Tennessee Books

This beautiful book exposes so many of the abuses that Tennessee Walker showhorses suffer along the way to winning ribbons and trophies for greedy owners. It is a shame on the industry that these abuses STILL occur today. Offenders have even made a science out of covering up their transgressions and only get what amounts to a slap on the hand for getting caught. This book not only makes you despise the abuse but also respect and admire the proud history of this fantastic breed. The gentle horse who is the narrator in the book does everything he can to please people despite the awful way he is treated, and this is so typical of Tennessee Walking Horses. I think anyone who enjoys this breed or even anyone who loves horses at all should read this book. It is touching. I hope it helps turn the industry towards sound, naturally gaited horses.

Anyone who reads this book and is not motivated to change the Walking Horse training methods has no soul. The horrors that Walking Horses are put through in the name of beauty are absolutely and without a doubt the most cruel and unhumane practices on the face of the earth. If people would just appreciate the horses' natural ability and gait it would be a much more enjoyable association.

Every horse lover should read this book. It is so heartbreakingly true it will bring you to tears many times as you read. Someday this abuse has to be stopped. I love the way the book is written, with the horses telling the story. A very powerful book.Thank you, Mr Davis for writing this book. So many people choose not to see what is happening to these beautiful and naturally unique horses.

My family is just getting into the Walking Horse industry, and I felt this book was a good way to find out some of the history of the breed.

I was very upset of find out that these animals are treated in such a manner. It almost makes me embarressed to say that I want to be a owner and breeder of these fine animals.

All I can say, is that now that I know what is actually happening, I can try to do all I can to promote sound horses and help in the fight to get this to come to end someday.

More people need to read this book, and maybe someday there will be enough of a push to make all this torture end.

I showed pleasure Tennessee Walking horses for years and a padded horse on one occasion. I saw most all of the things mentioned in this book done to these wonderful horses, with perhaps one exception. Although I never sored any of my own personal horses, due to the fact I love them too much and a blue ribbon isn't that important to me, I was shown how to do it and encouraged to do it and did show horses which were sore (although I was not their owner but was riding them for their owner). I cared to much about my animals to sore them and was very interested in reading this book when I found out about it. It is pretty painful to read but it is very honest in describing what does happen to these wonderful horses. Unfortunately today the plantation pleasure horses are going through as much as the padded horses, only minus the pads. If only they could talk and Mr. Davis has done a really nice job giving them their due. I hope this book will enlighten many, but at the same time will not turn anyone away from this breed because it is a wonderful breed to own, ride and show; and all these things can be done successfully without abusing the horses. Funny how the characters in this book really remind me of some of the exact big time walking horse trainers and showmen I know of.

I did my dissertation on the Scopes "Monkey" Trial, so I had no problems passing the quiz on the back of "Reaping the Whirlwind: A Trent Tyson Historical Mystery." I am overly familiar with the details of the trial and the various incidents that Rosey Dow works into her story, and have visited Dayton several times. Of course, my interest in reading "Reaping the Whirlwind" is because of my interest in the bizarre-yet-true trial of John Thomas Scopes, and my judgment of the book ends up being more from that perspective than from that of the mystery elements.

The story begins in Dayton, Tennessee on a rainy Monday evening in the spring of 1925 when the chess game between Deputy Sheriff Trent Tyson and Dr. Adam St. Clair is interrupted by a concerned neighbor calls to say that Mrs. Ida Johnson is not answering her door. An investigation discovers that the woman has died, apparently of a heart attack. But then the medical examiner finds that the woman was poisoned by tansy weed. Did she take some by accident or was the old woman murdered? When the next person shows up dead with the same symptoms, the answer seems obvious. But there is no obvious connection between the victims and the more Tyson investigates their lives the less sense it all makes. Meanwhile, the town is gearing up for the Scopes trial as William Jennings Bryan, Clarence Darrow, H.L. Mencken and a horde of others descend on Dayton. None of these famous people become part of Tyson's murder invesigation, so Dow is able to stick to what they actually said instead of having to make things up for them to fit into the main plotline.

Ironically when I started reading this book I kept wondering when we were going to get to the trial (the meeting in Robinson's Drugstore where they hatched up the idea for the trial does not take place until page 136) but once the trial was underway I kept thinking that Deputy Tyson was spending too much time at the trial given that there is a serial killer running loose in Dayton. The Scopes Trial is basically the backdrop for the last third of the book, but you know that there has to be some sort of connection, albeit indirect, between the idea of prohibiting the teaching of evolution and these murders. However, the link is not obvious, so I doubt you will see the ending coming.

Dow does a good job of picking highlights from the Scopes Trial, both in the courtroom and on the streets of Dayton, to include in her novel. She pays attention to the speech on admitting the scientific testimony by Dudley Field Malone, which I greatly admire and which Scopes called the dramatic highpoint of the trial (and not the celebrated cross-examination of Bryan by Darrow). Malone is usually largely ignored in accounts of the trial, so every little bit of giving him his due helps. Dow's perspective on the trial and the subject of evolution is made clear in the materials before and after the story, but those beliefs do not intrude on the story, especially since there are characters reflecting both sides of the argument being played out in the Rhea County Courthouse.

The Author's Note at the front of the book makes it clear that Trent Tyson and Dr. Adam St. Clair are fictional replacements for Dayton's constable and one of the town's doctors, and lists the people who were actually in Dayton in the summer of 1925. Of course the victims and Tyson's family and friends are completely fictitious. The back of the book includes three appendixes that provide an excerpt from Bryan's undelivered address, evolutionary proofs offered by trial experts with refutation, and Bryan's questions for Darrow and his replies that appear in the press after the trial. Most unusual for a work of fiction but appropriate in this case, Dow also provides a Bibliography of the books she used for details about the trial and an Index that allows me to look up all of the books references to Dudley Field Malone or whatever (or whoever). So if you picked up this novel because you like historical murder mysteries, do not be surprised if you feel the urge to find out more about the Scopes Trial when you are done.

This book is so well written, so riveting, and so historically significant, it is truly one of the rare books for all seasons and all literary tastes.

Rosey has managed to bury the villian and expose the facts about the Scopes Trial-of-the-century so masterfully that the reader will surely misjudge the outcome and gain an invaluable history lesson without even being aware this could be a textbook. In fact, were I an American history teacher, it would most certainly be on my list of required reading.

It really should be on yours.

Rosey Dow adeptly wove truth and fiction together in this extemely interesting and informative novel, Reaping the Whirlwind. While the mystery keeps the reader engrossed in the plot, he is learning historical truth as well as seeing the tragic consequences of embracing the lie of evolution. I would probably not have chosen to read an account of the Scopes trial, although this would be an important thing to do. Rosey made it `easy' for me to gather truth I needed to know while thoroughly enjoying a gripping plot I could not solve!

Rosey Dow writes a compelling mystery set in Dayton, TN during the infamous Scopes "Monkey" trial. If you saw or read "Inherit the Wind" prepare to be shocked with the truth! There's a serial murderer on the loose, and the murderer subscribes to the natural outcomes of accepting Darwin's theory.

Believable characters, tense drama, unique plot twists, and a puzzling series of murders keep you reading page after page--long past the time you needed to go to sleep! Don't miss it!

And parents, get this for your high school students. They have to read novels for their English classes anyway, why not get them one that's fun to read, and challenges their critical thinking? This book fits the bill--they'll learn history painlessly. Great addition for school libraries--consider donating one to your child's school. Excellent resource for homeschooling parents--combines history with literature.

Highly recommended.

This book kept me guessing until the end. In fact I smugly thought I had it figured out until the last chapter. Loved the intrigue, the sweet romance, and the painless history lesson!

What a perfect baby gift in support of a particular school. The Auburn parents thought it was great!!!

For your little Auburn Tiger this is the perfect book. It is sturdy and captures the AU life that you want your little one to treasure!

What an awesome book! It's a fantastic start to get my son prepared for his first year at UCLA come Fall 2024! :-)

A nice idea for a shower or new baby gift for a fellow alumnus, and a great way to start brainwashing your own child from the beginning.

I bought this for my friend's two year old daughter - we are both UW-Madison alums living in Seattle. The book has lots of photographs of various things around campus, including lessons on colors and numbers using Wisconsin-related items. Her daughter carries it around constantly saying "Bucky Badger!" and also lobes the picture of the hockey team! It is a great book for us to share our memories of Madison with her, even though we live so far away. :)

If there were ever any question as to why a Tennessee fan bleeds orange, this book will surely answer that question. A Vol's Walk cuts straight to the heart of a Volunteer. As each short memorable story unfolds, one finds themselves reliving the memories of each author.

This is what it's all about. Tailgaiting, traveling to the away games, and revisiting your personal experinces along with those in the book. This is truly by Vol fans for Vol fans!

"A Vol's Walk" is AMAZING!!! It reminds me of all the games I watched growing up. This book is a steal at this price and I would absolutely be willing to pay at least $40 for this book! I am buying copies for all of my friends that are Vol fans for Christmas. It is a great gift idea!!! Go Vols!!!

This book is a perfect gift for any Vol fan. I could relate to almost every story on some level. It's great to be a Tennessee Volunteer and this book expresses that love so well and in so many different ways.

This is a great book! I love how it captures the feeling that IS University of Tennessee football. GO VOLS!!

I recently moved to Memphis, TN from Pennsylvania. I picked up this book to familiarize myself with TN history. It is an excellent book for reading on the "thinking chair". I picked out a number of places to visit with my family, based on the short articles and topics in the book.

This book is great fun to read through. There are many anecdotes and stories in addition to the facts. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The title of Lacey's new book might well be "Everything you ever wanted to know about Tennessee, but couldn't find elsewhere." Crammed full of interesting and little-known facts about the Volunteer State, the book is sure to be a hit with trivia buffs. Everything is in here, from historic information about the 1877 rainstorm of snakes in Memphis to current listings of the state's best fishing streams. This book will make a great "stocking stuffer," and it's out just in time for Christmas. Anyone who has the least connection to Tennessee should own this book and read it cover from cover. I'll guarantee you'll learn something about our great state you didn't know.

Not only is this book helpful, it is very interesting. There were parts where I couldn't stop laughing. I shed a few tears on some pages. I really learned a lot about the State of Tennessee.
It's the kind of book you can carry with you and read anytime.

This is a really good book about a state I love to visit. I especially liked the chapter about the Civil War in Tennessee. One of the most fascinating stories involves Cravens House atop strategic Lookout Mountain. During the Battle of Chattanooga the house served as the headquarters for the Confederates and the Union on the same day. I think the tragedy and chaos that must come in little anecdotes like that really personalize a major conflict. There are tons of stories about real people and delightful destinations for day trips in this book.

The Lost Cause Tradition revolves around Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. Most of books written on Civil War history are about battles that occur in the Eastern Theater. This was the case during the war and has not improved in the years since. If the Confederacy had a chance to win, if they had heroic figures they were in the battles and leaders of the AoNV. From 1861 to the end of the war, a second army fought and died for the South. These men gave as much as the men in the East without inspiring leadership. Time after time, they saw victory taken from them. Often they endured forced marches to save themselves only to repeat the cycle of defeat. Their story is largely ignored or told as the "other army" in histories of Union armies. The was the Confederate States of America's Army of Tennessee, brave men badly lead who saw the war through.
Army of the Heartland, first published in 1967, is the history of the building the army. Isham Harris, the CSA governor of Tennessee delivers an army to hold his state. Jefferson Davis sent Albert Sidney Johnston, his best general, to lead it. However, the army was not much more than an unarmed semi drilled mob. Johnston was unequal to the task and Leonidas Polk demonstrated a willingness to do his own thing. Facing them was an unknown Union General named U.S. Grant. This is the story of Grant's move to Corinth Mississippi as seen by the army he defeated. After Johnston's death, Braxton Bragg assumes command. Bragg is a close personal friend of Jeff Davis, who has great confidence in him. However, Davis is even closer to Leonidas Polk and has great confidence in William J. Hardee. Add in an endemic of "Kentucky Fever" and we have the Perryville Campaign.
Autumn of Glory, published in 1971, takes us from Perryville to Nashville. While the AoT still existed after Nashville, it was no longer an army. The author covers this time but rightly considers the survivors to be more a collection of veteran units than an army. This is the years when they fight and lose central Tennessee under Bragg. The Georgia campaign under Joe Johnston and the return home under Hood. 1862 to 1865 are the years of the big battles and the political infighting that paralyze this army. No American army was ever as poorly lead or suffered government indifference on this scale. Richmond was paralyzed unable to choose between pro and anti Bragg factions. Unable to consider removing either faction, Davis dithered, as Tennessee was lost. This is a hard book to read as the army is doubly damned for not winning and for losing its' supply base. In the end, John Bell Hood leads this army to death in the largest charge of the war at Franklin and destruction at Nashville.
Connelly wrote these books years ago. The maps are not great and they are not highly detailed. They are one of the most readable army histories ever written. Classic is a very over used word and one we see often. This is one of the few times that it applies and should be used. On publication, these were seen to be special and needed books. That has not changed and shows no sign of changing. The only improvement would be to publish them as one book. You can do that with a single purchase and reading one after the other. Enjoy them; they are a great and informative read.

This book is not for beginners. You definitely need to have a working knowledge of the battles that the Army of Tennessee was engaged in.

The focus is on the political and ego wranglings between Bragg (later Johnston and Hood) and his staff, and then the wranglings with Richmond and key political figures.

In other words, you don't get a lot of such and such regiment moved here and such and such regiment moved there. It is more a critique of the leadership decisions. There are some battle details, but you're best off having a good understanding before you undertake this book.

The treatment is very fair to Bragg, I felt overly so, but Connely does back up his opinions. He comes down on Johnston and Hood for lack of a clear plan.

This is not a book about the overall war in the west. Just as the title says, it's specifically about the AOT. You hardly ever hear about Vicksburg, Mobile, Iuka, etc. other than to note troop concentrations and shufflings.

In short, an excellent read for the more advanced civil war student. I'll confess I probably read this and Army of the Heartland a little prematurely and much of the information went over my head. I will re-read once I feel up to par with the high quality level of information.

The merits of this volume are well documented. Connelly's research is excellent, and his judgments are sound. His prose, however, is as dry as a parched north Georgia dirt road during a June draught. This is, to a certain extent, to be expected, as most military history written during the late 1960s and 1970s tends to be dusty and academic. However, Connelly's descriptions of unit movements, particularly before Chickamauga, make for difficult reading, in part due to the volume's lack of good maps. But, again, this is a fault shared with lots of academic military history, and has more to do with publishing concerns and limitations than anything else, one imagines. So read this with a good set of maps at your side. Also, for a different prose style, one may wish to read this volume along with Stanley F. Horn's older book.

Caveats aside, the book is worth four stars for its discussions of Confederate command disputes and problems. But the reader who skips the campaign recaps and unit movements can be forgiven. And remember, the Polks, Braggs and Hoods were just symptoms--the disease was Jeff Davis.

The author picks up where he left off in, Army of the Heartland: The Army of Tennessee, 1861-1862. This volume begins in 1862 and closes with the surrender of the army in April, 1865.
If your interested in the War Between the States (Civil War) in the Western Theatre and the primary Confederate army of the West then this is a must read. Both of my great-great grandfathers served in the Army of Tennessee so this was particularly interesting to me.
The book deals primarly with the political issues between army commanders and Richmond. It is unfortunate that there was so much jealousy and grudges between all parties as this servely effected the objectives of the army. The Army of Tennessee didn't have a General Lee.
Campaigns and battles are analyzed. There is not lengthy discussion of the battles as this is not in the scope of the book. I found it very helpful to have the campaigns and battles laid in order. I have read books describing the diffferent battles but a more complete understanding of why and how the battles came about is accomplished in reading this book first. After this book, read accounts of the battles of the army from other sources.
There could more detailed maps included. However, this is informative and excellent historical reading.

Since other reviewers have covered the contexts of this monumental book in detail, I guess I'll have to be content just to list a few of the most important ideas that I learned from reading it. 1) The whole command structure of the Confederate army in the West from Davis down, was ineffective, nearly hopeless, and this book chronicles its sad demise about as well as it can be chronicled. 2)Bragg, who got reasonably high grades for his impressive but ultimately pointless invasion of Kentucky, becomes a pathetic, bitter general in charge of a nearly mutinous army. The fact that Davis could not or would not replace him until after Chattanooga says volumes as to why the South ultimately lost the war. 3)Joe Johnston, who I always rather admired, becomes The General Who Always Ran Away. And Connelly proves it. Talk about a change of attitude. He also gets alot of the blame for failing to relieve Vicksburg. 4) The famous cavalry commanders like Wheeler, Hunt, and Forrest did little to nothing to stop Sherman from marching on Atlanta and are therefore completely overrated, despite their often specacular tactical successes. If you have to read one book on the Confederate effort in West, read this one. It's eye opening.

I AM RECENT GRADUATE OF A PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM AND WHILE GOING TO SCHOOL I WORKED PART TIME IN A FACILITY WITH GERIATRIC PATIENTS. EVERY PERSON INVOLVED IN THE CARE OF THESE PEOPLE, RIGHT DOWN TO THE HOUSEKEEPING STAFF, SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANYONE AROUND THE ELDERLY TO WATCH FOR AND REPORT ABUSE. WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR MOTHER OR GRANDMOTHER!! I RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE.

This is a very good and informative book. Anyone who has loved ones in a nursing home facility should get a copy of it today.

Anyone who knows David knows what a loving and caring person he is. David has always put his patients' needs first. He always treats/treated them as if they are/were family. David is one of the best in his profession. I feel he did the right thing in "blowing the whistle". The families need to know what goes on behind closed doors when it comes to their loved ones in facilities such as these. I tip my hat to you, David.

It is sad to know that kind, caring, compassionate nurses like David are the exception when they should be the rule. It is heartbreaking to know that a book like this is even necessary. I applaud all of Mr. Sampley's efforts to make changes in the nursing home system. Once I started reading this book I did not put it down until the final word was read. If you ever contemplate putting a relative in a nursing home, read this book first.

I found Breaking the Code of Silence very informative and enlightening. If you have a friend or relative who resides, or may reside in a nursing home in the future, this is a must read for you and them. The author gives you the true insider look at what goes on behind the scenes in many nursing homes. Lets hope this sends a clear message to the operators of these facilities. It is sad that Mr. Sampley had to endure what he did, but his efforts may be the beginning of a campaign to change the way patients are treated in these homes.

As an east Tennessee native and a direct descendant of a Cades Cove family, this is one of the best and most complete books depicting the life and culture of this unique mountain community.

My mother was born and raised in the Witt Shields house pictured on p55. She, and many other families were evicted when the Park Service took over the area in the late 1930's. Her home was since demolished, but I remember visiting it many times as a youngster in the 1950's. The shields family was a significant part of Cades Cove heritage.

Lots of good information. We have visited the Cove quite a few times over the years and still enjoy it very much each time, but it's much more interesting, learning some of the history behind it and knowing about how the settlers lived.

We vacationed in Pigeon Forge, TN and visited Cade's Cove for the day. What a beautiful place! My husband was so interested in the history of Cade's Cove, I ordered this book for him. He read it and loved it.

In opposition to Horace Kephart, Our Southern Highlanders (1913), Dunn correctly argues that leadership and a sense of community was strong in Cades Cove and that development there was not idiosyncratic but followed regional patterns. The chaos that accompanied the Civil War proved to be the watershed that burned "diversity and innovation" (145) from the Cove. Yet even so, family life at the turn of the century "was largely indistinguishable from that of other rural Tennesseans." (200)

Although the book is well researched and nicely written, the chapters seem to have been composed independently, which results in some repetition. Also a better acquaintance with the history of American religion would have limited the author's surprise at progressivism and religious fundamentalism walking hand-in-hand.

I've long been interested in Cades Cove history. As a native East Tennessean, I grew up with the many stories in legends that came from the area. Dunn, grandson of the last man to leave the cove, uses town records and family stories to paint a vivid account of life in the area. Dunn addresses many of the misconceptions about the town and shows a town of people that struggled from the town's beginning to the forced withdrawal to build the Great Smokies National Park. This book will most appeal to scholars, but anyone interested in Southern history would also enjoy it. Highly recommended.

I am a wild west buff and started this with a cautious eye. Happy to report none needed. Good stories and great history.

Phenomenal book! The stories on the Alamo, John Chisum and Buffalo Soldier George Jordan were fantastic. I didn't know that many Army scouts, who received the Medal of Honor, came from Tennessee. Great writing and documentation of sources. It is a wonderful mix of stories on African-American cowboys and famous figures.

This SHOULD be in every classroom in Tennessee!

This is the most enjoyable book I have read on Tennessee history in years. If you have family or friends from Tennessee or just someone who like real stories abot the old west, this is the perfect Christmas gift.

We should have been taught this stuff in school. I wouldn't have got in so much trouble in history class.

I had to wrestle it away from my dad to read it. If you like the old west, this is definitely recommended.

Like some other people in these reviews I first read this book because it had my name in it. It turned out to be one of the best books I have ever read and am only sorry that it is out of print becauses I do not have a copy. I would recomend this book to anyone looking for romance, adventure, drama, and excitement.

I bought this book back in the second grade at the school bookfair simply because it had my name in the title. About a year ago I found it and read it. I loved it. Its got family life, friends, healing, and it strongly emphasizes the importance of love in a young girl's life. Though I am 15 and bought the book when I was 7, I still think its a wonderful story. I even read it for inspiration. I've read it numerous times, and its still an adventure every time.

I read this book in the junior high years, and from then on checked it out at least once a year from the library. Now that I am much older I am glad to find the book through amazon to purchase for my future children as a collector's item. It is the best book I have ever read, and can read it over and over again even now. I recommend it for any female that loves to read a great story of with (rated G) romance. The character loses all she has, and is place into a home of strangers. With so many obstacles against her she gains strength, a career, and romance.

When Rachel's parents die in a fire, she is sent to live in the mountains with her family. She struggles to fit in, she meets old Granny Sharp. Granny Sharp teaches her medicine and doctoring skills to help the mountain folk. With the Civil War flaring, her grandfather makes his farm take no side. Not North. Not South. The reason for his action is that part of the their family is fighting for the North and part for the South. Rachel is working on the farm tending to wounded soldiers from both sides when a young military captain by the name of Ben is found hurt outside the farmhouse. Rachel cares for him and they soon fall in love. Rachel can't marry him because she has important duties at home, and it's a mountain tradition to follow the man to his home after marriage. She can't go to Pennsylvania with him because everyone tells her she is needed where she is as a doctor. I am upset that the publisher stop printing this book. I do not have a copy but got it out from a local library. Although I would like to buy a paper back because it is much cheaper I would also buy it in hardcover if that was the only format. If you enjoyed this book, you will also like Time Enough for Drums which will be out in paper back in May.

This is the best book i've ever read! it's just wonderful! A perfect combination of every thing... Witchcraft, love, romance, mountain life, everything good!