Campus News

Huntsville, Alabama – March 12, 2024 – Colleagues in the English Department at Calhoun Community College are holding a book signing and book review event for instructor Bradley Sides on Calhoun’s Huntsville campus located at 102 Wynn Dr. NW. The event will be held on Tuesday March 12, 2024 at 12:30 PM in the multi-function room of the Math, Science and CIS building. Students will also have the chance to ask questions and receive guidance on the publishing process.

Sides, an esteemed instructor at Calhoun Community College, continues to solidify his reputation as a notable author with the release of his second book, “Crocodile Tears Didn’t Cause the Flood.” The title was released just last month in February. This collection of short stories further explores Sides’ unique blend of supernatural elements and profound themes.

Sides, known for his engaging teaching style has already made waves in the literary world with his debut book, “Those Fantastic Lives,” which was recently featured on the latest season of LeVar Burton’s podcast, LeVar Burton Reads.

Regarding how LeVar Burton came across Sides’ work, Sides commented, “I would love to know that myself, maybe the stars aligned on my behalf for a moment, I don’t know. My debut got some nice coverage at national and regional venues, so it’s possible he saw it mentioned at somewhere like Electric Literature, Lit Hub, Southern Review of Books, Strange Horizons, Horror Obsessive, or elsewhere. But I must admit, I have a wonderful publicist.”

Sides’ dedication to his craft is evident in the depth and complexity of his storytelling. His ability to captivate readers with imaginative narratives while delving into profound themes has earned him recognition from both readers and critics alike.

As an instructor at Calhoun Community College, Sides continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of writers. His passion for literature and commitment to nurturing creativity in others is reflected in his teaching and extracurricular activities on campus.

“Crocodile Tears Didn’t Cause the Flood” delves into the realms of the supernatural with stories featuring pond monsters, vampires running a garlic farm, dinosaur birds, and numerous apocalyptic scenarios. Written during the COVID years, the book reflects themes of loss and grief, yet Sides masterfully infuses moments of lightness amidst the darkness.

“I am thrilled to share my second book with readers,” said Sides. “This collection represents a culmination of my exploration into the supernatural and the human experience, with themes of loss, grief, and resilience woven throughout. I am thankful to be surrounded by colleagues who support my work and all that we do here at Calhoun Community College.”

Calhoun President Dr. Jimmy Hodges praised the exceptional instructors in the Humanities Department, remarking, “We have some of the best instructors.” He added, “I am proud of all their hard work. Students benefit greatly from exposure to instructors like Bradley Sides, who are not only authors but have also published their work nationally.”