Neal Wooten: With the Devil's Help


Join us for the Book Launch of Alabama author Neal Wooten's new memoir, With the Devil's Help, about his life growing up on Sand Mountain.

The event will be at Sunday, September 11 at 2:00 at Fractal Brewing Project. Neal will be in conversation with Allan Newsome, aka Floyd the Barber. 

This event is free and is co-hosted by The Snail on the Wall and Fractal Brewing Project. 

Please plan to purchase books at the event. (If you cannot attend, but would like a signed copy, click below to purchase and type "SIGNED COPY" in the Comments at checkout.)

About With the Devil's Help:
Neal Wooten grew up in a tiny community atop Sand Mountain, Alabama, where everyone was white and everyone was poor. Tent revivals, snake handlers, and sacred harp music were the norm, and everyone was welcome as long as you weren’t Black, brown, atheist, Muslim, a damn Yankee, or a Tennessee Vol fan. The Wootens lived a secret existence in a shack in the woods with no running water, no insulation, and almost no electricity. Growing up, Neal was weaned on folklore legends of his grandfather—his quick wit, quick feet, and quick temper.  He discovers how this volatile disposition led to a murder, a conviction, and ultimately to a daring prison escape and a closely guarded family secret. Neal’s father, having inherited the very same traits of his father, made sure the frigid mountain winters weren’t the most brutal thing his family faced. Told from two perspectives, this story alternates between Neal’s life and his grandfather’s, culminating in a shocking revelation. 

About Neal Wooten:
Neal grew up on a pig farm on Sand Mountain in the northeast corner of Alabama. The first person in the history of his family to graduate from high school, Neal went on to graduate from Auburn University with a B.S. in applied mathematics. He became a math teacher and director of a math school in Milwaukee, winning numerous math awards.  He is now the Managing Editor for Mirror Publishing, a contributor to the Huffington Post, columnist for The Mountain Valley News, curator of the Fort Payne Depot Museum, creator of the popular Facebook comic strip “Brad’s Pit,” and a standup comedian. 

About Allan Newsome:
Allan has performed as “Floyd the Barber” for more than two decades, having appeared in 17 states and a variety of venues since he began as a tribute artist in 1994. Allan appeared in a co-starring role in the feature film Mayberry Man, where he appeared as “Floyd” to rave reviews.

Event date: 

Sunday, September 11, 2022 - 2:00pm

Event address: 

Fractal Brewing Project
3200 Leeman Ferry Road
Huntsville, AL 35801
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With the Devil's Help: A True Story of Poverty, Mental Illness, and Murder By Neal Wooten Cover Image
$26.95
Email or call for price
ISBN: 9781639362400
Published: Pegasus Crime - September 6th, 2022