Other editions of book The $66 Summer: A Novel of the Segregated South

More than anything else, George Harrington wants a motorcycle. He works in his grandmother's store in Obadiah, Alabama, trying to save enough money for the precious bike. Esther Garrison works at the store, too, trying to earn money for a dream of her own — to continue her education. George, Esther, and Esther’s brother Bennett quickly become friends, even though George is white and the Garrisons are black. The three spend their time together sneaking onto Mr. Vorhise’s property to fish and search for outlaw treasure, avoiding his vicious dogs and the strange old woman who seems to stalk them. George, Esther, and Bennett find more than fish on Mr. Vorhise's land — they stumble onto chilling evidence that shatters their idyllic summer and the town’s peaceful surface. As the tragic events unfold, George must confront the ugly realities of racism, realities that force him to rethink his priorities. John Armistead’s memorable, carefully drawn characters capture the hope and heartbreak of a turbulent era.

For $66 or not very much more, George Harrington thinks he might be able to buy a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle and ride to Alaska, New York, or any of the other places he dreams about while fishing with his father every Saturday morning. When his grandmother invites him to visit for the summer and help out at her store in small-town Obadiah, Alabama, he sees a way to earn the money he needs. In Obadiah, George hooks up with Esther and Bennett, the children of the cook at his grandmother's lunch counter. An unusual trio in 1950s Alabama, they roam the countryside together, sneaking onto Mr. Vorhise's land to go fishing, looking for lost treasure, and avoiding the hooded old woman who seems to follow them through the woods. George, Esther, and Bennett find more than fish, however, on Mr. Vorhise's land - evidence that leads them to some chilling conclusions. As currents of racism and bigotry come to the town's surface, George must reassess his priorities and learn a lesson about sacrifice.