The Bookshelf in Thomasville presents a shelf talk with author C.H. Hooks as he makes his novel debut with, Alligator Zoo-Park Magic, the deep-south book hailed as, “In the best tradition of Florida literature.”

Is Jeffers an Alligator Zoo-Park magician or the Messiah? Two friends live unapologetically on the edge of poverty in the rugged, un-decorous part of the South. Jimmy, a single father with an addict ex, and Jeffers, a magician whose tricks are closer to miracles—both are immersed in a place where trailers and Hot Pockets dominate the landscape, and alligators roam free. When Jimmy witnesses “losing” his best friend to his biggest trick gone awry, he reflects on their lifelong friendship and what it really means to escape.

C.H. Hooks has been published in print and online publications, including American Short Fiction (Bourbon & Milk) and Burrowpress (Fantastic Floridas). He was a Contributor at Sewanee Writers’ Conference, attended DISQUIET: Dzanc Books International Literary Program, and was a Reader for the 2017 & 2018 DISQUIET Literary Prize. He received his MFA from the University of Tampa, and is a Lecturer at the College of Coastal Georgia.