HOP:
TRACKER ON THE TRAIL OF LIFE
by
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Many of the trees' leaves had begun to change by one crisp afternoon on a gorgeous Memphis day. Palmer Hopkins was operating the "Crosstown” run on the return leg toward downtown. He was just about to cross Cleveland Street, very near the hospital district, and had a group of waiting passengers at the next stop, including nurses, doctors, and businessmen. He came gliding in to his marked spot and opened the doors for them to board the streetcar. He was busy making change for his boarding passengers for a few moments. His left hand was busy ejecting coins from his belt-mounted change holder, and then he turned his head to examine the car to make sure everyone had found a seat. Satisfied, he was just about to close the doors and engage the drive lever on the streetcar and glide smoothly away toward downtown. Just as he was about to close the doors, a startlingly-attractive, tall and auburn haired young woman came up to the entrance, smiled sweetly and asked:“Is there room for one more?” “Sure thing Miss,” he said with a toothy grin. “Right up front over here.” He pointed with a muscular arm to the front row of seats. She climbed aboard, paid, and found a seat. She then sat very properly. Palmer had caught a whiff of her delightful scent as she went by. “My, my, my!” Palmer thought to himself. Joseph Palmer Hopkins' entire life had just changed.
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About the Book
Named after a well-known Civil War general, Joseph Palmer Hopkins is the youngest of fourteen children. He is entering manhood while living deep in the rural Tennessee farmlands during the Great Depression. As the 1930s come to a close, Palmer’s life changes when he decides to move to the big city of Memphis to care for his sickly brother, Marvin, as he begins attending teacher’s college. Needing to find work to help support his family back home, Palmer secures a job as a driver with the Memphis Street Railway as well as a rental house, a car, and a Baptist church to attend. One October day as he is about to close the doors of his streetcar, an attractive lady climbs aboard, finds a seat, and quickly captures his heart. A farm girl with a better education than Palmer, May Whicker has already accomplished much in her life. As a romance blooms, a world war looms on the horizon. Will Palmer and May’s love survive the trials ahead? In this historical novel, a Tennessee farm boy with a third-grade education must navigate through difficult times in American history while searching for love and success in the big city and beyond.
About the Author
J. M. Hopkins is a native Memphian who worked as the technical director at the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium before moving to Florida. He consulted and wrote technical papers and manuals in all areas of planetariums for over twenty years. A sought-after live rock and blues lead guitarist and recording artist, Hopkins has played with and for many renowned musicians. This is his third novel.