About G.B. Sollie
Storyteller, Grandaddy, Creator of Christian Adventures
G.B. Sollie - Author Portrait
Storyteller, Grandaddy, Creator of Christian Adventures
My claim to fame is that Cat and Little Preacher Sollie raised me down in Dothan, Alabama, and I inherited a storytelling gene from my dad's father (Big Daddy, a.k.a. Preacher Sollie).
I have a bunch of grandkids, and counting, and I am reminded each day of how important this next generation will be.
If I could bottle-up what my dear parents meant to me and the impact they had on our family, and the impact their parents had on them, I would give it away. This book is as close as I can come to doing that.
My Story
My claim to fame is that Cat and Little Preacher Sollie raised me down in Dothan, Alabama, and I inherited a storytelling gene from my dad's father (Big Daddy, a.k.a. Preacher Sollie). My brothers, sisters, and I would pile into the family station wagon with our parents for trips to Aimwell as often as possible. With both sets of grandparents located there we would get loved unconditionally, fed like royalty for a few days, and then head home.
I heard countless stories about Aimwell and the characters that inhabited Marengo County over the years. It gave me a sense of how my parents were raised and a burning appreciation for why they were so special. It also has become my mission to share that rearing recipe, that love, with others through these stories, because it is something too valuable to be lost.
I have a bunch of grandkids, and counting, and I am reminded each day of how important this next generation will be.
The Origins of Cat Luker
Cat Luker was almost accidentally created after numerous carpool trips with my granddaughters (Mary Evelyn and Lucy). As I would drive them to school, I found myself making up stories to entertain the two sisters during these rides. One morning the older sister, Mary Evelyn, asked if I could tell a story about my parents (her great-grandparents!) when they were kids. Looking back, I thank God for that simple request.
What began as lighthearted car ride entertainment soon evolved into something more. I started recording these improvised tales, and before I knew it, they had taken on a life of their own, gradually shaping the character and world of Cat Luker.
Listen to an Original Carpool Story
This is one of the original recordings from G.B. Sollie's morning carpool trips, where the Cat Luker stories first came to life.
The character of Cat Luker is also deeply rooted in my own upbringing in Alabama. The values, experiences, and countryside adventures of my childhood found their way into these stories, creating a bridge between generations and preserving pieces of my heritage in a form that could be shared with young readers today.
Faith & Values
And furthermore.... If I could bottle-up what my dear parents meant to me and the impact they had on our family, and the impact their parents had on them, I would give it away. This book is as close as I can come to doing that. All they really had was love. My parents received it from theirs and they passed it down the line. If I stop and think about it, there is no doubt that it extends all the way back to Jesus. That love was poured out on them like a river, and that generation washed themselves clean in the flow.
What does that mean to young parents today? If you think having to wake-up in the middle of the night with a crying infant is hard, fast-forward 15 years and look at what's in store. But just as there are techniques for getting your baby back to sleep, or better yet, sleeping peacefully through the night, there are techniques for surviving the tumultuous teens, or better yet sailing through them with peaceful nights. And you guessed it, love is at the center of that plan. I have been listening to a cleverly titled sermon series by Andy Stanley called, The Way - in the Manger and would like to extend that to the community where my parents were raised, and this book is set- Aimwell, Alabama. They embraced "The Way - in the Manger" philosophy, and it is reflected in this book series. I encourage you to take a long swig from that bottled-up gift and not look back.
Your kids will thank you!
Aimwell, Alabama - Where faith and community intertwine
Faith That Endures Generations
The Christian values and love passed down through our family continue to shape and bless each new generation.
My Writing Journey
Inspiration
The Cat Luker stories are drawn from real experiences and tales passed down through my family, set against the backdrop of 1930s rural Alabama.
Process
I write to preserve the values, faith, and sense of adventure that shaped my childhood. Each story is crafted to entertain while imparting timeless wisdom.
Mission
My goal is to create stories that bring families together, spark imagination, and pass on the legacy of love and faith that I was so blessed to receive.
Join the Adventure
Discover the magical world of Cat Luker and share these meaningful adventures with the young readers in your life.