Alabama Books

This book has been such a gift! We travel the intracoastal waterways in Jacksonville/St.Augustine Florida all year long and found this book to be so helpful.

The charts are well organized and very reliable. Only a minimum number of aids were missing or changed in number. Some of the bridge info is a little dated but generally did not cause any navigational problems.

Very usable in it's small page spiral format. Flipping pages as one cruises north or south is easy, and takes very little space at the helm. The annotations indicating marina locations save looking in separate guides when a stopping point is desired. Some obvious side trips (e.g. Banana River) are omitted and would have helped increase usefulness if included.

Great book, you have to have them to run the intracoastal and it's MUCH cheaper at Amazon then in the bookstores - or boat stores!!

A must for traveling the Intercoastal Waterway. A very detailed illustrative set of information to successfully achieve your trip.

This book is a must read! Especially, for anyone who is interested in the history and the many ghosts that linger after their death. Wonderfully written and very enjoyable to read.

Sensational! This is one book you do not want to miss! It intertwines history and ghosts with a perfect balance. I could not put it down!

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in ghosts, legends, and southern lore. Brilliantly written, it is one of the most interesting books I've read in recent years.

Debra Johnston does an excellent job, of putting stories long told, with history. This book will ignite the interest of both Children and adults.

I know people that live near or in the Sholes area, and they are very excited about Deb's books. They believe she is bring new life and interest to the area.
Joyce Sons

Debra Johnston's books of true ghost stories are fine collections taken from the folklore of the Southeastern United States. The tales range in mood from humorous to very frightening and are related through easy flowing narratives.

Gregory Freeze

This is a very engaging read. It's rather scary, I think--especially since this man is a real person. If you want a book that will keep you thinking long after you've read it, get this one. This is a very fine effort, an enjoyable read.

An excellent book, a bit scary. This guy would CON anyone. There are a lot of great tips on what I can do to keep my grandfather from being conned.

Dave Gray (AKA Alabama Fats) takes the confessional platform in this excellent book TELLING IT ALL - MY LIFE AS A CON MAN, a reflection of a life of crime as shared by an 80-year-old African American to writer Steven Levi, and what makes this book even better than the rather sensational aspect of its con man content is a survey of social history from 1927 to 2007, a period of great change in the status of African American position in the culture of the USA. It is a terrifically entertaining and informative brief read, but it is also a reflection of change we all need to remember.

Alabama Fats is the child of a poverty stricken family who at age 19 met up with a con artist who introduced him to the profession of taking money from people by means of card games (Three Card Molly) and money scams such as Bank Agents. Fats 'tells it all' without remorse, sharing techniques and secrets of how 'lames' (victims) could be identified and bilked out of their cash. And while this information is rather startling and fascinating and shocking, the method of sharing the changes in the way con men worked as the atmosphere in the USA changed from the Depression years through the post-WW II years, through the spend thrift 1950s, into the 1960s and beyond gives a unique historical vantage: the disappearance of trains as a common means of transportation, the introduction of credit cards and checks overriding the carrying of cash, and the altered view of the African American male with the shift from Inner City ghetto life to integration of cities and the speedy exit modes of the automobile culture changed the approach of the con artist as 'progress' altered life in the US.

If the book is at times repetitive (and what conversation with older people isn't?) and despite excessive editorial flaws, this is a fine little book to read and from which to learn. Steven Levi captures a refreshing freedom of style that makes this little volume feel like an oral history, and while Alabama Fats makes no apologies for his life as a con man, he concludes his true story with a warning for folks (especially the vulnerable elderly) to be aware that the streets are still populated with artists trained to take their money. Grady Harp, September 07

This book is a must read for those who want to climb inside the criminal mind and protect themselves from those who think that way. Keep yourself one step ahead of crooks and read this book. You'll be glad you did!

Telling it All: My Life as a Con Man is the true-life memoir of professional African-American con man "Alabama Fats", as told to author Steven Levi. Alabama Fats was a black man who made a career of working the streets and conning people out of their money, whether through a game of Three Card Molly or by posing as a Bank Agent or selling junk jewelry for far more than its true value. His talent was to sucker marks (or "lames", as he calls them) who thought they would be cheating him - often with the help of a partner. "I'm not writing this book to help the con; I'm doing it for the old people who are going to get conned, because there are lots of people just like me out on the streets." Alabama Fats is unrepentant of the cheating he did, but gives the straight scoop on the life of a scam artist, and how the nature of the con evolved from the 30's and the Great Depression to the war-torn 40's to the latter half of the twentieth century when cars became more common than trains, to the modern era of credit cards and checks, when cash isn't so easy to find on lames anymore. An utterly captivating "must-read" especially for anyone who thinks they're immune to the con. "If you are a young person reading this book, keep an eye on your mother and father and grandparents... Know who they are talking to. Con men like me will sting anyone. We don't care and the older people are the easiest to con... If you don't watch out for your parents and grandparents, they will lose it all... If they are in a nursing home and lose it all, they could end up living with you." Highly recommended.

I had the opportunity to read this book. From the moment of the first word to the very last word, the book draws you in to read more. The graphic descriptions can take you to the other side of the world and stand next to the author on his travels. You know what it was like be black during the "Jim Crow" days on the trains in the south. Granted that my 25 years never saw the ugly side of America, his visual imagery is just so vivid that I seriously think they should dump "Scarlett Letter" and place this book on the reading lists of High School Students.

I initially bought this book expecting it to be similar to the other slew of WWII books out there ( The ME-109 dove at me out of the sun with guns blazing...). Instead I got an honest account of a man who wanted to fly for his country and be treated with the same respect as any other pilot. Dryden's memories and descriptions of his voyage through training to be a pilot as well as the segregated and de-segregated Air Force are interesting and honest. Dryden't narrative is not the heart-pounding, can't-put-the-book down type but rather the story of a man who, faced with tremendous adversity from his own society and country, persevered. There is no bitterness in Dryden's story, and I put the book down tremendously impressed by his belief in himself, in his religion and his friend. It's a good book

Every young African American boy should read this book. It is an inspiration.

Charles Dryden's book forces people to see the trials and tribulations encountered by black servicemen and women during WWII. I was shocked to read about the different encounters with 'Jim Crow' that Dryden and his peers waded through during their service years. A must for anybody curious about WWII, the Tuskegee Airmen or about the fight for civil rights in America.

I meet Col. Dryden when he gave a talk about his experiences and his book. I then read the book a felt a tremendous respect for the author and all the Tuskeegee Airmen. Col. Dryden tells his personal story in a way that made me feel as though I was there with him the whole time. The challanges of blacks in America in his story left a powerful impact on me, the courage the author displayed is an insperation. A-Train is very well written and reads easily. It is an powerful story that left me feeling inadequate and ashamed to be white. I had the oportunity to meet Col. Dryden again and sought him out just to shake his hand again, knowing him from his book, it was hard to hide my emotions.

this the book to own! Jay Barker did a great job of assemebling the history. It will be a book to pass down to my two sons....opps, I forgot! I gave both of them one for Christmas.

Bought this for my dad for Christmas and he cannot stop talking about it! He loves it! I highly recommend this as a gift - the receiver will think you spent $100 for it.

This book is more than a book. It has everything you could imagine and is very well written by former alabama QB Jay Barker. I sat, totally amazed by everything in this vault for over 2 hours, reading stories, talking to my dad about games he'd been too, having travia matches with my "know-it-all" brother, and wishing I had another book for myself. This book looks great on the coffee table of my moms house and is a suitable sub for the Bible (until mom saw it there, Apparently "The Bear" isn't God after all.). If you like 'Bama football then, this book will make you love it. This is THE GIFT for the holidays or any other special occasion.

My husband is a diehard Bama fan, and this was just to be an addition to the collection he already has... But, this could be the best one yet. I was amazed at the amount of information, history, memorabilia, quality, everything. I was expecting another "book", not a scrapbook of Alabama football history. Way to go Barker!

Being an ALABAMA FOOTBALL fan I may be biased, but this is a great book nonetheless.
No other book does more in chronicling the history of football at THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA. From its humble beginnings in 1892 to the arrival of head coach Nick Saban in 2007, this book has it all.
Inside is a plethora of artifacts (recreated, of course), including but not limited to:
A program from BAMA's first football game in 1892
Tickets to historic games
1950s pennant
Period stat sheets
more...

As a child in Alabama I read all of Kathryn Windham's books. Thirteen Alabama Ghosts is a wonderful book told by a great storyteller and historian. The locations of the stories in the books are easy to find and may be visited by anyone wishing to visit. Kathryn Windham came to the college I attended in 1984 and spoke to each individual English Literature classes. She told her stories with such insight. Even though most of us already knew them, we were spellbound by her delivery. She is truly a master in the art of literature. She is a bit eccentric but very approachable, friendly, appreciative and outgoing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

I first read 13 Alabama Ghosts as a elementary school student in Alabama. In the twenty years since then, I have re-read it numerous times. The stories stay with you and provide an interesting and alternative look at Alabama's history. Since the stories involve local ghosts or haunted places, it is possible to visit these locations yourself, which makes the book all the more interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in ghosts and Alabama history.

From time to time, someone appears in our lives who holds a special place in the culture of Alabama. Those of my generation have been blessed to have Kathryn Tucker Wyndham, a great Lady of the first order, and a true state treasure. It is perhaps fitting that one finds it near impossible to place Mrs. Wyndham in a niche. She is a historian, to be sure, but she is more than that, as is evidenced by "13 Alabama Ghosts And Jeffrey", as well as her numerous other works. Long popular in Alabama, "13 Alabama Ghosts" can be enjoyed by a broad spectrum of readers, both within and without Alabama. Her skills as a writer are equally matched by her rare talent as a raconteur. Mrs. Wyndham is one of the very few authors who makes herself so accessible to the public that she literally emobodies the written works she has produced. Anyone who has ever attended the annual "Pilgrimage" in Selma can attest to Mrs. Wyndham's abilities to hold an audience in rapt attention to her tales of ghosts and such. This book is a must for those interested in a taste of a unique slice of Alabama culture, by the foremost practioner of the art. Mrs. Wyndham has produced a delightful book, one which is a significant contribution to the body of works of Alabama history. Accordingly, this reviewer highly recommends this book - as well as all of Mrs. Wyndham's books - for readers of all ages and interests.

These books were a delightful part of my childhood, I grew up in southeast Alabama and visited many of the haunted sights (the hole that wouldn't stay filled, the grave of the dancing ghost, Huntington College, et al). I recall attending a "storytelling" by Mrs. Wyndham in the 1970's, never was it more fun to be so scared!!!

I currently own CO, TX, TN, VA and now AL atlas & Gaz.
all are useful for home hunting, trying to locate a key area, etc.
don't count on this for in depth directions. but a good look at contours and gps this works.
this one isn't as good as the TX or TN version.

These are fantastic maps! I have several others, and use them quite often. I don't know of another one that will be better than this one.

All of the DeLorme Gazetteers are wonderful. We try to get one when we go to another state. The topo lines are clear and easy to read. The maps show just enough back roads to keep you from getting lost. Don't leave home without it!

This atlas is very comprehensive and adds new insight into local geography. My father-in-law lives in remote Cleburne County and visiting is always a challenge to find your way. Even he learned names for the roads he drives that are not posted anywhere but in this volume. The details are wonderful and this provides nearly all necessary maps to navigate the state.

This book has outstanding photos of the Bankhead Wilderness Area and also easy to follow trails and information. I give this book to all my hiking friends.

Beautiful photographs, informative text, impressive maps...much more than a guide book. This book will be on my coffee table for a long time.

As a picture book of the Sipsey Wilderness Area, this book cannot be beat. Not only do you get great shots of the most popular attractions in the Sipsey, but you also see pictures and read about some places that are "off the beaten path". In addition, the text describes how to find some of those same places. Finally, the authors even include GPS coordinates for many of the sites.

So why not 5 stars? The only complaint I have about this book is that I wish it were more of a guidebook and less of a picture book. Yes, the pictures are nice and the text is informative -- I just wish the authors had put a bit more effort into the text. I would have liked to read more detailed information about the various hikes and perhaps to have had more detailed maps.

Again, this is a fabulous picture book of my very favorite outdoor area and it does provide the best written descriptions and "hints" of any book I have found. You should be cautious, though, if you are buying this as a guidebook.

I live 75 miles from The Bankhead National Forest, but had no idea how beautiful it is until I read this book !! I plan to spend many hours there this Spring !!!

This was a "special find" for me. There has been a very special couple in my life & I was looking for a way to say thank you! My only child will be married this Saturday & she asked this wonderful man if he would give her away since her father is not a part of her life. Not only is he excitied, both he & his wife have been my support in planning the wedding & been there every step of the way!. They have been my very own Angels.

I have always loved the music that Alabama has produced over the years. "Angels Amoung Us" is one of their best. I've read the book now and find it just and moving and as heartrenching as the song. Tears fill my eyes in places and I know there are angels with us every day of our lives. Thanks to those who wrote the book and sang the song. It gives me hope and faith in every day.

Many years ago, when the song first came out, I was told about it, but could not find it. We had just lost a child at that time and the person felt it would mean something. Finding it this past week-end quite by chance I bought it immediatley. I've already read it several times and played the CD constantly. If your looking for "SOMETHING" and not sure what it is, this is it!! It is a very powerful book. Angels come in all shapes and sizes and do little or heroic things. Try it, you'll like it!

Reading the stories in the little book, have really made a difference in my life. I do believe there are angels among us! If you need a lift in your life...read this book and listen to the song "Angels Among Us" it will 'move' you...I promise!

"Another Generation, Almost Forgotten" is the type of book that stops you clear in your tracks and transforms you into another time where you become a witness to a man's struggles and triumphs. The struggles and triumphs are so poignant and shocking at times there is no way any human cannot be taken by the fluidity and the descriptions of the author's words. I am privileged to say that I not only know the author personally, but I know him a mentor. He has kept his promise to Mrs. Merrill and dramatically altered my life by becoming my mentor, and continuing as my friend. Jeff has been a source of insight, advice, compassion, and inspiration for me and so many others locally whom he has touched. Anyone who reads his book, which now finally is capable of reaching a global audience will forever remember, and hopefully resolve to change their behaviors because of. Jeff has spent his life trying to instill values of social integrity, and tolerance into all those he meets, and his book is a way for each and every person who considers themselves a human, to not begin if they have not already, to act like one. Take with you his guidance, and walk across a bridge that you begin to build with the strength, and the insight of his words. As Jeff has proven throughout his life, one person truly can make a difference, and in my life he really has.

"Another Generation, Almost Forgotten" is the type of book that stops you clear in your tracks and transforms you into another time where you become a witness to a man's struggles and triumphs. The struggles and triumphs are so poignant and shocking at times there is no way any human cannot be taken by the fluidity and the descriptions of the author's words. I am privileged to say that I not only know the author personally, but I know him a mentor. He has kept his promise to Mrs. Merrill and dramatically altered my life by becoming my mentor, and continuing as my friend. Jeff has been a source of insight, advice, compassion, and inspiration for me and so many others locally whom he has touched. Anyone who reads his book, which now finally is capable of reaching a global audience will forever remember, and hopefully resolve to change their behaviors because of. Jeff has spent his life trying to instill values of social integrity, and tolerance into all those he meets, and his book is a way for each and every person who considers themselves a human, to not begin if they have not already, to act like one. Take with you his guidance, and walk across a bridge that you begin to build with the strength, and the insight of his words. As Jeff has proven throughout his life, one person truly can make a difference, and in my life he really has.

"Another Generation, Almost Forgotten" is the type of book that stops you clear in your tracks and transforms you into another time where you become a witness to a man's struggles and triumphs. The struggles and triumphs are so poignant and shocking at times there is no way any human cannot be taken by the fluidity and the descriptions of the author's words. I am privileged to say that I not only know the author personally, but I know him a mentor. He has kept his promise to Mrs. Merrill and dramatically altered my life by becoming my mentor, and continuing as my friend. Jeff has been a source of insight, advice, compassion, and inspiration for me and so many others locally whom he has touched. Anyone who reads his book, which now finally is capable of reaching a global audience will forever remember, and hopefully resolve to change their behaviors because of. Jeff has spent his life trying to instill values of social integrity, and tolerance into all those he meets, and his book is a way for each and every person who considers themselves a human, to not begin if they have not already, to act like one. Take with you his guidance, and walk across a bridge that you begin to build with the strength, and the insight of his words. As Jeff has proven throughout his life, one person truly can make a difference, and in my life he really has.

This is a tale, elegant in its simplicity, that has the capacity to speak to every American about the core issues of what it truly means to be an American.

Jefferson Wiggins escaped from the horrors of the Ku Klux Klan and the pervasive poverty of rural Alabama to forge an extraordinary life as a decorated Army officer and noted educator.

Dr. Wiggins has endured experiences that others can only point to in history books. What sets this book apart is its ability to directly engage the reader on an emotional level. It is more than inspirational. It is meaningful.

It is meaningful for us to be reminded that hope is the beacon that lights the eternal path. And that young Jeff Wiggins overcame poverty, discrimination and ignorance only with the emotional and practical support of the human "angels" in his life.

Do I have a criticism? The book is too short. At less than 240 pages there aren't enough pages to turn quickly. I would have wanted to learn more about Jeff's experiences in Korea, for example, and known sommething more about Jeff the person, his friendships, habits, even his foibles during his Army and university days. I guess I will have to wait for a sequel.

A Generation Almost Forgotten is about a cause we can never forget, especially in today's troubled world. Every human being has the inalienable right to live up to his or her potential. That's Jeff's story and ours, as well.