Poe Ballantine is a writer of fiction and nonfiction, renowned for his novels and particularly his essays, many of which are featured in The Sun magazine. His works frequently explore odd jobs, eccentric characters, boarding houses, buses, and beer, leading readers to draw comparisons with the life and writings of Charles Bukowski and Jack Kerouac. Ballantine's distinctive style and approach to storytelling capture the essence of life with its unpredictability and humor, making him a unique narrator.
"Star Wars: Doctor Aphra is a work of fiction. Names, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental"-- Provided by publisher
Exploring the mysterious disappearance of a local professor, the narrative intertwines true crime with personal reflection. After settling in Chadron, Nebraska, Poe Ballantine chronicles his life as a wanderer and the challenges of raising an autistic son alongside his Mexican wife. The shocking discovery of the professor's body prompts Poe, with his son, to investigate the unsettling events surrounding the case. This six-year journey reveals the eccentricities of their High Plains community and delves into themes of love, terror, and the search for understanding.
A unique travel memoir that paints a picture of life on the bottom rung of American society, '501 Minutes to Christ' plumbs the depths of drug addiction, vagrancy and alcoholism.
The collection features Poe Ballantine's personal essays that vividly depict his experiences with odd jobs and eccentric characters while traveling through small-town America and Mexico. With a blend of piercing intimacy and self-effacing humor, the narratives explore the essence of humanity, offering both entertainment and insightful social commentary. Ballantine's unique storytelling captures compelling slices of life, making readers reflect on their own experiences.