The Advocate Reports on Launch of The Little Girl at the Bottom the Picture

The following was posted as a staff report on TheAdvocate.com on June 30, 2023, and printed in the Sunday, July 2, edition of The Advocate.

Mysteries solved: Baton Rouge’s Jeremy White recounts wife’s search for new family

When it came to inspiration for his debut book, Baton Rouge author Jeremy White found it in wife Edie White’s search for her biological family.

The result, “The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery,” was released Saturday.

The self-published work tracks the couple’s multi-directional adventure once Edie White, through AncestryDNA, learns that her father’s name is John Hart. Edie White, who was raised by a loving adopted family, in turn, discovers another new family and reaches out.

What unfolds in “The Little Girl” is “how the bombshell propels the two college sweethearts into this beautifully epic, transformational adventure that resolves a trio of daunting mysteries, including one plaguing an enthusiastic horde of gangster-adjacent Ukrainian Americans for two-thirds of a century,” according to a news release.

Also intriguing is that John Hart was a pacifist cited in two books for challenging David Duke at LSU with a bloody knife.

The chapters detail the couple’s trips to Seattle, Austin, Chicago, and California wine country to meet her far-flung new family.

“Some … see her as a wonderful expansion of their incredibly loving families. Others see her as a bona fide miracle. And at least one person considers Edie the answer to a long-secret prayer that she didn’t expect to receive until the afterlife,” the release also says.

The book is filled with happy reunions, including one involving a local bookstore, that the author describes as mind-blowing.

“Edie’s selfless agenda is the heart of this powerful story of healing, and sets it apart from other works about similar searches,” according to the release. “Our reluctant hero successfully dodges all the traps that could have turned this unicorn of a real-life family saga into a darker version of the insane yet heartwarming tale that it is.”

The 468-page hardcover book is available at LittleGirlBook.com or at Cavalier House Books, Denham Springs.

June 29, 2023

Tenured Cynic’s Hopeful Book Features LSU Student Leader Impeached as Spy for Baton Rouge Police

The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture‘s Chapter 11 named for disgraced narc

Baton Rouge, LA — June 29, 2023 — An LSU student government member impeached for secretly working with local law enforcement plays an important role in Jeremy White’s book about his wife, Edie, discovering her biological family in 2018 and the beautifully insane adventure that ensued. Chapter 11 of The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery is named after August “Gus” Tabony, a former LSU SG financial vice president who was impeached in 1974 after it was discovered he was employed by the intelligence division of the Baton Rouge Police Department.

The 1980 LSU Gumbo recaps notable events from the 1970s.

“Gus Tabony plays a dubious role in the history of my wife’s biological father, John Hart,” White explains. “This real-life unicorn of a family saga is heavy on happy reunions, but there are a handful of dark moments that offer contrasts to the light moments, and this Tabony fellow provides the darkest of the dark. In chapter 11,” White adds, “readers learn how, over half a century later, the disgraced narc still haunts the nightmares of my wife’s birth father.”

“There are a handful of dark moments that offer contrasts to the light moments, and this Tabony fellow provides the darkest of the dark.”

The Little Girl immersively details how, literally overnight, the baby of Edie’s adopted family becomes the eldest sibling in a new, amazing family, fathered by a pacifist cited in two books for challenging David Duke at LSU with a bloody knife. During her pre-COVID travels with Jeremy to Seattle, Austin, Chicago, and California wine country, Edie ultimately solves the last of three mysteries presented to her: What happened to the little girl at the bottom of the picture? It’s a question that plagued an enthusiastic horde of gangster-adjacent Ukrainian Americans for more than 65 years.

White Lines Press is publishing the 468-page hardcover edition of The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture on July 1, but readers can pre-order signed copies at LittleGirlBook.com, where 1 in 20 customers will win a signed “lagniappe” copy. Signed hardcover editions are also available through partnered indie bookstores around the country. For more information and resources, visit our media center. Inquiries should be sent to [email protected].

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June 26, 2023June 26, 2023

Cavalier House Books Hosts Launch of Tenured Cynic’s Hopeful Book

Author Jeremy White signing copies of The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture

Baton Rouge, LA — June 26, 2023 — Cavalier House Books in downtown Denham Springs is hosting the official launch of Jeremy White’s The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 1. White will be on hand to sign copies of his book about his wife, Edie, discovering her biological family in 2018 and the beautifully insane adventure that ensued.

Literally overnight, the baby of Edie’s adopted family becomes the eldest sibling in a new, amazing family, fathered by a pacifist cited in two books for challenging David Duke at LSU with a bloody knife. During her pre-COVID travels with Jeremy to Seattle, Austin, Chicago, and California wine country, Edie ultimately solves the last of three mysteries presented to her: What happened to the little girl at the bottom of the picture? It’s a question that plagued an enthusiastic horde of gangster-adjacent Ukrainian Americans for more than 65 years.

“Cavalier House Books is hosting our official launch party on July 1, which happens to be the fifth anniversary of the most pivotal event in this unicorn of a real-life story.”

“Jeremy White captures the emotions of his expanding family through the story of his wife’s search for her biological heritage,” says Michelle Cavalier, who—along with her husband, John—owns and operates Cavalier House Books at 114 N. Range Ave. in the Denham Springs Antique Village. “I walked away from this memoir not only feeling like I know these folks but like I genuinely care for them.” She describes White’s debut book as “a fascinating and abundantly charming family story, well researched and lovingly told.”

White says the Cavaliers have provided immeasurable assistance and guidance in successfully launching his independently published debut book. “John opened my eyes to the potential of partnering with indie bookstores, owned and staffed by fellow human beings to help spread the word about this very human story,” the author explains, “as opposed to being completely beholden to an arcane algorithm.” White adds, “That’s why Cavalier House Books is hosting our official launch party on July 1, which happens to be the fifth anniversary of the most pivotal event in this unicorn of a real-life story.”

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June 22, 2023June 22, 2023

Livingston Parish News Mentions Book Launch at Cavalier House Books

The following was posted as an event on The Livingston Parish News’s online calendar

Come join us July 1st for the official launch of Jeremy White’s new book, The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture — “A tenured cynics hopeful book about familial DNA discoveries.”

The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery immersively reveals how the result of a DNA test propels a Baton Rouge couple into beautifully epic, transformational adventure that resolves a trio of daunting mysteries, including one plaguing an enthusiastic horde of gangster-adjacent Ukrainian Americans for two-thirds of a century.

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023

Uptown Merchant Helps Tenured Cynic Launch Hopeful Book

Octavia Books taking pre-orders for The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture

Baton Rouge, LA — June 21, 2023 — Octavia Books in the New Orleans West Riverside neighborhood has partnered with White Lines Press in launching Jeremy White’s upcoming debut book about his wife discovering her biological family in 2018 and the insanely beautiful, transformational journey that ensued. The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery details how Edie White solved a 65-year-old mystery that plagued a Ukrainian American family near Chicago, after initially learning her pacifist father is cited in two books for challenging David Duke with a bloody knife at LSU.

“In the latter chapters of our incredible journey,” author Jeremy White says, “I offer readers a taste of New Orleans, which hosts happy reunions at Oktoberfest, Greek Fest, and Mardi Gras. Readers also learn about the krewes of Muses, Bacchus, Thoth, and Box of Wine. Same goes for the 610 Stompers and Mr. Bingle.” White adds, “For nearly a quarter century, Octavia Books has encapsulated the flavor of New Orleans, and we’re excited to be partnered with the community-minded folks there.”

Octavia Books underwrites The Reading Life, a weekly radio show hosted by Susan Larson on WWNO, and serves as the official retailer of the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival.

Owner Tom Lowenburg, along with his wife, Judith Lafitte, opened Octavia Books in 2000 at 513 Octavia Street in a historic building at the corner of Laurel. Locals learned of the duo’s commitment to the city when they managed to reopen their doors just over a month after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005. Octavia Books underwrites The Reading Life, a weekly radio show hosted by Susan Larson on WWNO, and serves as the official retailer of the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival. The store will soon double in size upon the completion of renovations that also incorporate Scrambled, a restaurant next door.

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June 20, 2023June 24, 2023

Mid City Merchant Helps Tenured Cynic Launch Hopeful Book

Red Stick Reads taking pre-orders for The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture

Baton Rouge, LA — June 20, 2023 — Red Stick Reads in Mid City has partnered with White Lines Press in launching Jeremy White’s upcoming book about his wife discovering her biological family in 2018 and the insanely beautiful, transformational journey that ensued. The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery details how Edie White solved a 65-year-old mystery that plagued a Ukrainian American family, after initially learning her pacifist father is cited in two books for challenging David Duke with a bloody knife at LSU.

It’s a true family adventure “told with mirth and joy, as well as a healthy dollop of Jeremy White’s wit,” according to James Hyfield, who owns and operates the popular boutique-style shop with his wife, Tere. “Against all odds, this tale ends with happiness, and a greater understanding of the joy of family, and of all the lives that can be touched and improved by a seemingly simple, yet altruistic, search for connection.”

“We’re excited to be partnered with folks like the Hyfields, who are doing so much good for their community in so many ways that transcend bookselling.”

The Hyfields began selling books with a pop-up model shop before moving into a permanent spot near Baton Rouge High School in 2020. The husband-and-wife team converted the former office at 541 S. Eugene Street into Red Stick Reads, a boutique-style, neighborhood bookstore with the aim of offering “a special and unique space for fellow book lovers in our community to come together and connect over a shared love of all things books. We believe in the power of storytelling, and offer a carefully curated selection of books that we hope inspires a love of reading.” In July 2022, the Hyfields expanded into an adjacent space, doubling their square footage.

“We’re excited to be partnered with folks like the Hyfields, who are doing so much good for their community in so many ways that transcend bookselling,” White says. “I’ve personally stumbled upon them freely giving their time and energy to educate and mentor area youths.” The author adds that Red Stick Reads will host a book signing on Friday, July 7.

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June 19, 2023June 22, 2023

Country Roads Calendar Mentions Book Launch at Cavalier House Books

The following was posted as an event on Country Roads Magazine’s online calendar on June 19, 2023

Book Launch with Author Jeremy White

When a Baton Rouge couple receives an unexpected DNA test result, it catapults them into an adventure to resolve three strange and overwhelming mysteries. Author Jeremy White will sign copies of his book The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture—A Journey of Selfless Discovery at Cavalier House Books. 2 pm–4 pm. Free, $30 for a signed copy. bontempstix.com.

June 19, 2023June 20, 2023

Downtown Denham Springs Merchant Helps Tenured Cynic Launch Hopeful Book

Cavalier House Books taking pre-orders for The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture

Baton Rouge, LA — June 19, 2023 — Cavalier House Books in the Denham Springs Antique Village has partnered with White Lines Press in launching Jeremy White’s upcoming book about his wife discovering her biological family in 2018 and the insanely beautiful, transformational journey that ensued. The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery details how Edie White solved a 65-year-old mystery that plagued a Ukrainian American family, after initially learning her pacifist father is cited in two books for challenging David Duke with a bloody knife at LSU.

“Jeremy White captures the emotions of his expanding family through the story of his wife’s search for her biological heritage,” says Michelle Cavalier, who owns and operates the regionally renowned independent bookstore with her husband, John. “I walked away from this memoir not only feeling like I know these folks but like I genuinely care for them.” She describes White’s debut book as “a fascinating and abundantly charming family story, well researched and lovingly told.”

“John opened my eyes to the potential of partnering with indie bookstores, owned and staffed by fellow human beings to help spread the word about this very human story,” the author explains, “as opposed to being completely beholden to an arcane algorithm.”

The Cavaliers have been selling books since 2005 when they were still students at Southeastern Louisiana University. A decade later, they moved their home-based operation to downtown Denham Springs, just up the street from their larger, current location at 114 N. Range Avenue. John recently served as president of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, and since 2020, Cavalier House Books has been the official bookseller of the Louisiana Book Festival.

White says the Cavaliers have provided immeasurable assistance and guidance in successfully launching his independently published debut book. “A two-and-a-half-hour meeting two days before last Thanksgiving completely altered our publishing trajectory,” White says. “John opened my eyes to the potential of partnering with indie bookstores, owned and staffed by fellow human beings to help spread the word about this very human story,” the author explains, “as opposed to being completely beholden to an arcane algorithm.” White adds, “That’s why Cavalier House Books is hosting our official launch party on July 1.”

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June 15, 2023June 15, 2023

WAFB airs anchor’s powerful interview with tenured cynic about hopeful book set in NoCal

Jeremy White opens up in first interview as author of The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture

Baton Rouge, LA — June 15, 2023 — Jeremy White, author of The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture, opened up to award-winning anchor Greg Meriwether, who produced a TV news segment so compelling it evoked a laugh-inducing “I’m intrigued” from his co-anchor upon its conclusion. WAFB’s Elizabeth Vowell’s off-the-cuff remark on live TV drew a guffaw from Meriwether on Wednesday, June 7, during the CBS affiliate’s 6 p.m. newscast. The nearly five-minute video represents White’s first interview since penning the immersive account of his wife, Edie, discovering her biological family in 2018 and the beautifully insane adventure that ensued.

“He’s made a living making fun of things, putting the ‘sin’ in ‘cynic,'” Meriwether jokes in introducing White to viewers. “He wasn’t always a big believer in miracles. He says, though, it’s a miracle of sorts where his life is now.” Meriwether describes Jeremy as a former “part-time comic, part-time high school referee, full-time cynic” who “traded in all of that for the wonder of discovery, to write a book to try and answer a very simple—and yet terribly complicated—question: Who is the little girl at the bottom of this picture?”

“For 65 years, they’ve been living with this,” White says of the family pictured. “You’ve got all those other children sitting on the steps behind her. These are women in their eighties,” he notes, who “had never seen their little cousin since that picture was taken.”

Fighting back occasional tears, White explains that for “a very large, enthusiastic, Ukrainian American family,” the photo depicted on his debut book’s front cover “had to suffice as the lasting image” of his titular character. “For 65 years, they’ve been living with this,” White says of the family pictured. “You’ve got all those other children sitting on the steps behind her. These are women in their eighties,” he notes, who “had never seen their little cousin since that picture was taken.” In addressing his shy wife, Edie, and her initial reluctance to having her life being published for public consumption, White concludes, “Eventually, she’s realized this is really something that could really impact, in a positive way, a lot of people.”

Greg Meriwether is an EMMY and Edward R. Murrow award-winning anchor and reporter who has been at WAFB for nearly two decades. Meriwether anchors the CBS affiliate’s 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts and is WAFB’s managing editor. The Kentucky native came to WAFB after studying journalism and history at Western Kentucky University.

Jeremy White is a tenured cynic who penned this hopeful book. He founded South Louisiana’s premier satirical publication in 2004, eight years before relaunching the award-winning Red Shtick Magazine as its all-digital progeny, The Red Shtick. The passionate Cajun can often be heard on various popular radio shows as either a guest or a guest host. A longtime football official and Mardi Gras krewe captain, Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at LSU, where he and Edie met. They’ve been happily married since 1992 and live in Baton Rouge with their cat, Waffles.

White Lines Press (an imprint of Red Stick Comedy, LLC) is publishing the 468-page hardcover edition of The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture on July 1, but readers can pre-order signed copies at LittleGirlBook.com, where 1 in 20 customers will win a signed “lagniappe” copy. Signed hardcover editions are also available through partnered indie bookstores across the country. For more information and resources, visit our media center. Inquiries should be sent to [email protected].

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June 15, 2023June 15, 2023

WAFB airs anchor’s powerful interview with tenured cynic about hopeful book set in Austin

Jeremy White opens up in first interview as author of The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture

“For 65 years, they’ve been living with this,” White says of the family pictured. “You’ve got all those other children sitting on the steps behind her. These are women in their eighties,” he notes, who “had never seen their little cousin since that picture was taken.”

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