Something about Ann: Stories of Love and Brotherhood

In the novella, Something About Ann, and the short stories that follow, a group of soldiers who faced a traumatic experience in Vietnam remain close after returning to the States. Violence and turmoil continue to haunt them, though, as they attempt to normalize their lives. Sometimes relying on the help of each other, sometimes relying on the skills they've gained in combat, most prevail. In the novella, Something About Ann, Clarence Bankston, a black Vietnam veteran, and Ann Minh, a Vietnamese woman fall in love. The peace of mind each seeks eludes them, however, as their pasts unfold. In the story, Lucky, a veteran, Raphael "Lucky" Holland, finds his niche as a stick-up artist. His luck runs out when he tries to rob a stranger whose past is darker than Holland's. Xavier Warfield is a veteran and a promising pool hustler. In The Education of Xavier Warfield, he finds the most valuable lessons in life aren't learned in the pool room when he falls for a lady with a questionable past. With One Exception tells of an encounter that begins on shaky terms between Erving Robinson, a militant African-American, and Harland Conrad, a white Vietnam veteran, but evolves as Robinson helps Conrad fight his demons. The Gift finds Myron Turner, a recluse and an empath, confronted by an older empath when he tries to hide his abilities. Leroy Casper is enjoying The Good Life when a past association barges into his life shattering the peace he's established and causes him to take drastic measures. In The Tell, Maurice Johnson learns that a "tell" applies not only to poker but to life-- too late. Ralph Gaines in The Best Seat In the House, is down on his luck after a lofty law and political career and only has a reserved seat in a bar as a symbol of respect. When a young bully commandeers the seat, the elderly Gaines snaps, simultaneously solving the seat issue and a personal problem. The Last Time I Saw Willie, is a coming of age account of Raymond Williams, a young middle-class African-American who learns the importance of dedication and persistence when he meets Willie Stinson, an orphan. A Good Day To Be A Man demonstrates that physical confrontation is not necessarily the path to manhood. In Slow Songs, Lieutenant Raymond Williams faces his worst fear in Vietnam, and it has nothing to do with his personal welfare. Provocative and intense, Something About Ann delves into the lives of those where war has no end.

About the Author :
J. Everett Prewitt is a Vietnam veteran and a former Army officer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science Degree in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University. Prewitt was awarded the title of distinguished alumni at both schools. His debut novel, Snake Walkers, placed first for fiction in four literary contests and won the Bronze Award for General Fiction in ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year contest. Snake Walkers was also honored by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Prewitt's second novel, A Long Way Back, was awarded the Literary Classic's Seal of Approval. It won the Independent Publishers of New England first place award, was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal Award, received the Bronze Award for the INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award, the Silver Award from Literary Classics, and the DNQ Award from IBPA's Benjamin Franklin Award.

Review :
Something About Ann, by J. Everett Prewitt is an excellent book of short stories including a novella of the same name, that will touch the heart of all...(It) is a must read for all who are interested in learning about brotherhood, bonding, passion, and survival. --Carol Hoyer, Reader Views Something About Ann is a collection of powerful, thought-provoking stories about the after effects of war, and how trauma influences survivors from both sides--for better or for worse. These interconnected short stories are filled with twists and surprise endings, captivating, and keeping the reader guessing. --Barbara Hacha, author of Line by Line