By Sara Morales

Fairhope has been the subject of many history books, but Alabama author Leslie Anne Tarabella offers a fresh perspective of her hometown in her latest release. Blending humor, travel, and memoir, her fourth book, We Don’t Push in Fairhope, has become an instant success, hitting Amazon’s #1 spot for Southern Travel book and a top spot in Southern humor categories. When asked about this unique mix of genres, Tarabella laughed and said, “Well, that’s Fairhope for you—a little bit of everything and beyond explanation!”

The book’s title originates from a real-life experience at Fairhope’s annual lighting of the trees ceremony. “An abrasive woman showed up one year, and things took a turn for the worse—which is quite unlike most events in Fairhope,” Tarabella explained. “That strange experience became the launch pad for exploring all the good and unique things that make our town special.” With a smile, she added, “The secret to our success isn’t just the flowers.”

Although she has called Fairhope home for 25 years, Leslie Anne acknowledges she’s still considered a newcomer by some. “I-10 has been my life’s main artery,” she said. Born in Florala, Alabama, she moved to Slidell, Louisiana, when her father attended seminary in New Orleans. She fondly recalls riding the carousel at Pontchartrain Beach and playing in Jackson Square. 

With family in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, where her grandfather was the County Agent, she spent summers on South Walton Beaches —“before condos,” she adds. “Actually, before anything.”  After attending school in Pensacola and graduating from Escambia High School, her family relocated to Fort Walton Beach, where she took her first job at the newly built Sandestin Beach Resort in Destin. She met her husband in college at Florida State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Gerontology and a master’s degree in Elementary Education. “The Gulf Coast has always been my happy place,” she said.

As an animated and entertaining speaker, Tarabella frequently presents programs for civic clubs, schools, and churches. Several of her larger events for Samford University and Carroll County Schools have been sell-out fundraisers. She is also an on-camera contributor for New York Times bestselling author Andy Andrews’ podcast, Wisdom Harbour

“I love telling stories in different ways,” she said, revealing plans for short writing workshops and new media projects later this year. “People were so kind to help me get started, and I love encouraging others to share their own stories.”

Since its release, We Don’t Push in Fairhope has sold out at multiple locations, requiring restocks at Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, and local gift shops. Journalist John Sharp described the book as a “love letter to modern Fairhope.” Tarabella responded, “I love that description because I really did put my whole heart into this project. 

“This book purposely focuses on the good in our city because no one wants to hear complaints— that’s what the personal phone numbers of the City Council are for,” she laughed at her own joke, then added, “But seriously, there’s enough negativity in the world. My goal is to bring joy to readers and encourage them to find the charm in their own hometowns, wherever that may be.” She was particularly touched when her first fan letter for this book came from a man in Colorado who said it reminded him of his own small town. Another early reader, and lifelong Fairhope resident, shared, “Your book made me fall in love with Fairhope all over again.”

While We Don’t Push in Fairhope highlights the city’s small-town charm, it also addresses the challenges of growth. “I don’t like the growth, but interestingly, neither do the newcomers,” she said. There are some who move here without knowing the first thing about Fairhope, which always shocks me. They’re surprised at the differences and set out to change everything to be like their previous home. Then, others jump right in and learn to love us like we are.” 

The book opens with a quote from Eudora Welty: One place understood helps us understand all places better. Tarabella explained, “I’ve always wanted to blend Eudora Welty’s depth with Erma Bombeck’s humor. If people can understand why one town is booming, hurting, growing, and thriving, maybe they’ll better understand other people and their communities better.”

This hardcover book features whimsical cover art by Nevada-based artist Jody Cory, whose mother is local artist Karen Roloson. “Jody and I collaborated over the phone and computer and didn’t meet each other face to face until after the book was published. It turned out just like I had imagined, and I’m absolutely thrilled with her work.”  

Throughout the pages of the book, there are black and white photos and iconic Southern graphics with each quote between chapters. “I don’t mind people buying the e-version or audio version of the book, but I feel they’re missing part of the beauty of the story without holding the real finished book in their hands. I think one reason it has sold so well is because it makes a beautiful gift and people appreciate that it’s a clean, non-political, non-controversial book they can give without offending anyone. I’m always amazed by how many people at book signings will come right out and ask if it’s a clean book. I always laugh and say, "Well, my mother loves it, and I’m not in trouble yet.” 

After three years as a columnist for Gulf Coast Media, Tarabella wrote for AL.com, where her work appeared in Mobile, Birmingham, and Huntsville newspapers, and was occasionally syndicated as far as Michigan and New York. “Newspapers taught me discipline —not only with the deadlines but with my writing style as well. I only had 550 words to tell a story,” Leslie Anne explained. “When I tell a story in person, I can use about 80,000 words and plenty of hand gestures! But writing within a strict word count helped me focus on getting to the heart of the main idea — and getting there fast.” Now, when I read a book with too many fluffy descriptions, it drives me crazy.” 

The book features a mix of lighthearted anecdotes, poignant stories, fun poetry, short quotes, and profiles of local figures, including residents who volunteer or start organizations that inspire others. One story features artist Ricky Trione, who lost his sight in two separate accidents. 

“I told Ricky that I knew blindness wasn’t funny, but asked if he had any lighthearted stories about his journey,” she recalled. “He’s such a joyful person that he found the perfect anecdote to share, but as I began writing his story, it took a turn and became a reflection on his beautiful marriage.” Recording the audiobook, Tarabella had to re-record this chapter after choking up—“And I’m the one who wrote it!” she laughed. “It’s like I didn’t know what was coming!”

One unexpected outcome of the book’s success has been readers reaching out for more information about joining local volunteer groups mentioned within its pages, such as Hope Blooms and Neighborhood Bridges. Black-and-white photos and quotes from friends interspersed throughout the book enhance the sense of community spirit.

Although she no longer writes a regular weekly column—“Ten years of deadlines was enough!”—Tarabella occasionally contributes articles to Lagniappe News that covers Mobile and Baldwin counties. More of her work can be found, and you can follow her at leslieannetarabella.com.

Upcoming Book Signings and speaking events:

  • Fairhope Museum of History – Saturday, February 22 at 1 p.m.
  • First Friday Art Walk at WABF Radio Station, Fairhope March 7 at 6 pm
  • Page and Palette Bookstore, Arts and Crafts Festival Friday, March 14, 1 pm
  • Barnes & Noble, Pensacola – Saturday, April 12 at noon

We Don’t Push in Fairhope is available at most bookstores, The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Fairhope Piggly Wiggly, and Amazon.

Posted 
Feb 19, 2025
 in 
Community Endeavors
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