Big Fish meets The Notebook in this emotionally evocative story about a man, a woman, and an alligator that is a moving tribute to love, from the New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning memoir Rocket Boys—the basis of the movie October Sky.Elsie Lavender and Homer Hickam (the father of the author) were high school classmates in the West Virginia coalfields, graduating just as the … the West Virginia coalfields, graduating just as the Great Depression began. When Homer asked for her hand, Elsie instead headed to Orlando where she sparked with a dancing actor named Buddy Ebsen (yes, that Buddy Ebsen). But when Buddy headed for New York, Elsie’s dreams of a life with him were crushed and eventually she found herself back in the coalfields, married to Homer.
Unfulfilled as a miner’s wife, Elsie was reminded of her carefree days with Buddy every day because of his unusual wedding gift: an alligator named Albert she raised in the only bathroom in the house. When Albert scared Homer by grabbing his pants, he gave Elsie an ultimatum: “Me or that alligator!” After giving it some thought, Elsie concluded there was only one thing to do: Carry Albert home.
Carrying Albert Home is the funny, sweet, and sometimes tragic tale of a young couple and a special alligator on a crazy 1,000-mile adventure. Told with the warmth and down-home charm that made Rocket Boys a beloved bestseller, Homer Hickam’s rollicking tale is ultimately a testament to that strange and marvelous emotion we inadequately call love.
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Fun read!
Laugh out loud funny!
A bit contrived, but very readable. An unusual love story.
I love Florida, was fascinated by the journey to return the alligator.
I kept wondering as a read this book, “Could this really be true?” But the author said it was partly true. It was pretty strange but entertaining.
never thought I’d fall in love with an alligator
I expected a more realistic tale than this name dropping unbelievable story. I still don’t know if Albert was real.
Well worth reading, this is a humorous book as well as a love story. One is left wondering about reality and perspective. Characters become beloved friends!
This book was entertaining and easy to read but It seemed to drag in places. It was very different. Not too many novels are about traveling in a car with an alligator. The character I liked the best was Albert.
Couldn’t put it down. Bought copies for favorite family readers.
Just ok cute
Just delightful. Such a refreshingly good read.
I really liked it. It was quite a tale.
I thought this book was clever, original and engaging. You went along with their crazy schemes and it all seemed so natural on a journey that should have been more straight-forward. The author kept you guessing throughout as to what was going to happen. The characters are unlike anyone I’ve ever come across and that made them more interesting to the point you really cared about them … and the alligator.
Charming story based on the writer’s parents returning an alligator to his Florida home. One really roots for the characters to find their way, figuratively and literally, while searching for a safe haven for their wedding present alligator.
Great book also good book to read to an older child.
I am a sucker for ‘based on actual events’ stories…this one did not disappoint. A very whimsical and a delightful journey awaited me that I did not expect. Also unexpected was the deeply moving relationship of a man and a woman: one who will do anything for the other, and the other not able to decide what they want. The couples’ journey across the southern states, was also a journey to find what they mean to each other.
I haven’t even finished it yet and it’s one of the best books that I have ever read.
This book is causing me to laugh when everyone else is quiet!
A nice respite, a Lovey memory, it’s is what we are left with but this is funny, poignant, and great parenting. Parents were people first!
Funny family fairy tale from the writer who wrote “October Sky”