Set against a backdrop of travels from Memphis to New Orleans, to San Francisco, Tibet, and beyond, Lazar weaves a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. This memoir chronicles his journey as a father to his son, Lofton, while showcasing encounters with an extraordinary cast of characters.
At its core, Viva Lofton reflects on the evolving dynamics of familial bonds amidst the shifting cultural paradigms of our time, offering readers a blend of mythic storytelling and heartfelt authenticity.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM:
“Lonnie Lazar’s writing about father-son connections is especially precious in an evolving world of Me Too and other reckonings. But the settings and unexpected people we meet are reasons enough to recommend VIVA LOFTON.”
– Lea Lane, award-winning author of Places I Remember: Tales, Truths, Delights from Two Countries
“A wonderful testament of Lazar’s fascinating life, tracing our generation’s benchmarks. VIVA LOFTON is both beautiful and entertaining.”
– Bob Eckstein, New York Times bestselling author of The Elements of Stress and History of the Snowman
“Lazar quotes John Ford: When it’s a choice between writing the story and writing the myth, write the myth * Viva Lofton is like following a Greek hero through a mythic series of challenges and almost larger-than-life events. Each chapter is captivating, compelling, and filled with love.”
– Anne Born, away-winning author of If You Stand Here and Local Color
“Lonnie Lazar has lived more than nine lives and he’s got the raucous and touching stories that prove it. This story’s heart is flesh and blood, the touch of family–finding it, feeling it, creating it. Seek with this seeker but buckle up for some extreme rides along the way.”
– Robert Gordon, Emmy and Grammy-winning author of It Came from Memphis and Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion
VIVA LOFTON is an unforgettable testament to the joy, complexity, and transformative power of fatherhood, enriched by Lazar’s vivid storytelling and rich tapestry of life experiences.