Birthday Pie: A Novel

"Wooten's southern family of the Martindales can sit on a family heirloom mantle along side some of the greats (Glass Menagerie's Wingfields, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof's Pollitts, Frankie Addams from The Member of the Wedding, or the Wingos from The Prince of Tides), yet still maintain a uniqueness of the author's voice that vividly allows us to 'know' these people." – Gregory Allen, Author, Playwright

When Lex Martindale, a New York City writer, goes home to celebrate his birthday and say goodbye to his dying father, he struggles with whether or not to share with his eccentric Southern family news of his own life-threatening situation.

As we travel through seventy years of the Martindales’ rich and colorful history, unearthing forbidden loves, shattered hopes and tenacious dreams, we realize that this reunion is a volatile turning point in all of their lives.

But as anger, resentments and jealousies erupt to the surface, it’s their laughter and irreverent sense of humor that prevails allowing for a quiet healing in this bittersweet, moving portrait of the all-American family.

"A delicious surprise! Birthday Pie is a clever, smartly written tale that once again proves how great a storyteller Arthur Wooten actually is. A tasty treat from beginning to end." – Greg Archer, The Huffington Post

"Birthday Pie is one of the most original, relevant and touching stories I have ever read." – Debbie Allen