Love, Longing and Family Drama Make ‘Southern Gothic’ a Summer
Must-Read  Guest Blog: Paul Alexander's "Southern Gothic" tells
the story of a show-business family rocked by alcohol and
struggle but comes to a satisfying conclusion     Paul
Alexander, author of "Boulevard of Broken Dreams: The Life,
Times and Legend of James Dean" (Viking) and "Salinger: A
Biography," which is about to be made into a documentary by
Shane Salerno, has written a memorable novel about a showbiz
family.  "Southern Gothic" is a brilliant study of an alcoholic
family in the throes of the disease. Alexander’s description of
protagonist Carson Greer is on the money: "Carson wore a black
sheath dress, black Ferragamo flats, a single strand of white
cultured pearls.”  Carson’s mother, Evelyn Greer, is the Oscar-
winning actress, Greer Garson. Their home is described so that
you know them before meeting them. “Between the two sofas stood
a black Steinway baby grand piano, centered in the room near the
windows. With its lid closed, the pia