Pardon Me for Protruding and Other True Tales by Bolaride Jackson is a collection of stories told from the first person point of view of young lawyer Bolo Jackson. Bolo allows the reader to enter his small law office and pay witness to his early court cases. Bolo and his law school friend, Sam, are roommates practicing at rival law firms, working their way through the ranks of the up and coming. They double date and support one another up until the day they face one another as opponents in court. Their ardor for their craft placed ill-chosen words in their mouths and immediate regret in the forefront of legal argument. A wise judge recognizes their situation and offers the advice that salvages a friendship and inspires two successful legal careers.

Jackson’s memoir is both hysterical and poignant in its portrayal of the ambitious young. I really enjoyed learning tidbits of legalese that I would have pondered otherwise. Set in rural North Carolina, Jackson showcases southern culture with mention of common dinner menus and the eccentric ways of the time period in which the stories are told. In Pardon Me for Protruding and Other True Tales, the southern gentleman is exactly that and the southern lady is the belle of the ball. The drink of choice is sweet tea and a good night kiss is earned. I like Mr. Jackson’s collection of stories very much and get the feeling that his legal practice is of the simple, straight forward forum, appreciated by the “down home” population of the everyday man.

In Pardon Me for Protruding and Other True Tales, author Bolaride Jackson shows readers that in the world of a young lawyer, truth is often stranger – and more hilarious – than fiction. Jackson’s memoir, told in short chapters that stand alone but also connect to other chapters, brings readers a cast of clients, co-workers, and kooks that are richly described and quite memorable. Set in times when those lucky enough to have a TV only struggled with choosing from three stations, Bolo’s job as a lowly associate in a law firm takes him around North Carolina to some of the most remote counties, where his greeting could be a sassy secretary -- or a shotgun. All work and no play makes for a dull lawyer, so be prepared to chuckle as Bolo navigates not only his career but the dangerous waters of meeting and – pun intended – courting eligible bachelorettes.

If the title doesn’t give you enough of a hint that you are in for some fun, then turn a few pages and you’ll know. Reading Pardon Me for Protruding felt like sitting around the table after a meal and enjoying stories from the good ol’ days. Author Bolaride Jackson doesn’t take himself too seriously, and even as he explains legal terminology, he never comes off as pompous or superior. The story was very well written and speaks highly of Jackson’s skill with the pen. Readers will appreciate the use of innuendo to keep the stories clean and the writing flows like having a comfortable conversation with a true southern gentleman. Jackson’s humor runs the gamut from the obvious, laugh-out-loud moments, to the more subtle jabs at his profession. For example, Jackson writes, “Like the military, law firms are in constant need of reinforcements. Not because people get killed or wounded, of course, but because lawyers become unproductive by retiring, quitting, or making partner.” Pardon Me for Protruding, with its Reader’s Digest-like, short, clean chapters will delight its readers, who will most certainly pick up the sequel.

Pardon Me For Protruding and Other True Tales is a memoir written by Bolaride Jackson. Jackson is a lawyer admitted to the North Carolina Bar. These stories reflect his early years in practice while he was an associate working for a small law firm. The reader gets an insider's look at law firms where much of the work is done by the newly hired and not-so-newly hired associates, and the partners get to take most of the credit. There's also lots of driving in hilly countryside to hidden courts and courts held in bus terminals. Jackson's roommate, Sam, is also a young lawyer, and sometimes their professional lives get tangled up with their friendship and personal lives.

Bolaride Jackson's memoir, Pardon Me For Protruding and Other True Tales is funny and entertaining, and it actually teaches the reader civil procedure and litigation tactics while making him/her laugh. Jackson's writing style made me feel like I was sitting across the table from him at a barbecue joint, listening to him tell stories while we polish off huge plates of barbecue pork and hush puppies and wash it down with sweet tea. I've been dreaming of barbecue ever since I read this marvelous set of tales. I'm also smiling as I remember enjoying Jackson's stories, one after the other, each one funnier than the last. In many ways, Pardon Me For Protruding and Other True Tales reminds me of James Herriot's classic memoir, All Creatures Great and Small, which narrated his adventures as a young country vet. Both of them capture the reader's attention with candor, wit and stories of those early days in their profession. Protruding and Other True Tales is most highly recommended. I'm looking forward to more tales from this gifted storyteller.

Pardon Me for Protruding and Other True Tales by Bolaride Jackson is a humorous look at law practice in the 1970s. From strange cases, to even stranger clients, from crazy opponents, to their even crazier lawyers, Bolo Jackson takes you on a journey of life in a big law firm. Throw into the mix associates who take the credit for everything he does and bad tempered judges, a secretary who worships the ground he walks on – and is jealous when Bolo takes a girlfriend – and an office car park where rabbits and chickens from a neighboring smallholding roam free and you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a land of make-believe. Every question you ever thought you needed to know is answered here by the delightfully tongue-in-cheek Bolaride Jackson. Step in through the doors of this law practice and prepare to be shocked at what goes on. Prepare yourself for a helter skelter ride like you’ve never had before.

Pardon Me for Protruding and Other True Tales by Bolaride Jackson is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. I used to have dreams of going into the law as a career but I changed my mind at the last minute. Perhaps now I should have stayed! This is an excellently written book, each story is short, to the point, and the book was easy enough that you could read one chapter a day and not lose track. That is, if you can put the book down – I couldn’t. I understand there is a sequel to this and I would love to read it, especially if it is anything like this one. Great work, Mr. Jackson, I loved it.