Perry author releases novel inspired by South Georgia: About ‘finding yourself’

PERRY — Bo Hunter, a Perry-based author, is dipping into the past for a humorous and introspective look at identity, perseverence and nostalgia with his debut release.

The Holler, a Southern Gothic-style novel, follows Ben Peachy, a former Wall Street analyst who moves back to his family’s land near Andersonville.

Set in the fictional town of Possum Holler, Peachy takes in a college student from Boston who wants to study Southern culture, but his presence forces Peachy to confront hard truths about his past.

Bo Hunter is the pseudonym of Chris Johnson, who has always been a communicator at heart. 

Johnson was previously a journalist and sports writer and now works as Vice President of Communications for the Fuller Center for Housing.

Wanting to separate his journalism and creative endeavors, Johnson came up with the name around 30 years ago when he started a humor column for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

“When I started that humor column, I didn’t want them to love it or hate it based on what they thought of me as a journalist. … I figured what better time to go back to old ‘Bo Hunter,’ since I’m doing something completely different than my usual life here,” Johnson said.

The novel is inspired by Johnson’s old stomping grounds around Oglethorpe and Montezuma. Possum Holler is the small setting for the southern tales used as a vehicle for self discovery.

“The question ultimately is not can you go home again, but should you go home again? It’s less about finding home and more about finding yourself,” Johnson said.

Johnson believes, although the setting is fictional, it draws truth from the original places.

“it’s about not glossing over the truth about where you live, and where you’re from, and the places that shaped you, good or bad,” Johnson said.

Johnson said anything he wrote always had an element of truth and lived experience in the state, especially the novel. The novel symbolizes the roots he started years ago.

“Whether it was humor columns or fiction like this, there’s always an element of truth… some things were ripped from things that really did happen, and some was just embellished. But it is fiction,” Johnson said.

Reader response has been positive to the authenticity, sense of place and storytelling.

“A true love letter to your hometown or where you’re from has to be true at the same time. It can’t just be PR spin, otherwise it should be a ‘Go Visit Possum Holler’ pamphlet,” Johnson said.

But the novel’s message spreads beyond Possum Holler, touching on the internal battle everyone faces at some point in their lives.

“The essence of the story ultimately comes down… to the battle of perseverance or giving up, because we all have these battles. We all have these internal battles, and it’s how you handle it. There are people who push through… and there are people who just flat out give up,” Johnson said.

Johnson said a sequel is in the works, depending on reader support.

“There will definitely be a sequel. Now, the sequel, if a million people buy this book, that sequel will come in a hurry,” Johnson said. “And if 75 people buy this book, then it’s gonna take a long time.”

The Holler is available on Amazon, in paperback, hardcover and Kindle format.

Find your copy by searching “The Holler Bo Hunter” on Amazon, or directly on the website.

Find more information about Johnson on his website.