LEE SMITH – AUTHOR

Practicing medicine opened my eyes to the opportunities of life, principally in finding purpose and meaning, and its absurdities.

The Debut Novel by Lee Smith

APOLOGIZE MY ASS is a captivating and nostalgic coming-of-age novel that transports readers to the sweltering summer of 1972 in Opp, Alabama, also known as the City of Opportunity. Young Oliver Ellison cherishes his summers in this tight-knit town, where life lessons are woven into the fabric of his upbringing. Armed with his trusty bicycle, Oliver effortlessly traverses the town of 6,493, shuttling between his grandmothers’ houses and immersing himself in the tapestry of gossip and local affairs.

This particular summer proves to be more challenging than the rest as Opp grapples with record-breaking heatwaves. People strive to keep their cool, but tempers run short when a truck crashes into the Dothan television station antenna, rendering everyone unable to enjoy their favorite shows, setting the stage for an unexpected turn of events.

Amidst the sweltering heat, Oliver overhears a seemingly innocuous conversation that quickly spirals into a misunderstanding, igniting a fiery feud between two brothers, spreading like wildfire throughout the town. Lines are drawn, and the once-harmonious community finds itself divided as people choose sides. Oliver takes it upon himself to share the truth of what he heard, aiming to restore peace and the simple magic that characterized Opp as the City of Opportunity.

The Followup Novel by Lee Smith

THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME continues Oliver Ellison’s story towards his next passage in life.

The first sign of trouble is Oliver’s wife-in a parking deck, she leaves him with their three-year-old and nine-month-old babies. From this suddenly single fatherhood, things only get worse. As his life spirals out of control, he has nowhere to go but back to Opp-just fifteen years later and with a freshly printed medical degree.

The locals are determined to challenge his medical skills with conditions and situations well outside traditional medical training. The characters he meets-bellicose, audacious, comical, narcissistic, wise, and brave-take Oliver and the reader from tears to laughter with the turn of a page.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime follows Oliver Ellison past the outlandish events of Apologize My Ass, toward his next life passage, and maybe, just maybe, to true purpose, meaning and more.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime opens the reader’s eyes to the twists and turns of life and the opportunities just around the bend.

Readers Are Raving

What a perceptive and uplifting story. This book far surpassed any and all expectations. Well written and a great message. Recommend you read this.

A must read for anyone who enjoys fiction that helps you laugh, cry and teaches valuable life lessons. I read it twice and have recommended it to many of my friends and everyone gives me 5 star feedback. Looking forward to watching it as a movie in the future… YES IT’S THAT GOOD!!

The story line is wonderful. Feels like you are listening to a parent or grandparent telling you a story from their past. The characters are funny and serious about themselves. Shows how petty some people can be about their believes. Best book about life I have read in ordinary life in awhile.

Loved this book! A small southern town up in arms because there is nothing to do. I liked seeing the same thing through different people's eyes. Everything tied in beautifully. Definitely worth reading. I didn't know there was a book prior, but, that is next on the list to read. Thank you for a great ride!!!!

I called my sister cause the author must have been a ghost in our house. I too refused to wring a chicken neck. Hah I was so mad at my mother ! There's some things a girl just can't do. Loved the book. It was a delightful laugh out loud book. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Can't wait to read the next book.

Well written. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and how they impacted Oliver’s life. Oliver’s perseverance emulates how we should all approach life. Stand up for what is right. Kindness and truth win in the end.

About Lee Smith

Born and raised in Alabama, Lee Smith is a physician (Leon F. Smith, M.D.) living and practicing in South Georgia. His love of the south and its people led him to a life as a small-town family doctor.

A natural storyteller, Lee began setting aside 4 AM as a space to write. The Opportunity Series — Apologize My Ass and The Opportunity of a Lifetime — is the result. Lee writes stories of what he knows: small towns with characters who embody all aspects of humanity, from the absurd to the sentimental.

Married to the lovely Valerie Lynn Smith, a classical pianist, the couple enjoys spending time with their combined seven children and soon to be 10 grandchildren, along with an eclectic cast of friends. They travel and especially enjoy music and art festivals. Lee also enjoys a lifelong love of playing the trumpet and his now insomnia-driven writing while hanging out with a semi-loyal Boston Terrier named Olive.