Brennon Martin
Create Space, 2017
Paperback, Ebook
Available At:
Amazon US CA UK
Indigo
Barnes & Noble
Christine "Teeny" Jarrett is something of an unsung pioneer in the professional wrestling industry. Decades before the likes of Stephanie McMahon and Dixie Carter were praised as trailblazing females making their marks in the male dominated world of pro wrestling, Jarrett - known more informally as Miss Christine or Teeny - was a true force in the industry who left a lasting impact on those she worked for and with. Current wrestling fans are no doubt very familiar with Teeny's grandson Jeff Jarrett and many, at the very least, are aware of her son Jerry Jarrett. While both younger Jarretts have made significant impacts on the professional wrestling industry, Mrs. Jarrett's has been somewhat lost due to the passage of time. A popular figure in and around the "Memphis Territory" from the 1940s to the 1990s, Jarrett's official roles ranged from ticket seller to promoter. While she excelled in these official occupations, she was also well known and well respected for her honesty, work ethic and morality. Teeny: Professional Wrestling's Grand Dame, written by Mrs. Jarrett's grandson Brennon Martin, chronicles the life and career of Christine Jarrett. The self-published book was released in February 2017 and is currently available in Paperback and Ebook. This is Martin's first book.
Teeny is written as a biographical novel. Whereas many of the key figures are deceased, Martin "reconstructs" some conversations and details in order to provide context and enhance the book's flow and level of entertainment. While some may question this decision and would rather a straight historical piece, Martin successfully presents these segments of the book in the vein of a historical recreation rather than simply a piece of fiction that is loosely based on true events. Martin does a great job painting a vivid picture of Mrs. Jarrett's time and place; readers will be easily transported to the arenas, offices and neighbourhoods Jarrett passes through in her journey.
Much of the conflict in the book relates to interpersonal conflicts relating to family dynamics. Some readers will be thoroughly drawn in to the story via Martin's retelling of his perspective of the conflicts - or lack thereof and ensuing unspoken anger, bitterness, sorrow - within Teeny's family. Equally interesting is Teeny's ability - or inability - to balance the demands placed on a single mother in a very unique line of work. Martin is very open about his opinions and/or memories with regard to the thoughts and actions of the various members of his extended family. While these memories are absolutely intriguing - especially to those readers who are fascinated by extended family dynamics - some may question the author's motives for being as open and/or critical as he is at times. By and large, these are integral to providing context, while on other occasions there is a sense of personal animosity influencing the narrative. This is also true of portions of the book relating to members of the wrestling industry with whom Mrs. Jarrett interacted most notably the depictions of promoters Nick Gulas, his son George. That being said, Martin's openness is far more a positive than a negative as the end result is a very entertaining book.
Naturally, the real star of the book is Christine Jarrett. Mrs. Jarrett is the embodiment of the strong willed - yet beloved - female figure who is so very often underrepresented in historical accounts. While she was an extremely successful trailblazer in her chosen field, she is an apt representation of many other women from many different walks of life in the mid-to-late 20th century who went against the grain in forging their own paths rather than treading on the safer and more conventional routes. Martin writes as both an historian and a grandson and, while these lines blur at times, he does a very good job conveying Mrs. Jarrett's importance within pro wrestling history and within his own personal history. He conveys Teeny's importance without being heavy handed or overbearing. While framing the book as a biographical novel provided a quasi-safety net for inaccuracies, the author does not use one in order to overstate Teeny's accomplishments and/or personal qualities. By many accounts, Mrs. Jarrett was a likeable, hard-working, morally upright individual, Martin's work absolutely reinforces this view.
This book is recommended reading. It is highly recommended to fans of wrestling history, territorial wrestling and essential reading to those who are fans of Memphis wrestling. It is also recommended for non-wrestling fans who are interested in influential people in and around Tennessee and or women is sport history. Those who are typically interested in the current product could certainly learn something from the book and certainly could enjoy it. Teeny is an interesting look at one of wrestling's true pioneers and a worthy tribute to a much loved grandmother.
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Available At Barnes And Noble | ||
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