Lights Out Lizzie

After reading James Hanna’s The Ping-Pong Champion of Chinatown, I was excited to get started on my copy of his latest Gertie McDowell Book, Lights Out Lizzie. In Lights Out Lizzie, James Hanna takes readers on a rollicking journey through the misadventures of a Kentucky-born misfit whose escapades span professional wrestling, Christian skits, and a clash with the Taliban. Yes, you read that right.

What makes Gertie so funny? It’s her uncanny ability to stumble into chaos with wide-eyed innocence and leave it in disarray, all while narrating her life in her unfiltered, down-home drawl. Take, for example, her first foray into Christian wrestling skits, where she prances around in bib overalls, blowing kisses at married men. And then there’s her reaction to being kidnapped by the Taliban: Gertie is more offended by their lack of manners than frightened. Gertie is unapologetically herself—a lovable mix of stubbornness, naivety, and unintentional wisdom. The humor is nonstop and delightfully absurd.

From Gertie’s philosophical debates about David and Goliath with her nursing-home-bound mom to her misadventures in the ring, every page elicits a chuckle or a groan (often both). And when Gertie faces real peril—like a Taliban kidnapping—her wit and pluck remain intact, making her both ridiculous and remarkably resilient.

Hanna’s ability to craft humor that is equal parts slapstick, sharp wit, and heart is nothing short of genius. Every word feels meticulously chosen yet effortlessly funny, a testament to Hanna’s storytelling finesse. Hanna deftly weaves a satirical commentary on modern absurdities, from the commercialization of faith to the odd intersections of fame and morality.

Gertie may not realize she’s the unwitting heroine of a biting social critique. Still, readers will appreciate the layers of depth beneath her antics. She’s a tornado of charm, baffling decisions, and surprisingly insightful musings on life, faith, and the occasional criminal enterprise.

At its core, Lights Out Lizzie is a laugh-out-loud tale about embracing life’s unpredictability. Hanna’s gift for humor shines, but Gertie’s irrepressible spirit steals the show. Whether you’re here for the belly laughs, the Southern-fried wisdom, or the unexpectedly poignant moments, this book delivers on all fronts. Don’t expect to look at wrestling—or tumbleweeds—the same way again.

I recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor who is looking for a little eye-rolling laugh to add to their day. Lights Out Lizzie will have readers cheering and face-palming simultaneously.