious like you see in other books. I would definitely recommend this book for a truly remarkable experience. It is available digitally through wrestlingnoir.com and for purchase through Amazon UK.