When I started this blog in November of 2011 it was supposed to be a way for me to get out of the house and into the Atlanta scene and report on all the celebrities who blow through the ATL. It was supposed to be therapy for me to get out and do things. Ironically, it just ended up tying me to the computer after I was tipped off to Nene Leakes being cast on Glee and suddenly CNN and other major networks were linking to me. Then I was hooked.
But still naive.
Because I was a Southern Baptist girl raised in a Muslim country I’ve always been a bit confused when it comes to religion and when the Shahs of Sunset was announced I was fascinated from the very beginning. So I was shocked when my tiny little site was reached out to by some of the people on the show before it ever aired. Back then Bravo didn’t twist everyone by the nutsack for talking to online bloggers and I did lots of interviews with them. I love them all but realize this was not a good idea going forward if I am going to do recaps of the episodes. I quickly learned not to get so personally invested because literally all of them would go on to do things that I would want to call out. Let’s just say Reza didn’t take it that well though we were good online friends for a bit.
Which EVER SO SLOWLY LEADS TO MY POINT! Sorry. One of the few other people I am friends with is Captain Lee. I’ve always had his back and given him some behind the scenes information I thought he should know about. We’ve exchanged emails about supporting the same charities. I really like Captain Lee.
But I have never hesitated to call him out and there have been times, like one full season, that I felt like the Bravo storyline about attacking the guests so harshly was wrong. And I would tell him in my not so uncertain fashion. Exactly how I felt. I had numerous stories on that season of Below Deck about information charter guests sent me on how they felt mistreated. The good news is that production has steered away from that produced storyline and brought the angst back below deck where it should be.
Also, I think the large percentage of my hatred of Kate is born of jealousy. I have a love/hate relationship over Captain Lee’s unwavering support of Kate. But in truth, I shouldn’t because he has a long relationship of supporting me as well. And for that I am grateful. But still, she is kind of awful and I am way better, don’t you think? Sigh,
I am so excited to read his book, Running Against The Tide. This is not a joke housewives book, y’all it is published by Simon and Schuster!
It’s going to take me a minute to get to it because my job is literally reading and writing all day. And night apparently. But I highly recommend this book, not because he is my secret friend, but because it is fascinating. Captain Lee, stud of the sea, never saw the ocean until he was 35 years old! And prior to that he was a very young dad with a VERY dangerous job. And he had five kids in his twenties! And he has a great love story with his beautiful wife, Mary Anne. I mean, come on. How can you not buy this book! I’m begging for an audio version for my car read by Captain Lee.
In closing, this is a guys book. I haven’t read more than a couple of pages yet, but it’s Captain Lee and very “manly” you could give it to your husband, your father, or your grandfather and they would love it, just don’t mention the whole Bravo part. LOL. Seriously, men are hard to buy for and this is a great option. You’re welcome.
And thanks for Captain Lee for sending me the book and being my friend in spite of my sometimes harsh opinions of the show. And NO this is not a paid advertisement. I love me some Captain Lee just like everyone else.
I have a rather extensive library of esteemed authors, and most of my female African-American favorites are signed copies. I got a double signed book from Captain Lee and it is going into the signed by the author shelf. Y’all know I don’t promote things here other than things I like. And if Captain Lee doesn’t fire Chandler next week I am going to rip him to shreds. Do you hear me, Captain Lee? I want to see him as a suffering fucking deckhand before he leaves. He needs a ticket home with the batshit crazy stew! I do know that that the nearly fatal injury of a deckhand shook him up a bit in episodes to come.
Much thanks to Captain Lee for the book. I am telling you, this is a book your men will like. Go buy it here. We need to make this a best seller. I mean don’t even get me started about Teresa Giudice. Le sigh. This is a real book with a fascinating storyline you need to have in someone’s stocking this holiday season.
What a lovely and thoughtful post. Thank you
As one who has been with you since the early days I’m a huge cheerleader
Aww! To the both of you, TT and Kate! I’m sold, thanks for the tip ladies. It sounds like I need to read this too. So, there’s 2 more sold. Who doesn’t love Cpt. Lee? Now I’m going to love him more? Sigh.
I received my book recently and I’m half way through. I’m really enjoying it. ?
I got it! I’m hooked and I’m page 8. Seeing Biloxi mentioned makes me wonder how many locals worked with Capt Lee in his early days because those were the jobs to have down here during that period. Thanks so much for the book recommendation, Tamara! My ghetto library setup is mostly “manly books”, the classics, historical nonfiction, and Anne Rice thrown in because duh! vampires. I appreciate you expanding it because I did get a hard copy. New books are the best!
Aw, as a spinster, I can’t help loving any man who married in his twenties and still calls his wife, “my bride” it kills me every time. Even when I come for him in my recaps. lol.
My bride. Swoon.
My Dad called my Mom “his bride” until the day he died. I love Captain Lee.
Captain Lee looks so handsome signing your book.
As a resident sinner i confess to having coveted my neighbor’s captain.
TT spills some real good tea on herself! Loved this post!
Ordered it! Christmas gift to myself!
Aww! What a lovely endorsement for your friend! Now I have to go buy it!
Happy Belated Thanksgiving!!
You are always honest with your blogs, explain how these shows work behind the scenes and also and never afraid to admit you made a wrong call on something. That is one of the reasons why I love your blog. Keep up the good work 🙂
I really enjoyed his book. I was really surprised by his career path. Not many people are brave enough to uproot their family and make the choices he made.
After reading his book I went on to read Kate’s book Lucky Charming and it led me to realize that Kate wasn’t being a bitch when she keeps sending that 3rd stew to do laundry. That’s where every lowest ranking stew is stuck. It also made me have much less sympathy for the person stuck there as Kate was on much longer charters and stuck down there for a much longer period of time than any of these Below Deck stews are.
I just ordered the book for my husband–we love Below Deck and Captain Lee. Thanks for the tip!
I’m kvelling. Or plotzing. Or possibly kvelling and plotzing simultaneously. I don’t require any excuse to buy and read Lee’s book. But. Please. Tell. Me. There. Are. Photos. Lots. Of. Candid. Tasty. Photos.
I think we can all agree that yummy Captain Lee is our fantasy hall-pass.
Yes we can!
TT, they’ve already got an Audible version with Captain Lee narrating it. I may be using my December Audible credit for his book.
I love Captain Lee and you just solved half my Christmas list!!! I do have to say – I have never ever seen such bad crew as Caroline and Chandler!! Horrible ppl too!!
Captain Lee must be some seafaring savant. He sure came a long way in a short time to be a captain. I ADORE Kate. She works her ass off. She drinks, but doesn’t turn into The Dragon (I sill laugh myself sick when I replay Colin and Adam) and she gives the fuckups a lot more slack than they would have at a job in the wild. The lack of bartending skills MUST be production’s idea of cute. And THE BRIDE IS FABULOUS.
Really interesting history, TT. Thanks so much for this heartfelt share. Also one of my fave seasons of Below Deck was when Mary Anne visited Capt Lee on the yacht. Also if Chandler isn’t fired next week I’m ready to go do the firing myself!!!
I am for sure getting this book. For myself and for the men in my life. Thanks for this recommendation TT.
TT- I read Captain Lee’s book in 2 days and I loved it. I’m about 1/2 way through Kate’s book and it is hilarious. Her journey from the lowest rank of the crew to Chief Stew explains her amazing work ethic.
Below Deck is my favorite Bravo series, and I admire Captain Lee’s professionalism and work ethic. Thanks for the heads up on his book.
I LOVE Captain Lee!!! I am going to buy his book! I usually request a inter-library loan because once I read a book I am usually done. The money from this book will go towards helping addicts. My family went through our son becoming addicted to narcotics and but for the grace of God we could have lost him. He was shooting up and I remember wondering what we would dress him in for his coffin. I am extremely lucky that he not only lived through it but is sober and happy today. I stay sober though suboxin and he does too. My heart goes out to Captain Lee.
I want to do something for addicts. Maryanne and Captain Lee buying that boat and turning it into a rehab is amazing. I know they will do it right. I am waiting to watch Dopesick for when I can handle it. The pill problem swept through this part of the country like a virus, and the effects will be felt for years to come. I think he is a hero on and off the boat.