Hill to host signing for 2nd book of Dax's tale, 'Under Patchouli Skies,' at Aunt Eek's

Stop and smell the incense with author King Hill as he hosts a book signing for his second book, "Under Patchouli Skies," from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23 at Aunt Eek's Books and Curiosities, located at 2900 6th Ave. in Amarillo.

The book is a fictionalized autobiography of Hill's life, like his first book, "The Butterfly Decision." Set in the 1970s, the book follows the main character, Dax, who moves to west Texas to attend college, where he finds new adventures as a Disc Jockey. Through his adventures, Dax makes new friends, revisits old friends, finds the love of his life and embraces the music of the '70s in this sequel.

Hill said that although the story does pick up after Dax returns from performing in New York as a professional ballet dancer, the sequel can be read as a standalone book.

"It was a real Texas town, and here, Dax has just come from the bright lights of the big city. And he was only the second one in his family to go to college, besides his older brother, who went off to an Ivy League school," Hill said. "And so, he goes through quite a few adventures, has a real love adventure. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, all through the '70s. He finds love, a great one, loses it, finds redemption and meets many wonderful people along the way."

The author said the book also has biblical allusions included in the story, including some names and refectory actions told in the story of Adam and Eve.

According to Hill, the name of the book was inspired by the times and that everyone was burning incense including the scent of Patchouli, best known for its earthy tones, which also inspired the name of the theme song in the book.

"In those days, the things that stick out most in my mind were girls dressed in flowing gingham dresses, tie-dyed shirts, enjoying ourselves in the parks, just flowing and playing music and the incense. ... So, there is a song that I made up in the book and used as a theme, including the lyrics to the song, and it becomes the song that Dax and his girlfriend share as 'their song,' Patchouli," Hill said.

The author stated that to match the book's free-spirited theme of the '70s, he wanted to find a space in town that could offer the same ideals and visuals, and he chose Aunt Eek's after meeting the owner, Angela Workman.

"I have little bit of everything here, from zines, to books to antiques and much more in between, including a local makers' market once a month," said Workman of Aunt Eek's Books and Curiosities. "I try to do as much things with the community as possible. ... I want this to be a very safe place for anybody who is anything to come and feel welcome, and I hope that I do that. I try to do that."

During the book signing, Hill will also be giving away buttons with words such as "love" and "peace," matching the '70s tie-dye theme. Copies of both books, "Under Patchouli Skies" and "The Butterfly Decision," will be available during the event for signing and purchase.

Hill's books will also be available for purchase at Aunt Eek's after the event, as well as online at Amazon and online and in stores at Barnes & Noble.

For more information about Aunt Eek's, visit them online at https://www.aunteeksonline.com/ .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: King Hill to sign copies of book 'Under Patchouli Skies' at Aunt Eek's