Tennessee Books

"The Origin of the Milky Way" is a collection of 26 Cherokee stories told by Davy Arch, Robert Bushyhead, Edna Chekelelee, Marie Junaluska, Kathi Littlejohn, and Freeman Owl. The stories are written as they were told by the Cherokee storytellers, so they read like poetry. The rhythms of English can sound like the Cherokee language if the stories are read aloud as they are written. The stories are divided into seven groups or chapters: Living with People, Living with Animals, Living with Plants and the Earth, Living with Spirits, Living with Monsters, Living with the Cherokee Language, and Living with the Past and Future. Some of the stories are intended to teach ways of getting along with others, while others such as The Trail of Tears teach of historical events experienced by the Cherokees.

A fascinating chapter on the Cherokee language tells of the syllabary invented by Sequoyah, a gifted Cherokee. The story of the Origin of the Milky Way is written first in English, then in phonetic Cherokee, and finally in Sequoyah's syllabary. The importance of continuing to teach the living Cherokee language as a unique cultural heritage is emphasized. The Cherokee language is related to the language spoken by the Iroquois of upper New York State and the Great Lakes region. To further aid the reader's enjoyment of the stories and learning about the Cherokee people, the book has a glossary, map of Cherokee lands, timeline of Cherokee history, and suggested further reading resources.

The charming black and white illustrations also enhance the story chapters. Also available in a hardcover format, "The Origin of the Milky Way" can be enjoyed as a delightful collection of tales to instruct children, but it is really much more than that. It contains a living history of a proud nation of very gifted people.

Nancy Lorraine
Reviewer

Everyone who collects the "best" recipes from Derby Day Dinners, Dinner on the Grounds, church homecoming or family reunion buffets will absolutely delight in this cookbook. It has all those recipes you've searched for only to discover your tattered index card with the recipe had disappeared - and your mother can't find her copy! This is a wonderful gift for those who like to bring the tastiest dish to the party and take home NO leftovers.

The Salvation Army in the United States has galvanized into an incredibly successful fund-raising and social work organization. Murdoch's work explores the historic origins of its social justice mission. His portrayal of the Booths, the husband and wife team who founded the Army, is largely sympathetic if sometimes critical. His thesis throughout this book, convincingly demonstrated, is that the Salvation Army's social work among the urban poor was not an outgrowth of successful evangelical work among these folks, but instead a substitute in light of a ministry that consistently succeeded among suburban English Methodists rather than those in the most impoverished parts of London. Murdoch creditably seeks to distance himself from the Salvation Army apologist biographers, yet a few of his own images--Ms. Booth preaching in the West End while Mr. Booth toils in the East End, seem a bit too literary (albeit sometimes the literary is also the true). Murdoch's treatment of the autocratic, nepotic nature of the early Salvation Army is not heavy-handed, and his appreciation of the Booths' desire to make a difference rather than merely form a denomination is well-portrayed. Throughout this work, the Salvation Army seems an interesting experiment in pure Wesleyanism, leading to unpredicted failures and unlooked for success. This book is a consistently interesting read about a people from a time which, though relatively recent, seems remote now.

As a Tennessee resident for 15 years, I found this book answered all my questions about this geologically diverse state. The author describes in clear text how and when each of the unique regions were formed and how they relate to each other. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Tennessee, or any student contemplating a high school or college course in geology. It is also a perfect companion to "A Geologic Trip Across Tennessee by Interstate 40" by Harry Moore. "Our Restless Earth" describes what happened, and "A Geologic Trip..." takes you there to view it and collect the evidence.

The Obed- Emory watershed is full of great paddling opportunites for every skill level. This book enables paddlers to get the most from a visit to the Cumberland Plateau area. The guide is accurate, and manages to be entertaining to read at the same time. Organization is excellent, the guide lists trips in order from hardest to easiest.

This book was an excellent read. It was extremely informative.
I grew up in Park City however, I learned so many facts about the area that I didn't know.
Becky French did a wonderful job in writing this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the past.

This was my stepfather's grandfather and his namesake. So this became very personal for me. He gives great detail of what was going on in his time, mentions very many names of persons in the congregations he served through the years. Also much commentary of those ministers attending conferences. There are so many personal insights into his life and those around him, including the poisoning of his own infant by a nanny too busy to bother with a crying infant. It is historic as well as philosophical, so it is a bit of a dry read, but well worth the effort. Amazing how the early church was organized and administered. I think anyone involved in ministry would find it inspiring.

Martinez here summarizes the literature on bateyes and the Dominican sugar industry, which is primarily in Spanish or unavailable to audiences in the US.

There are other books that deal directly with immigration from Haiti from a political, human rights, or folklore perspective. This book explains the mechanics of haitian immigration to bateyes and relates it to the body of theory about immigration and transnationalism. It's a narrow subject, but if you, like me, have a strong connection to the rural poor of the eastern half of a small island relatively close to Miami, or if you are interested in immigration as a social phenomena, you should find this to be fascinating reading. The key questions for him are about who immigrates to the DR and why.

If the subject of migration theory doesn't really excite you, but you're still interested in Haitian cane cutters in the DR, the bibliography will be immensely useful for you in assembling your own study. Kicks journalistic interpretations (c.f. Michelle Wucker) in the pants, and short of sitting in the library of El Museo Del Hombre Dominicano in Santo Domingo, it's probably the best place to start if you want to understand bateyes and a bit of the context of Haitian labor in the DR.

"In researching for a parenting book that would help me to instill leadership principles in our four sons, as well as the writing students I teach, I found this book to be an invaluable resource. When I first read Russ Rogers' statement about getting rid of the rules, I thought, 'Oh sure!' By the time, I finished reading the chapter, I wholeheartedly agreed that we need to address the 'heart' rather than trying to regulate with more rules. Our government could learn a few things! His down-to-earth examples of life with his own family and business dealings were a great help! I appreciated former Secretary of State Haig's statement that leadership and character can be developed by study and example. Curtis Zimmerman shared how to spot a true leader: 'Look within your circle of influence, find the "real people" whom you respect, who aren't multitasking you, who look at you when you talk and give their undivided attention, and who fully engage in life.' Couldn't we all learn from that? The applications of this book can range from parenting to education to businesses to our national government! Truly, a useful book!" --Tamera McFaddin, Teacher, wife and mom to four sons/future leaders
The 17 Laws of Parenting

I couldn't believe what I was reading! It is astounding and well-written. Phillips offers a completely objective perspective on the most shocking history imaginable for a town such as Bristol. "Pioneers" offers a glimpse into a world that was in our region and remains ignored. The corrupt, the fights, the evolution of a town and the ghosts of the past remain in the minds of many. It's apparent that Phillip's desire to retain the colorful history of the region will continue to amaze and fascinate new generations.