Book Signing at the Quitman Library

PRESS RELEASE: A local resident who co-authored a book with his late father will hold a book signing at the Clarke County-Quitman Library on May 17, 2023. The special event will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. in the foyer of the library. Copies can be purchased for $32, which includes sales tax. 

Bubby Johnston, a Forest native living in Quitman, completed recently his father’s (Erle Johnston) book, THE THUNDER of ELEPHANTS, from Bayonets to Ballots, a 40-chapter, 400-page memoir about the history and resurgence of the Republican Party in Mississippi. 

Of local interest especially is the final chapter, which recognizes several women for their work in the GOP, including the late Mary Carter Speed of Quitman. The book is dedicated to Bubby’s sisters, Carol Lindley of Hattiesburg and Lynn Catalina of San Antonio, Texas. On the dedication page, Bubby wrote: “We were very blessed that Erle and Fay Johnston were our parents. Finally, ol’ Bub completed Dad’s book. It’s time to celebrate! 

Erle Johnston wrote three books, I Rolled with Ross; Mississippi’s Defiant Years, 1953-1973; and Politics: Mississippi Style. He was working on his fourth book, THE THUNDER of ELEPHANTS, from Bayonets to Ballots, when he died following heart surgery in 1995. Bubby is a graduate of Forest High School and Mississippi State University. He is married to the former Janet Harris of Quitman. 

Bubby noted that $15 from each book sale will be sent to the Children’s of Mississippi Hospital, in memory of his parents. To order by mail, please send check or money order for $38 to Boonedocks Publishing, LLC, 603 Betty Circle, Quitman, MS 39355.