By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
Young guitarist Diddley Squatt embarks on his first electrifying tour through the Chitlin’ Circuit in the late 1950s/early 1960s, navigating racial prejudice, the harsh music industry and setbacks from jealous rivals.
With his talking squirrel Sly and a colorful group of fellow performers, Diddley’s resilience and creativity grow, leading to a powerful, unforgettable performance. But when a hurricane and family crisis cut the tour short, he returns home with a bittersweet mix of triumph and heartbreak, his spirit still burning bright.
So goes, “If You Don’t Know Diddley, You Don’t Know Squatt” by Duane Lance Filer, the second book in a series chronicling Diddley’s life and adventures.
“I created Diddley Squatt because the term ‘you ain’t didly squat’ was a derogatory term that in essence meant you were the lowest of the low,” Filer said. “Well, in this age of political correctness and the bullying all around, I thought it was time to show that anyone can rise — regardless of the time — if you just keep trying and never give up.”
Filer’s target audience spans generations and cultures, from teens to Baby Boomers. The story addresses themes like overcoming adversity, finding friendship in unexpected places, valuing the wisdom of elders and discovering the power of one’s own voice.
“Turn on the news and you will hear a story about a bullied teen at an elementary, middle, or high school or a fraternity that bullied and harassed a certain individual or group because they were different (color, gender, status, immigrant), spoke in a different language, dressed in a different way, different gender, different political view,” Filer said. “The plot and theme of the story is just as relevant today, in 2025, as when the story takes place in the late 50s and early 60s.”
At its core, Filer’s book sends a message of hope: that while we cannot control our birth circumstances — race, wealth, gender, or nationality — we can control how we live our lives.
“It is left to each of us, once born and we start to grow into ourselves, to ensure we make the best of our lives,” Filer said. “Nobody can live for you. You take the good with the bad and learn to adjust, and you will always find friends to help you on your journey. That’s what Diddley is experiencing.”
Filer lives with his family in Carson, and is currently working on two screenplays and another installment in the Diddley Squatt series.
“If You Don’t Know Diddley, You Don’t Know Squatt” is available for $20 (hardcover), $12.50 (paperback), and $2.99 (Kindle) at duanelancefiler.wixsite.com/duanelancefiler, duanelancefiler.gothambooksinc.com, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
