Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo: A Novel

The search for love is never out of season in Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo. Set in Gettysburg during the 1970s and 1980s, Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo tells the story of Jim, an unlikely Romeo, as he pursues “complete unfetteredness” in eight binge-worthy episodes spanning two decades. From his ill-fated encounter with first love at fat camp (“Pilot Episode”) to his six-hour romance of a gospel singer (“I Never Knew How Much a Man Needed a Woman”) to his disastrous season of excess with a sexy animal-rights activist (“Decadent Times Parts 1 & 2”), Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo will leave you laughing as Jim ponders the cosmic irony of love, farmers markets, and life’s most perplexing road trip question: What if the wrong Elvis died?

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

“A mix of uncommon eccentric characters, deep-dive knowledge of classic hard rock and loads of laughs… who needs more than that? Indeed I loved the love questing, and there’s a flash of rapier wit on every page (with a bonus shot of sly observation), but it’s Jim’s perceptions on ‘70s rock that had me nodding in agreement or pondering that he’s right and I’m wrong and why didn’t I come up with that? But even if it’s not the music know-how that impresses you, the elevated level of vivid description, character construction and interesting dialogue Jim executes can’t be overlooked. Like I say, there are many shiny facets to Jim’s writing; he’s got a great future in this.” —Martin Popoff, music book writer

“The dialogue is witty and the characters relatable and fun." —Christy Dietz, author of Serpentine

"A blend of humor, drama, and 'foodiness,' this novel romps through uniquely astonishing episodes like a TV sit-com. Quitting his parents' farmers market gig, teen Romeo Jim flings himself into weird flights and great expectations on his way to finding romance and 'new beginningness.'" —Jean Harkin, author of Night in Alcatraz and Other Uncanny Tales

Before finding success as a novelist, James R. Dubbs earned his living in a myriad of jobs, including factory worker, newspaper writer, realtor, liquor store clerk, groundskeeper, customer service representative, and self-employed baker. In the 1990s, he left his Gettysburg home to study creative writing at The University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau. His first novel, "Life in the Lion's Mouth," was published in 2016. His short fiction has appeared in periodicals such as ​Explorations, Wrinkle, and The Quiet Time Report. ​When not writing, you'll find him listening to Led Zeppelin, practicing Tae Kwon Do, or strumming his beloved Taylor six-string. ​