Drank Myself Straight, a novel by Troy Broussard.
I have had highs and lows; I have been congratulated, patted on the back, and have had drinks bought for me; I even carry a special pen around to sign books. I have had compliments and insults, and encouragement and disappointment. It has been six weeks since the announcement of my first published novel. And this TroysArt post is a follow-up on the accolades, reviews, and scandals of Drank Myself Straight, a novel by Troy Broussard.
Samuel Lyndon Gladden wrote this review on Amazon:
Get ready for the ice to tumble from your glass as you take the rollicking ride that is DRANK MYSELF STRAIGHT by Troy Broussard.
Truman Capote’s jaw would drop into his martini if he read Drank Myself Straight. This debut novel comes from a Louisiana-born writer whose voice shows so much promise, whose insights are wonderfully idiosyncratic, and whose wit crackles across every page. The book has it all: sensational experiences, local color, and even the occasional vocabulary lesson—and what a story it tells! Join Brad Bradley Benoit as he savors life’s delights…and let’s hope for more from first-time author Troy Broussard!
What a wonderful Amazon review, if I do say so myself. And the novel is readily available through the Amazon website.
I am surprised at the number of people who think I personally have books for purchase. I was at a swanky disco-themed birthday soiree last Saturday night and four different people came up asking to buy a book. First, I took an Uber to the party and second, I do not sell books like a travelling salesman. I am not Ryan O’Neil in Paper Moon with a trunk full of Bibles. However, I do carry cute little business cards around displaying the link to buy.
Indeed, it is flattering. I receive phone calls and texts from people who want me to sign their copies and I am excited to do it. Order the book and I will be glad to sign it.
Drank Myself Straight is the fictional tale of Brad Benoit, a proper young Cajun man who struggles to find himself sexually in his southern surroundings. Coupled with the exploits of his brother Gray, his best friend Jubal, and other eccentric characters, the story encompasses poignant contemplation, bawdy conversations, and everything in between. An excerpt from Chapter 10:
“I’m sorry that your date with Gray was ruined.”
“Oh,” she replied wistfully, looking up, “don’t be. Things weren’t working out anyway. We called our,” using air quotes, “‘relationship’ quits the other day.”
“Should I ask?”
“He has a lot more baggage than I expected a single guy to have.”
“You mean his kids?”
Her head jerked back and her eyes grew wide. “He has kids?”
“Umm, no.”
She chuckled and rolled her eyes. “He’s no gentleman and he’s kind of gross.”
“Welcome to my nightmare.”
“The other night he wanted to give me a chilidog.”
“That’s surprising because Gray is such a good cook.”
“No, I mean the sexual type chilidog.”
Sipping, I asked naively, “What’s a sexual chilidog?”
“I didn’t know either,” she continued as she gulped what was left in her glass. “But it’s when a guy, to put this delicately, takes a dump on your chest then titty fucks you.”
Her revelation sent wine out my nose. I coughed and grabbed a napkin.
“I know,” she laughed raucously. “Imagine my reaction.”
“That kind of thing could ruin your pearls!”
“Boarding school, dressage, a debutante ball—and my best prospect in Louisiana wants to crap on me.”
“God, that’s sooo disgusting!”
“Besides,” she added, “I couldn’t wake up one more morning to face the booger wall over his headboard.”
“I’m not sure why you’ve stuck around this far.”
With a moaning sigh, “Oh, I don’t know. I guess I thought I could polish him up a bit. I thought he could be relationship material.”
“My dad says, ‘You can stick flowers in an asshole but that doesn’t make it a vase.’”
“I see where Gray gets silver tongue.”
Of course, this book is not for everyone. Drank Myself Straight contains adult situations and strong language. (For additional excerpts, click TroysArt – Introducing Drank Myself Straight, a novel by Troy Broussard).
Tracie Klumpp reviewed on Amazon:
Troy Broussard does right by his Cajun heritage and birthplace in his art and now his writing. He gives an honest look at what others are going through when dealing with life and finding joie de vivre! I personally am impatiently waiting to read more from this héros de la ville.
The reactions to the book are varied. And it is true that I have been disowned because of the novel. Without even seeing a copy, my father’s response to the publication of what he termed “queer smut”, was that it is the most humiliating thing to ever happen to the Broussard family. He never wants to speak to me again—and suggested “just change your fucking name.”
The fact that I made the above sentiments public has angered my brother and sister for ostensibly defaming his character without a forum to defend himself. Though, in my opinion, there is no adequate defense. I hardly think that contemporary literature is the most embarrassing scandal to befall our heritage. Ironically, ostracization and familial estrangement is an underlying theme in the story.
Elizabeth Torrey Tigar wrote:
Troy’s unique, genteel voice comes through to tell a story about decorum, sexuality, Southerness, and family.
I am further validated to hear that readers cannot put the book down. Chantay Seaux Broussard (no relation) posted on Facebook:
I just finished reading your book. It was awesome. I could not put it down.
And Andrea Villegas posted on Facebook:
I swear I can’t put this book down! It’s a must read!
I admit, at first I was disappointed with sales. I know that for a first publication, moments can be rocky for the author. And I have heartfelt appreciation for people who bought it. But the book has been on a sales chart rollercoaster, from high numbers one moment to obscurity the next. (With slowing sales, I dropped 422,000 spots last week on the Amazon Best Sellers Ranking.) Though I have learned not to take it too personally, I am surprised at the number of friends who still have a “buy Troy’s book” reminder stuck to their computer screens. I cannot fathom why people are still waiting. It boggles the mind.
Merritt Blair reviewed on Amazon:
Following Brad and his antics makes for a fun summer read. This author can really rip out a page turning story. Could not get enough of his crisp wit as he took me on his journey.
Drank Myself Straight is a fast-paced summer read, guaranteed to make you laugh-out-loud—perfect for the beach bag. Click below to order today and join the discussion. And I encourage everyone to post a review on Amazon or Facebook. I really want to know what readers think!