New Orleans, LA – Crossing Lake Pontchartrain, the latest novel from Southern storyteller Arthur Byrd, is a poignant, darkly funny exploration of midlife crisis, artistic awakening, and the messy, beautiful process of becoming who we’re meant to be. When a tequila-fueled misstep derails Larry Winstead’s already unstable life in Mississippi, he finds himself grappling with unemployment, a crumbling marriage, and a haunting legacy left by his father’s mysterious disappearance. But in post-Katrina New Orleans—a city humming with creative energy and broken edges—Larry stumbles into a web of quirky, soulful strangers who unknowingly help him confront the truth about his past and the future he’s long denied himself.
Told with dry wit and emotional precision, Crossing Lake Pontchartrain is, as Literary Titan praises, “a beautifully tangled story of memory, loss, and rediscovery” that balances laugh-out-loud awkwardness with deeply human introspection. From an enigmatic Argentine painter who rekindles Larry’s creative spark, to a clairvoyant hobbyist and a philosophical janitor who teaches him the Zen wisdom of Chop Wood, Carry Water, each character pushes Larry toward a new way of seeing himself—and the life he still has time to build. Yet it’s Emma, a grounded yoga teacher with an unflinching gaze, who becomes the quiet force that brings Larry face-to-face with the love and self-acceptance he’s always resisted.
Arthur Byrd’s Southern literary voice brings both grit and grace to Larry’s journey, making Crossing Lake Pontchartrain a powerful addition to contemporary fiction. This is a novel for anyone who’s ever questioned their place in the world, who’s ever looked back and wondered when it all went sideways—and whether it’s too late to course-correct.
Dive into Larry Winstead’s unforgettable journey of rediscovery and resilience in Crossing Lake Pontchartrain. The novel is available now as an eBook on Kindle and Barnes & Noble, or grab the paperback edition on Amazon. Start reading today—and see what happens when life falls apart just enough to come back together.
Visit arthurbyrdbooks.com to explore more about Arthur Byrd, discover his other books, and dive into his personal blog filled with reflections on writing, creativity, and the human experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, there’s always something fresh and thoughtful waiting for you.
About the Author
Arthur Byrd was born in Mississippi and raised among the bayous and creeks of the Deep South, where nature and human complexity shaped his perspective and storytelling voice. His work explores the inner lives of flawed but searching characters navigating emotional crossroads, often set against vivid natural and cultural backdrops. Byrd’s fiction is deeply influenced by the mysteries of the natural world, the force of memory, and the transformative power of human connection. Crossing Lake Pontchartrain is a reflection of these themes, offering a raw yet hopeful meditation on identity, purpose, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again.
Media ContactCompany Name: Literary TitanContact Person: Arthur ByrdEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.arthurbyrdbooks.com/
