Richmond, VA (May 11, 2022) -- Too Much Loft, a debut novel by Michael J. Stott (Bookbaby), consists of three well-connected novellas that follow a young man’s journey as a caddie, grounds crew member and golf shop attendant. The novel is now available for sale and makes an ideal Father’s Day gift for dads – and anyone – who loves who love golf or a great read.
This intriguing tale transports readers to a 1960’s suburban Chicago country club replete with members both intriguing and insufferable. Golf, particularly female competitions, unfolds as the narrative reveals life as it was in the comfy confines of post-war America. Veteran golf writer and design consultant Bradley Klein says, “Stott's fictional trilogy makes the idyll of country club/golf life the perfect setting for a classic coming-of-age tale."
“The characters in this novel are reflective of those I have met in my decades as a golf writer and golf course employee,” Stott said. “Readers will recognize the tribulations and characters that inhabit mythical Spring Willows Country Club. Too Much Loft is an easy read that golfers, country club members, superintendents and club managers will want on their bookshelves.”
In part one, Mrs. Peck, chronicles college boy Looper Litton’s partnership with a 67-year-old matron as she competes in the D flight of a country club championship won 40 years earlier. Book Two, Mr. O, details Looper’s travails working for a contentious greenskeeper. In The Pro Shop, he more fully comprehends the give and take required to serve and survive the foibles of the country club membership while courting the prospect of romance.
Stott is most well known as a swim coach and prolific writer for Swimming World magazine. He wrote his first golf article in 1962 and his writings have since appeared in Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, Golf Week, Virginia Golfer, Washington Golf Monthly, Superintendent News, TurfNet, among other golf-centric publications. His caddie credentials include carrying for state champions and competitors in USGA national championships.
“Mike Stott is an extraordinary writer. In just a few pages I realized he had a true gift. I felt like I was thrown back into Catcher in the Rye as he was introducing Looper’s character. His work is every bit as good as any of the classic coming of age books,” says Ron Heidary, international character and culture expert.
Stott holds a Masters degree in Journalism from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from The College of Wooster. He lives, writes, swims, and plays golf in Richmond Virginia.
Too Much Loft, is available in print and digital form from store.bookbaby.com, Amazon and book distributors worldwide.
Media Note
Review copies of Too Much Loft are available from the publisher.
Email Michael J. Stott: michaeljstott@comcast.net; tel: 804-921-8808