Griffin Speaks

DEATH OF A FAT MAN

My good friend, Senator Hank Sanders has published his first novel, Death of a Fat Man. The novel is powerful and riveting. I read it in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. I highly recommend that you read it.

In his novel, Hank shares the pain, suffering, and triumphs of struggles with obesity and imminent death. The 420-page book is written in vignettes, framed as short letters from an obese grandfather to a four- year-old granddaughter already showing signs of obesity. Hank says that he has a granddaughter like that in real life. The character in the book overcomes his severe obesity not through fad diets, but through paying attention to his body and soul. At the conclusion of the novel, the main character is still obese even though he has lost weight. He continues to struggle to lose more. He is at peace with himself because he has learned to resist the temptations that led to the extreme weight gain and caused him so much physical and emotional pain. Senator Sanders says, It is important that people understand they can defeat their obesity, or at least bring it under control. He did that in real life and in the novel- through meditation and through paying attention to how food makes him feel. When Hank started writing the book he could hardly walk. Even the short distance from the senate chamber to his office in the State House, or from his Selma law office to the parking lot, were extremely difficult. While he continues to struggle with arthritis, he moves around better now.  The book is full of wisdom and easy to read. 

Debra and I attended a book signing for Hank’s new novel a few weeks ago at Trenholm Technical College Library in Montgomery, Alabama. It was a star-studded audience in attendance. I saw the President of Trenholm Technical College, Dr. Anthony Molina, Historian and Political Activist, Dr. Gwendolyn Patton, Alabama Democratic Party’s most promising young Senators, Senator Quentin Ross, Community and Civic leader, Beverly Ross, Montgomery multi- millionaire and Real Estate Tycoon, Chester Mallory, Community and Civic leader, Connie Harper and many others in Montgomery’s Who’s Who.  

Senator Sanders has struggled all of his life. He was born and raised in Alabama. He was one of 13 children born into great poverty. Today he is a multi-millionaire who continues to struggle with obesity. 

Senator Sanders is a grandfather, father, husband, attorney and state senator who writes a weekly column published in two daily newspapers, a number of weeklies and wide distribution in other arenas. He has published a collection of his columns entitled, Take A Walk In My Shoes: Sketches of A Struggle To Serve.  

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com