Missouri Books

The book will paint vivid images in your mind of heart warming tales that are not just circumstantial; rather inspirational.

"And God Answered," is inspiring and fun reading, spanning most of the 1900's as Jean Bell Mosley shares vignettes of her growing up on a farm and small community in southeast Missouri with a three-generation family who gave love and guidance through example that carried her through into adult life. A great book to enjoy, looking back, knowing that good can triumph. A good book to give to your mother, aunt, friend who will enjoy remembering.

The right to defend one's country isn't something that wasn't always permitted black Americans. In "The Black Citizens Soldiers of Kansas 1864-1901" Roger D. Cunningham tells the story of black Americans during the second half of the nineteenth century and the segregated military units that many of these black soldiers proudly served in. Even for those who fought, bled, and died gallantly in military service to their country, it took a long time for the American Government to make up for its folly of having originally disallowed their service at all. A work of impressively detailed and original scholarship, Cunningham brings his research to bear in describing the lives and efforts of these valiant soldiers who fought for a country that hated them -- only because it was their own. "The Black Citizen Soldiers of Kansas 1864-1901" is a fine read and a recommended addition for academic library Military History, American History, and Civil Rights Studies collections.

First of all, a disclaimer. My grandfather, Horace Baker, wrote this book, so its interest to me is probably more than to most. This book was originally printed in 1927 and saw very limited distribution. Contrary to what Amazon says, Dr. Ferrell is not the author. However, what Dr. Ferrell did do for this reprint was to add some pertinent endnotes to link my grandfather's close (and sometimes incorrect) view of what was happening to the bigger picture of the Meuse-Argonne battle. Also, some helpful maps and a few photos have been added as well. About the text itself: Horace Baker's text begins on arrival at the front and ends with the armistice. It is well written with a simple, usually matter-of-fact style. There are a few purple passages but they do not distract too much from the facts and there are even a few bits of humor. It is very readable and flows easily.

The recurring themes are the same that sadly occur thoughout most wartime experiences: exhaustion, hunger, exposure to the elements, fear, and violent death.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has serious interest in The Great War. I also recommend Dr. Ferrell's book "America's Deadliest Battle: Meuse-Argonne, 1918" as a companion to this in order to understand what was happening on a larger scale.

Ms. Grant's book has taken us on a sentimental journey and we feel as though we've found again a long-lost friend, one who has come full circle with the ability to historically collaborate and creatively communicate their journey. At The Elbows Of My Elders is a poignantly sweet and straightforward piece which gives us a vision of earlier life for African-Americans on the horizon of "..a Dream" yet never letting us forget that privilege carries with it a price, one of responsibility and continuing the work of our ancestors who have laid the path before us. We hope to hear more from this author in the future again and again "rubbing" elbows.

At The Elbows of My Elders: One family's Journey toward Civil Rights, reads like a movie. The main characters, David M. Grant and Mildred H. Grant are seen from childhood in the early decades of the 20th century to middle class working people in the later decades of the century.

Because of the strong families they came from, they were catalysts, participants and witnesses to the defeat of Jim Crow in St. Louis, MO and other Black communities all over the US.

I enjoyed the book because my father was a direct contemporary of David Grant and suffered under the very constraints that Mr. Grant fought so long to overcome.

This is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand how things have changed, yet have remained the same over the last almost 108 years.

To put it in context, a bright young man was lucky to get a job as a porter, waiter or some other subserviant position that he could lose at any time. Fast forward to today when an African American has a good chance to be elected President of the United States.

Even though there are problems that still plauge people of color in America, this history gives insight into the preliminary efforts and struggles endured by a community that was rich with people of considerable talent and tenacity and intelligence.

If you are interested in the social forces that have shaped people like Obama, At the Elbows of My Elders will shed light on how it happened.

I was part of the original crew aboard the Missouri from Commissioning Day, June 11, 1944 until March, 1946 as a Radioman in the CR Division. Paul Stillwell did an outstanding job of giving an accurate account of dates and places involving the USS Missouri from the first bolt installed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard until the present time. I use this book quite often to refresh my memory of the exact dates of various things that happened while I was aboard. I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing an accurate history of the USS Missouri = BB63.

Perhaps I am a bit prejudice since I am also one of the contributors to the book. Before retiring from Civil Service (Navy) I was the configuration manager for the reactivations of the four Battleships. I was familiar with the author's previous works and was very impressed with his attention to the personal stories of the ships. After retirement, I was then free to provide the author any and all personal knowledge of the ship's reactivation period at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. Paul selected the best memories I documented and included them superbly into the book. The author does not go into the technical aspects as to how a Battleship is built, leaving that up to other authors more inclined to include how many rivets were driven, etc. Though I wish he had the space to include the TRUE story of the origin of the cracked armor panel in the turret of barbette III. No, it was NOT caused by the grounding in Hampton Roads but was a heat treating surface fracture that occured during manufacture. But technical manuals are not the author's style and I am glad they are not. After all, a ship is really the culmination of dedicated and skilled human beings who built her and the ship's success is the dedication and bravery of the men who sailed her. Paul Stillwell brings this human interest across very well. And, I'm sorry, but I did not buy the book. I was sent an autographed copy by the author which I will treasure forever. Richard A. Landgraff. DREADNAUGHT CONSULTING. Long Beach, Ca.

THE BEAUTIFUL AND ENDURING OZARKS not only looks like the Ozarks, it has the feel of it. I live there. Ozark rivers are photographed in their best light. The region's folklore is integrated into the text. Really high quality book and true to its title. Perhaps the best flavor of the Ozarks in book form I've seen.

Anyone who loves the Ozarks will be touched and moved by Leland Payton's photographs, which capture the hills, plains, parks, towns and people of the place in all of their rugged, yet fragile beauty. Books of regional photography often feature dirt-dry text, but not this one! Mr. Payton's brief history of the Ozark landscape is fresh, easy to read and full of interesting ideas. As an added bonus, he has included images from antique postcards and tour books, not to mention photos of wonderful vintage hillbilly souvenirs! This book is almost as much fun to explore as the Ozarks themselves.

What a fabulous guide to campsites in the state of Missouri. The guide was so helpful, user friendly and honest! We did not run into loud music nor any RV's at the campsites we chose. I am only hopefull that this guide is made for every state!

As the title suggests, this book is an EXCELLENT resource if you, like me, love to find the beautiful, out-of-the-way, quiet places to camp away from the RV crowds. I found this book in my local library, and checked it out 3 times for trips to Missouri, and now have finally purchased my own copy.

Each trip I was able to use this book to plan my itinerary in advance, pick exactly the places I wanted to camp and even the best campsites, as well as the hiking and other activities I wanted to do while in the area. With each campground featured you get a good idea of what makes that spot special, a detailed description (and map) of the campground so you can select the site that best fits your tastes, and a description of hiking trails and natural features to check out in the area. There are good directions, and side bars that summarize the details: cost, number of campsites, facilities available, contact and reservation info, etc.

This is a book I will use again and again as I camp!

Bissell Point ranks in my Top 10 books I have read - it provides great insights into St. Louis river city history that makes living here even better. Missouri Smith provides a wonderful mix of history and story that makes you feel like you're living the story with the characters. His storytelling makes for an amazingly quick read whose only disappointment comes when the last page leaves you wishing the story would continue on indefinitely.

Bissell Point is an enlightened, superbly written, captivating account of life in America in the 1800's. The reader is immediately swept into the exciting trials of living on the Mississippi, in the new territory of St. Louis, Missouri. It includes historical references familiar to all -- Daniel Boone, Ulysses Grant, the Dred Scott case, Missouri Compromise, Native American tribes, the Gold Rush, Pony Express, etc. Insightful, open-minded perspective of living in a world with Indians, slaves, freemen, political intrigues, school, corrupt politicians, and pandemic disease (cholera). It tells how justice was meted out via guns, fights, political graft, coercion, corruption, and divine intervention -- Some things never change. Compelling, enthralling, full of information and wonderful stories. Though I read it for pleasure, as a teacher, I strongly recommend this book for all Middle and High School students.

Russell displays a finely crafted, poetic approach to writing. His complex storyline draws a reader in and evokes emotional responses usually limited to personal experience. The clairity of the various voices, coupled with the darkly passionate rendition of Vermont life, marks Russell as a writer to watch.

I was especially impressed with the cover art, which is very inspiring and indicative of his passionate understanding for the interplay between man and woman.

Indicates trends, Branson has re-invented itself,doesnt want to lose to Myrtle Beach

I bought this book for my grandmother, who loves country music and who has visited Branson, for her birthday. She absolutely loved it! The pictures in the book are really colorful and fun to look at. I recommend this book for hard-to-shop-for friends and relatives, especially country music lovers.

Brier Country catches the spirit of today's Appalachia. Palencia does not depend on historical nostalgia; rather she depicts the interweaving of traditions and the modern world, showing both their tensions ands their harmony. She has a talent for the exact word and rhythm of words. She can combine humor and horror in a character such as the college president in "Man on Horseback" or a situation as in "Briers". She writes memorable lines and creates scenes I shall never forget. Would that every reader could enjoy these stories.

Memorable stories; memorable characters. "Guard Your Man" is one of the best women's sports stories I've ever read. "The Three Graces" is one of the most moving father/daughter stories I've ever read. This writer seems deeply grounded in the best classical 19th century U.S. short story tradition and at the same time completely modern. Her prose is gorgeous. I love when a writer writes with respect and insight about characters and places often treated satirically by pseudosophistacated urban provincials. This is a really terrific book. If you like short stories, read it; if you are interested in Appalacia, read it; if you like good writing, read it. My congratulations to this author.