Mississippi Books

Byron Curtis is a well-prepared kayaker who paddles down much of the Mississippi. Other than the scale of the trip, he takes few risks. And since he rarely gets out of his boat, and never for any length of time, he relates few interesting experiences. The terrorist attacks which happened while he was on his trip could have provided something to write about, especially later in his trip when people seem increasingly suspicious of him. However, he never explores this or any topic in depth here.

Someone may find the campsite coordinates and packing list useful, however that content itself doesn't seem like enough to justify a full-length book.

If your interested in a Mississippi River trip, Byron Curtis certainly
lends a hand with his book "Bluffs to Bayous". A very good armchair adventure or a motivator to plan your own river trip.

A real life saga of one man's journey down the "Mighty Mississippi". A confirmed river rat, he brings to life the joys and dangers of his solo expedition. Byron did a great job in carrying you along with him every step of the way. I found my heart pounding, muscles aching, stomach cramping but also excited, awed and lifted in spirit. Definitely a must read and would make a great gift for the adventuresome spirit.

This would be a great read for book clubs! The author does a nice job of providing a frank, honest perspective on not only life on the Mississipi, but the personal struggles he faces as well. The narrative style of the journal leaves you peeking around each bend and cautiously navigating through the thick fog right with Curtis. In our fast-paced, rush to get-ahead world, it was refreshing to read about someone who took the time to do something he always wanted to.

This book provides an excellent guide to the Mississippi River, and I liked the list of supplies at the end as well as the daily lat/longs indicating his starting locations. The story itself is a quick read, not very deep, but more of a narrative of simple experiences that occurred on the trip.

I would suggest the book for anybody preparing to canoe or kayak the Mississippi, but not for anybody looking to get a deeper meaning of life on the river.

Excellent Series! I love reading about the deep south, Sarah Delaney and all her friends.. always on pins and needles to see if she and the Sheriff are ever going to get together!!

Carolyn Haines can write! I loved the characters and the story was part charming, part thrilling. I couldn't put it down.

Lawrence Ambrose is a writer and supporter of the arts who, on the eve of having his "tell all" published, pledges it will divulge the innermost secrets of various people he knows/has known. Of course, the morning after making this dinner party announcement, he if found murdered...

The storyline is an interesting one and the book possesses literary merit; however, I would have liked more on Mr. Ambrose's character (and his life) and a little less on Sarah Booth's daily thoughts and meanderings--I mean how fascinated can one character be with the color of people's eyes (and they're all blue)? How many times and ways can the reader be told that S.B. is a fallen-from-grace, once wealthy daddy's girl/deb who is now having to make her own way? And that ubiquitous Jitty "character", who does nothing to advance the storyline, definitely needs a rest. She exists solely, I guess, to serve as comic relief and foil to Saran Booth.

The other townspeople in this small Mississippi enclave are, for the most part, fairly interesting and we get to know several of them pretty well. This is the second book in the series I have read and despite my mumblings and grumblings above, I will read another. Ms. Haines is a gifted writer--of that there is no doubt. However, it is difficult not to get the impression she--how can I put this--"dumbs down" her talent to appeal to a wider based audience.

The writer continues to show promise. The story is more involved and amusing than the original book in the series. The ghost, Jitty, continues to be annoying. She reminds me of the annoying creature in the Star Wars recent movies. I like the character of Tinkie but can't say I am feeling too drawn to the main character, Sarah Booth Delaney. I have bought the other books in the series in hopes that the writer continues to improve. Plot development is still very weak.

This book is in the category of "mysteries with literary merit" -- it's well-written, with lively, vivid characters and realistic dialogue, in addition to a good mystery plot. I would actually give it 4 1/2 stars if that were an option. The plot is just a little bit too tangled and complex, and it reminded me a little bit too much of the previous book in the series (scandals from the past causing problems in the present).

The plot involves a once-famous all-around artist-celebrity who is writing a tell-all book. Needless to say, he quickly ends up dead. Who killed him, and why? The motive is obvious -- he was about to reveal something that someone wanted to remain hidden -- but there are a lot of secrets about a lot of people likely to come out if this book is published, so the list of suspects is rather long, and the motive seems to lie in something that happened in 1940. Sarah Booth Delaney, former Southern upper class girl with a long pedigree and now impoverished orphan turned private investigator (of financial necessity), sets about trying to find out who the killer is -- and it may be someone she knows well and trusts.

This is the third book by Haines that I'm reading -- she makes me want to go visit the Mississippi Delta (where this series is set). I almost except to find Sarah Booth Delaney, the ghost Jitty, and the old plantation Dahlia House waiting for me -- not to mention a hound dog on the porch.

I agree with the other reviewer in that the lack of color is a huge detriment to an otherwise pretty good book. I grew up in the 1960s and the family traveled to South Florida every year...I mostly remember the Sunshine State amd its attractions to be big and really colorful. Most of the photograghy in this book seems shrunk down and lacks detail. Countless times I found myself squinting and wishing the photos were bigger and in color. The book is informative and there are plenty of illustrations, but alas just "OK" because of all that darn B&W.

This is an excellent resource of information on old roadside attractions but what a disappointment the visuals are. Half of the fun is seeing these places in color yet except for an 8 page section in the center all the rest of the book is small b/w photos of things you know had to be from color sources. It spoils an otherwise excellent resource.

Tim Hollis has done a great job of showcasing the unique, quirky, and sometimes down right bizarre, attractions of the South. I, too, am a Southerner and I miss the days when Gulf Shores was not more than a few cottages on the beach. I enjoyed reading about the places I remember and the ones I never knew. This writer has done a wonderful service by perserving the memories of a bygone era.

To those of us unfortunate enough not to have been alive during the period this book encapsulates, Hollis brings it to life with this thoroughly well researched tome regarding the roadside attractions that littered the South before the Disney Corp came to central Florida.

Pre Disney, pre interstate, pre most things, some of the attractions are cute, some look awful and other just downright bizarre. I wholeheartedly recommed this book for adult readers of any age.

Tim Hollis' book is an entertaining, informative, and evocative tour of the glory days of tourism in the South -- mostly before the arrival of the interstate highway system, but certainly, as the title suggests, before the opening of Walt Disney World in 1965 changed the nature of vacations. A veteran of many of the roads and roadside stops pictured here, Hollis has a real feel ... and a real affection ... for his topic. In these hip days, when so many writers feel the need to ridicule or treat with arched eyebrow anything less sophisticated and post-modern than *right now,* it's very pleasant to read a book about popular culture and "commercial archaeology" that's not encrusted in irony.

This book is also a celebration of Southern culture, especially that part of Southern culture that developed in order to separate visiting Yankees from their money. For, as Hollis notes, it was the arrival in the South of northern vacationers seeking warmer weather that prompted the birth and growth of the attractions listed here. It also promoted a number of important, and lasting, businesses. Among the companies born in the South to capitalize on the tourist trade, KFC (of course), Popeye's Chicken, Long John Silver, Red Lobster, Burger King, Hardee's, and Holiday Inn are just some of the more recognizable names.

From water parks to Wild West shows, Cypress Gardens to Stone Mountain, Dogpatch USA and the Grand Ole Opry to Stuckey's and countless attractions now nearly forgotten, this book is a great nostalgia ride through a largely vanished time. If you were fortunate enough to have seen that time, this book may bring back some happy memories. And if this is your first time through you may find yourself wondering what you're missing as you cruise in air-conditioned comfort on the soulless interstate.

Greg Chenu has put forth a tome that contains very well-crafted sentences about his adventures on the Mississippi. Along the way, the author's sensitive side comes through often in his description of people and things. He reminds me of Emerson, Thoreau, and Twain, not to mention Kerouac. This book will touch you as it has touched me. We rarely find writers willing to be as vulnerable in his or her writing, and in Greg Chenu, we have one. I only hope he puts out a second book of stories.

I didn't know, nor realize, some of the things that go on along the Mississippi, Never really cared would be a good guess. Very interesting book on 'survival'....Locating the proper wood for the seats, and the ensuing business with the Amish, was very well written, and thoroughly educational while being amusing. Good job, Greg Chenu. Keep writing!

Rick

This book is a must read. This book will mesmerize you. The author descriptions are so clear and detailed you find yourself hanging on every word.

What a delight this book is! It is a quick and enjoyable read - beautifully written. A great book club book.

If you ever wondered what it would be like to trace the steps of Mark Twain or Huckleberry Finn this is your chance. This author uses words to paint a picture that is as clear as a if you were there in person. I enjoyed every page.

Martin Hegwood is another Mississippi attorney turned author. He has set this novel's plot on the modern Mississippi Gulf Coast where private investigator Jack Delmas, a native of the area, finds himself between a declining shrimping industry and a booming tourist industry with luxury hotels and casinos. there are wheelers and dealers, corrupt politicians, shrimp fishermen, and businessmen ranging from a shade-tree mechanic to a successful restaurateur. The novel presents a good picture of an area in transition where most people want a piece of the pie, but some people would rather be beach bums. The novel contains lots of local color about the area.

When Jack's longtime friend, the Croatian shrimper Casper Perinovich, dies in an explosion and fire at his home, Jack is drawn into the investigation and stirs up things people would prefer to keep buried. The story has considerable action, and Jack sustains some damage to his person and his pickup (messing with a southern boy's pickup can be as bad as messing with his woman). Along the way, Jack rekindles an old flame.

This is a good novel for commuters as the 272 pages are divided into 41 chapters.

The second Jack Delmas story is more assured and engaging, and a winner. Good characters, drawn well and an interesteing plot hold us to the end. Keep 'em coming.

If you are interested in plot, the professional reviews give the essential information, but if you have just discovered Martin Hegwood and enjoy mystery/detective novels consider this book as your key to the character of Jack Delmas. Sometimes, as in this case, the author's first novel (Big Easy Backroad) does not give the full motivation behind a character. To really find out what is going on, one must explore a bit. Frequently I find a series I like, either through a friend or luck, and then start working the back trail. As I do so, I often find a book such as this novel that has it all, plot, motivation, interesting detail. If you are new to Martin Hegwood and Jack Delmas, and you like what you have read, you owe yourself this one.

Martin Hegwod has written a good Mississippi Gulf Coast Mystery...he just may write a great one next. I was very impressed with this second novel. He is getting better each book.

Mr. Hegwood does a fine job of depicting Mississippi Gulf Coast life and culture. Even his physical descriptions of the water routes are accurate. Only a native would be able to describe this in such detail. An earlier review said the book had a Big Easy ambiance, however, this book is Biloxi through and through. Harriet Klausner (#1 reviewer) obviously has never set foot on the Gulf Coast (probably not New Orleans either) or she would have never compared it to Atlantic City. The very idea is inane.

I graduated from high school with Martin, and was surprised to learn that he had authored some mystery novels. The first one I was able to read was The Green-Eyed Hurricane. Only a native (or former native) can tell how beautifully Martin's descriptions of the area and people reflect the reality of the Coast. His descriptions of the sun reflecting on oyster shells in a driveway, or the scent of a freshly mowed lawn where the grass is mixed with wild onions were viscerally evocative to me. How many times did I experience these sensations as I grew up? The small details he included only increased the believability of the picture for me. The characters he has developed are only perfect. I found the plot to be extremely believable, as I know something of the history of Biloxi. It fits.

Several good books about the American bison are available in today's marketplace. Among the best are David Dary's The Buffalo Book, and Tom McHugh's The Time of the Buffalo. Now comes Ted Franklin Belue's The Long Hunt to make a threesome of outstanding volumes on this most recognizable of American wildlife. But Belue's book is different. Now, for the first time (that I know of) the eastern variety of the species is chronicled. Drawing upon archaeological evidence and utilizing first-hand accounts of early explorers, pioneers, and settlers along the Eastern seaboard and in the vast trans-Appalachian country, Belue follows the buffalo's saga from its earliest confrontation with American Indians, through the first European impact, and all the way down to the animal's extinction east of the Mississippi River. A valuable part of this book (aside, of course, from the invaluable information about the buffalo itself) is the huge amount of data that Belue imparts to his reader about the long-hunter, the eastern forerunner of the mountain man. Complete with extensive notes, illustrations, appendices, and bibliography, The Long Hunt is a volume to be read and intensely studied by any student of America's first West. One of the finest tributes to this book that I have read came from Dr. Richard Taylor of Kentucky State University, who wrote, "What David Dary has done in his study of buffalo west of the Mississippi, Belue has done for those east of it."--Jim Crutchfield, Western Writers of America, April 1998, Roundup Magazine

In his book, Belue has carefully researched and written an account of the death of the buffalo east of the Mississippi. In a greater sense, this work examines life on the frontier as well as the history of trade and colonization of the frontier. The author uses personal accounts, journals, and memoirs of the traders, long hunters and trappers who played a role in the settlement of the frontier as a basis for the work. I highly recommend as well as the author's other works on the life of Daniel Boone.

Buffalo history enthusiasts will find that Ted Belue's book is written just for them. While there are a number of effective historical, nonfiction books on the American buffalo available, this one has the advantage of focusing attention specifically on the death of the buffalo east of the Mississippi. This noteworthy recounting of buffalo and their gruesome end gives a realistic picture of what occurred. Belue provides readers with enough information to gain both insight and comprehension. By the 1820s, the eastern buffalo herds were gone. The author uses many quotes from early chronicles to illustrate a vivid account of the hardships hunters encountered as well as the plight of the buffalo east of the Mississippi. Belue's careful research is evident and reinforced by the excellent selection of black-and-white photographs and old maps. The glossary, index, and selected annotated bibliography are very helpful to the reader. This book is written on a slightly higher reading level and is very comprehensive. This title will fill a gap in most collections and will appeal particularly to readers of American buffalo history. This book would be a welcome addition to any "buffalo/bison" book shelf.

Chronicling the demise of buffalo that ranged between the Blue Ridge and the Mississippi, this book includes previously unpublished material on flora, fauna, and Woodland and Southeastern Indians. Living historians will find useful information on arms, accoutrements, attire, and frontier skills and lifestyles. --Living History, Spring 1997

This excellent piece offers an up close/analytical look at the tale of the buffalo and those men who hunted buffalo in the 18th century "Middle Ground." Names, dates, places, hunts, scouts, etc. unfold in front of your eyes in an understandable and exciting manner via so many new and varied primary documentation sources I don't even want to get into listing them. Long Hunt presents you with a highly accurate perception of the era and its players. Somewhat akin to Arnow's SEEDTIME ON THE CUMBERLAND but much more specifically directed toward the over-mountain eastern frontiersman, I would have to consider this as "required material" for anyone whose persona involves hunting for a living in the 18th century frontier. Do yourself a favor...buy it!

This is not something I learned about in school. The most remarkable thing about this book is author's assertion that American slaveholders fled the south after the Civil War and built successful, happy lives for themselves in culturally diverse Brazil. This is not a superbly constructed book wrapped up in a nice little package, but it is worth the read for the "did you know...?" conversations you can start with people!

Based on actual events, the "Lost Colony of the Confederacy" is an interesting book that chronicles the massive immigration of Southerners who fled the former states of the Confederacy and resettled in Brazil. At the invitation of Brazil's ruler at the time, Emperor Dom Pedro II, many Confederates immigrated to Brazil to take advantage of that nation's rich natural resources and most importantly, African slaves in one of the few countries in the Americas who had not abolished slavery yet.

These settlers, known as the Confederados, resettled in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, and founded a town they named "Americana" where many of their descendants still reside. With Anglo-Saxon last names such as Stonewall, Jackson, and Butler, many of their present-day ancestors still reside in the Southern-inspired town and continue to live the way of life their ancestors once lived. Pecan pies, debutante balls, and Southern hymns are all still alive, although many of them have intermarried with Brazil's population and speak Portuguese as well as English (with a Brazilian-Southerner accent).

The author did great research when writing this book, and the photographs provide the reader with visuals that help us visualize Americana. An updated edition of this book was recently published by Texas A&M University press, provides new updated information on Americana and her inhabitants

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the U.S. Civil War, Brazil, or Latin American culture/history. The story of the Confederados is a forgotten chapter in the history of the Civil War that should be rediscovered by all.

Eugene C. Harter has given us a sparkling "gem" of a book, a fascinating aspect of history that is both well-researched, and well-written.

Based on actual events, the "Lost Colony of the Confederacy" is an interesting book that chronicles the massive immigration of Southerners who fled the former states of the Confederacy and resettled in Brazil. At the invitation of Brazil's ruler at the time, Emperor Dom Pedro II, many Confederates immigrated to Brazil to take advantage of that nation's rich natural resources and most importantly, African slaves in one of the few countries in the Americas who had not abolished slavery yet.

These settlers, known as the Confederados, resettled in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, and founded a town they named "Americana" where many of their descendants still reside. With Anglo-Saxon last names such as Stonewall, Jackson, and Butler, many of their present-day ancestors still reside in the Southern-inspired town and continue to live the way of life their ancestors once lived. Pecan pies, debutante balls, and Southern hymns are all still alive, although many of them have intermarried with Brazil's population and speak Portuguese as well as English (with a Brazilian-Southerner accent).

The author did great research when writing this book, and the photographs provide the reader with visuals that help us visualize Americana. An updated edition of this book was recently published by Texas A&M University press, provides new updated information on Americana and her inhabitants

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the U.S. Civil War, Brazil, or Latin American culture/history. The story of the Confederados is a forgotten chapter in the history of the Civil War that should be rediscovered by all.

Based on actual events, the "Lost Colony of the Confederacy" is an interesting book that chronicles the massive immigration of Southerners who fled the former states of the Confederacy and resettled in Brazil. At the invitation of Brazil's ruler at the time, Emperor Dom Pedro II, many Confederates immigrated to Brazil to take advantage of that nation's rich natural resources and most importantly, African slaves in one of the few countries in the Americas who had not abolished slavery yet.

These settlers, known as the Confederados, resettled in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, and founded a town they named "Americana" where many of their descendants still reside. With Anglo-Saxon last names such as Stonewall, Jackson, and Butler, many of their present-day ancestors still reside in the Southern-inspired town and continue to live the way of life their ancestors once lived. Pecan pies, debutante balls, and Southern hymns are all still alive, although many of them have intermarried with Brazil's population and speak Portuguese as well as English (with a Brazilian-Southerner accent).

The author did great research when writing this book, and the photographs provide the reader with visuals that help us visualize Americana. An updated edition of this book was recently published by Texas A&M University press, provides new updated information on Americana and her inhabitants

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the U.S. Civil War, Brazil, or Latin American culture/history. The story of the Confederados is a forgotten chapter in the history of the Civil War that should be rediscovered by all.

This is a splendid work about a man who was not only a magnificent voice but one who was able to "crossover" from the classical to the popular and be the best of his generation and all generations. Mr. Mannering has made a definitive contribution to the Mario Lanza legend and reputation by searching for the truth and explaining the truth about this wonderful artist who contributed so much to his profession. Greater awareness about Lanza's legacy is needed so that future lovers of grand voices can appreciate what Mario's fans have known for decades. The next step is to make a movie about him so that the world can understand and know his glorious gifts.

When I read Derek Mannering's first book, MARIO LANZA - A BIOGRAPHY, in 1993, I knew then that this was the best work written to date on the great tenor who was my boyhood idol and musical inspiration. Yet that was only the beginning: since then, Mannering has produced two other first-rate books, SINGING TO THE GODS and MARIO LANZA - A LIFE IN PICTURES (both published in the UK), that have been even better than his first effort. He has also in those years become BMG's primary consultant on the release of new Mario Lanza CDs, resulting in Lanza's return to the best-seller lists in the UK, even hitting #1 with THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION -- a remarkable feat for a singer who died five decades ago.

Now, happily, the first-ever American edition of MARIO LANZA - SINGING TO THE GODS has been published by University Press of Mississippi. Not merely a copy of Mannering's book produced for the UK, this new, updated edition includes never-before-released material in the way of photos and interviews, including several poignant reminisces of Lanza's niece, actress Dolores Hart, who retired from the screen more than 40 years ago to become a nun, Mother Dolores. As in his previous works, Mannering has had the blessings and cooperation of two very important people in Mario Lanza's life - his best friend and trainer, Terry Robinson, and Lanza's only surviving daughter, Elissa Lanza Bregman, who wrote the book's heartfelt Foreword.

Always written in a lively and entertaining style, the strength of Derek Mannering's books lies in the fact that he focuses on Mario Lanza's incredible talent, and how he used that talent -- thru films, radio, television, concerts and recordings -- to bring the world of opera and great music to the average person. And, at the same time, influencing more of today's opera singers than almost any other artist in memory.

Mannering points out Lanza's flaws and mistakes, which caused the singer much difficulty and heartache in his lifetime, and more than a little controversy that lingers to this day. Yet at the same time, Mannering does not dwell on these failings. And while, like all others who have written Lanza bios, Mannering ponders the "what ifs," he does not invent a career which Lanza never had, and celebrates instead the remarkable career for what it was and what it achieved, which was considerable.

For those who might wonder how Derek Mannering's SINGING TO THE GODS stacks up to the other books out there (and Lanza has more bios than almost any other singer I can think of), I would let Mario's daughter, Elissa, speak in the closing words of her Foreword:

"Anyone who wants to know about the life and times of Mario Lanza need go no further than this book."


DAVID WEAVER is the author of BLACK DIVA OF THE THIRTIES - THE LIFE OF RUBY ELZY, published in 2004 by University Press of Mississippi.

Another in a series of Lanza biographies from various sources, Mr Mannering's Singing to the Gods is a searching book detailing Mario Lanza's life and career, and allowing the fascinating personality of the great tenor to emerge.

This excellent book is a useful one to anyone who wishes to learn about Mario Lanza - singer, voice and man - without becoming sidetracked by prying or speculation. Mr Mannering's work steers a course to show the facts about Lanza, avoiding undue, sensational speculation. Views expressed are clear, invariably positive and (the greatest virtue of all in a biography), suitably informative.

A pity that the opportunity to include a CD as a sweetener was not taken, but nonetheless this book no doubt will encourage many readers to seek to hear more of Mario Lanza - and also to generate consumer requests for the re-release of his films in high quality DVD, or other improving, formats.

Mario Lanza's rise to stardom could not have happened ten years earlier, or ten years later, than it did. The repressive atmosphere of the post-WWII period saw a shift from the soothing crooning of Sinatra and Crosby to the era of the "big belters" of pop, such as Frankie Laine and, a bit later, Johnnie Ray. Mario Lanza was unique in that he straddled the pop and classical markets with his powerful and emotive voice, and connected with the inner desire for passion that the era attempted to suppress. Gifted singer, movie star and, yes, sex symbol: even Caruso never made as much of an impact on American popular culture as did Lanza. The author of this book provides none of this context in his drab retelling of Lanza's career path.

At the very least, the meteoric career of the troubled tenor was colorful, but the colorless, pedestrian prose of Mannering reads like an album's liner notes. At no point did I get a real feeling for Lanza, the man. An endorsement from Lanza'a daughter is actually a red flag; the seamier side of Lanza's well-documented personality gets short shrift here. We see Lanza destroying himself; the author gives us precious little by way of explanation as to what inner demons drove him to self-destruct.

Put simply, the material cries out for a writer whose prose style (and research skills) could capture the nuances of the era and the soaring highs and crushing lows of Lanza's short but blazing career. The author fails on both fronts.

Additionally, the book seems to have scarcely been proofed; one can not read more than two or three pages without encountering an egregious typo (i.e. "the Metropolital Opera") or an incomplete sentence. After a few chapters, one becomes very annoyed that the editors could not perform this most basic function.

The reproduction size of the photos is so small that one literally needs a magnifying glass to identify Lanza in some group shots!

As for the discography, it nicely sets down all of Lanza's sessions in chronological order - but fails to list the singles and albums as they were released! This will not be helpful for those who might want to actually begin to collect Lanza's vinyl output.

A Lanza completist might want to buy this as a cut-out, or obtain a clean used copy at a nominal price. I don't feel like I got my $20 worth from this book.

Derek Mannering's new biography of the American tenor Mario Lanza seeks an admirable middle ground between idolatry and spite. For in the past we have had biographies dictated by either camp. Some people castigate Lanza for his failure to pursue a career in the great opera houses (as far as we know, he played twice in Madame Butterfly and that's it). Whereas others, the idolators, say that he never made a mistake. (You should hear Derek Mannering on the subject of Lanza'a "disgraceful" 1959 STUDENT PRINCE!) And while we're on the subject, Derek Mannering really, really, seriously hates the "pseudo-rock") "Pineapple Pickers," which I consider one of Lanza's best upbeat tunes and far better than much of what Elvis wound up singing in his movies. Let's have more tracks like "Pineapple Pickers" and less painful numbers such as "Drink, Drink, Drink" if you ask me.

Mannering carefully shows us how Lanza became a movie star--almost through a series of divinely inspired accidents it seems, while skimping a little bit on the childhood in Philadelphia which other writers have written tomes about. All the while we imagine that Lanza's childhood did hold something traumatic in it, otherwise he would have been beter equipped to withstand the disaster of success! As Joe Pasternak, the MGM producer, says (page 71), "Success is harder to take then failure." Well, that may not be true for all men and women, but it seems to have been true for Mario Lanza.

Derek Mannering is forthright about Lanza's various addictions--for example, he describes a late life discovery of Campari that persisted despite taking a regular course of Antabuse (pills that supposedly make you ghastly sick if you take a drink). The man had an iron constitution, and yet of course it failed him in the end, as he died of an embolism in his swollen leg which travelled to his heart. And Mannering travels lightly over Betty Lanza's fondness for tranquillizers, a very 50s addiction. Again and again we hear testimony, from Richard Bonynge, Licia Albanese, Jussi Bjoerling, that yes, Mario's voice was big enough to fill an opera house; I would believe it more if Mannering has included one opera singer with a negative opinion of Lanza, for we know there were many. In this one instance I don't believe Mannering is telling both sides of the story.

And, because he is from Britain, some of his phrasing has an unusual, piquant air, as though Julie Andrews were telling the story. For example, in Rome members of the Mafia may have crashed Lanza's big party at his rented villa, for "keeping them our of his home, when a come-all party was in swing, was not always possible." COME-ALL PARTY? Que come-all party? I like the phrase, and I really like this book.

In the heart of Mississippi are five siblings partaking in sibling rivalry at its best. Cassandra Darden Bell's Mississippi Blues is the story of five sisters and brothers who are as different as night is to day and showcases how each forged their way into adulthood, some with success and others, if you are judging, not so successful. All of them stayed in Mississippi with the exception of Beverly Lemark, a best selling writer penning under an assumed name.

Looking from the outside in, one would assume that Beverly has it all, her writing career, a husband, two children and a beautiful home. But as Beverly is left alone to write, her drinking increases and the writing decreases. When Beverly receives word that she must return to Mississippi to attend to family business, her lonely yet seemingly idyllic life comes crashing down. Mississippi Blues pits sibling against sibling through lack of communication and lack of understanding. Beverly comes to realize through a tragic event that she must stop running away from her problems and we cannot choose our family but in the end it is family first and forever.

Cassandra Darden Bell showcases a story with a clear imagery of the Vicksburg, Mississippi area, developed characters who are likeable and not so likeable and dialogue that is heartfelt and realistic. A truly touching story.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
APOOO BookClub

This was a really good book it was hard for me to put it down.
the storyline stayed in a nice even flow, loved the southern drawl the author used with the voice of her charactors.
I look forward to reading more of her work.

At first, I really thought that this book was really going to boring, but as I got into the book and read the story, I just couldn't put it down. I got the book Saturday afternoon, and I finished it last night and was sorry to see it end. It is good that one can hold their own in this world, and Beverly did it. But, as time moved on, she distanced herself from her siblings due a simple disagreement. When she goes back down there to take care of the family land, she finds out that no matter what, family is going to be there for you, and when she suffered her loss, they really were. I was glad to see that they did something constructive as well for the land, although, I probably would have given some to the oldest brother to get himself together. You know, you look at a character and you feel taht they can be one way, but as time goes on, you find out, that they are a whole other person, and I found that with Bobby. He had such a good heart, and though he made wrong choices, he wanted the best for his family. Great story. Highly recommended.

Cassandra Darden Bell's Mississippi Blues is carefully crafted with the best of the author's considerable gifts. It is immediate, involving and relies on Bell's deep insight into the many layers of American family life. Events are stagnant or stormy, humorous or pathetic, but always imbued with recognizable charm and feeling. Unlike lesser novels that rely on situations, stereotypes and plot-driven dialogue to advance the story, Bell lightly dances over events while maintaining that very human sense of existing within oneself and feeling, at times, like an observer watching aghast at how one's own life has developed--or failed to do so. Bell displays a deft talent for characterization, quietly subverting our assumptions as we share in the complex but satisfying process of rediscovering the strength of blood ties, and embracing the best within ourselves. Recommended for fans of compelling family drama. David R. Bannon, Ph.D.; author "Race Against Evil."

MISSISSIPPI BLUES is a story about avoidance. Beverly Lamark has run away from her issues with her siblings in Mississippi by cutting off communication with them, her marital problems by drowning them in alcohol, and her true dreams as a writer by masking her identity and writing novels that will make her a lot of money but never make her happy. On what seems like a typical day she gets a call from one of her sisters telling her that she and her siblings must make a decision about some land their father left them upon his death several years ago. Suddenly Beverly is forced to travel home to Mississippi, a trip she has long been avoiding. As she and her children take the road trip together, Beverly realizes how little her children know about her family and her hometown and pledges to share more about her past. The last time she was home she didn't leave on the best of terms and is dreading the confrontation that is sure to come. Later, a tragic event that forces Beverly to stop running. She realizes that she and her siblings have to deal with their issues and she must face the fact that her marriage has been unhappy for a long time.

Cassandra Darden Bell has penned a novel that truly captures the essence of family drama. The story takes place over the course of a relatively short period of time, yet the plot was satisfying and the characters were well developed. The fact that so many of the issues between the characters were due to misconceptions, miscommunication and the masking of hurt feelings gave the plot a sense of realism that made the story an unforgettable one. There is no drama like family drama, but the love between siblings is a force to be reckoned with. The ultimate lesson in this book is that in spite of it all, families stick together.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A very important book dealing with race and history. A must read for people interested in the subject.

WONDERFUL! I read this book twice in two weeks and could read it again. This should be required reading at every high school in the country. Being new to Mississippi, I was looking to find out more about my home state and picked this book up at the library. Thinking it was a travel guide, it sat on my bedside table for a week until one night I picked it up and found everything I was looking for. Thank you Mr. Walton

Anthony Walton lets us ride along on his journey back to his Mississippi roots. A story of pain and survival, relayed through the voices of his parents (among others), is skillfully woven with history lessons and Walton's own moving poetry. A very readable and important contribution.

This book is about the author, a Mid westerner, travelling to Mississippi to learn more about the state where his people came from. It is extremely well done. The author travels around the state, interviews many prominent and not-as-prominent Mississippians about problems, solutions, and opportunites for the state to move beyond its history of severe racial problems.
In the process he summarizes a lot of history, and introduces many insights about how Mississippi got where it is and what it needs to do to move on. One thing I, as a white Mississippian with a somewhat liberal bent, found refreshing was his not falling into the trap that many of us Mississippians do of saying that all of that stuff is old news and we have moved beyond it. Things are undoubtedly better now than before, but while segregation may not be legal it is still very alive in the hearts and minds of the residents, both black and white If books like Walton's cause us to reexamine some of our "truths" about the state, it will have served an extremely useful purpose.

At any rate, for one wanting to understand more about Mississippi, reading this book is a good way to do it.

It would be impossible to define this book: American history, personal history, travel log, memoir, but only through this eclectic storytelling does such a brilliant and complex vision of Mississippi, and its place in this country, emerge. Anthony Walton dazzles on every page with some of the sweetest prose I have ever read, and an intellect to match, that had me re-reading sentences, and then entire chapters, and sometimes just putting the book down for a moment to think.