Missouri Books

While William Frank (Farmville Herald 12-22-00) speaks of the undeniable "moral content" in Lund's "novel of initiation," this reader, on the other hand, would argue that the novel fits more comfortably in the genre of the Antibildungsroman, a niche in the literary cavalcade heretofore filled by a few notable works, most prominent of which would be The Tin Drum of Gunter Grass. Here, Mark Landon, the midwestern Everyyouth, is enveloped by a repressive sexual environment which conspires against his sensual enlightenment in such an overpowering manner that his growth (or non-growth, as with Grass' Oskar) is best described as a hopeless status of sexual cluelessness until it flowers in--or, better yet, bumbles into--the unexpected climax described on pp. 256-58.

Lund's humorous conclusion, hinted at as early as the introduction, lends credence to the assumption that Landon will not change in any palpable way, but, unlike Oskar, whose stunted overall growth was at least partially compensated by a sexual development nonpareil, will remain largely unenlightened until the dawning of his middle age, when a belated epiphany of what had been going on around him his whole life finally sinks home at a time at which, ironically, he's too old to do much about it. The novel, however, does hint at the relevance of several as yet unexplored fields in Landon's life, such as his war experience and his subsequent embrace of the mysteries of Anglicanism.

Perhaps, an implied sequel will reveal whether this Everyyouth does at some belated point develop into an Everyman, and might also provide answers to such burning questions as whether Marcia Terrell, the novel's Everygirl and a refreshingly original character, overcomes the burdens of the same repressive environment by taking Route 66 to some pre-Title-IX form of the WNBA, or some other road equally appropriate for a liberated daughter of the American Midwest. We will wait and see.

If given the choice, I suspect that most people wouldn't really want to go back and relive those tumultuous, confusing years of adolescence. But wouldn't it be great if you could do it, knowing what you now know as an adult? You'd probably worry a little more about a few things, a lot less about most things, and you'd certainly have a lot more fun! That's what writer Michael Lund has done through his first novel, "Growing Up on Route 66." We get to experience all the intimate thoughts, embarrassing situations, comedic escapades, and triumphs of teenager Mark Landon and his friends, through the eyes of the adult Mark. Some things have changed since the 50s, and perhaps today's teenagers, sadly enough, aren't quite as naive as Mark. But his struggles and questions are still universal, and you'll have a great time reliving your own adolescence as you read about Mark's experiences. I wish I had known what those guys were thinking when I was Mark's age, and as the mother of two teenaged boys, I think I understand them a lot better after reading this book!

I just finished this book, and it is outstanding. Jim McGhee covers every Missouri unit that organized for Confederate service. Units of all three branches of service are covered here, from regiments all the way down to independent companies. The book is limited to Confederate units; see Sterling Price's Lieutenants for information on State Guard units. The book is organized by branch of service (all artillery units in one section, then cavalry and infantry).

There are many strengths to this book. I liked the format. Each unit has a narrative section, covering unit organization and service. There is also a listing of field officers, and a listing of commanders of each company and county of primary origin, when known. I knew quite a bit about the reorganizations of the regiments in the 1st and 2nd Missouri Brigades, but there were numerous renumberings and reorganizations/consolidations of many other Missouri units, and McGhee makes sense of it all. In addition, a bibliography is provided for each unit, plus a bibliography of more general sources at the end.

Bottom line: if you have a serious interest in the Trans-Mississippi Theatre, the Western Theatre, and/or the contributions of Missouri units to the Confederacy, this excellent reference should be on your shelf.

Well, Jim's done it. Not only has he produced a research tool so many of us have needed and wanted - he's also provided a volume that's fun to pick up and just wander through. It flows so well that you might forget it's a guidebook.

The unit histories are just dandy, each with its own bibliography, and the weaving of units together through reorganizations amidst the chaos of war is done seamlessly, artfully. An unexpected bonus was the collection of Missouri Confederate images, including a couple I'd never seen.

This work is a real accomplishment, but we've come to expect that from this author.

This is one of the funnest books I've ever read. It is surprisingly different. Horvath makes fun of religion, would-be intellectuals, kids with dreams, even bed-ridden Uncle Treacle who is hauled around bed and all in the back of a pickup. The people in this book are always on the look-out for ways to cheat each other to fulfill their own dreams. The main character, Betty, is remarkably self-centered (so conceited she reminded me of myself). Underneath all the nastiness, which is tempered with a biting wit, these people are kindly. The characters all have their dreams and in the end all their dreams are validated--Gretel's even comes true. A very upbeat book though it's easy to see that trouble lies ahead. The characters are frightening real and lovable in spite of--maybe because of--their flaws.

Uncanny--I independently came to the same reminiscence as the writer of the BOOKLIST review. Here is what characterizes THE HAPPY YELLOW CAR: raucous slapstick reminiscent of Wallace Beery and Marjorie Main (Ma and Pa Kettle). But it is also so much more.

Polly Horvath's wordsmithery glows with a warmth that is precisely and charmingly choreographed much like an Astaire and Rogers routine. What adverbs! What picturesque description!

In this "fractured" fairy tale, the wacky Grunt family in depression era, rural Missouri provides a touching opportunity to reflect on the vitality of goalsetting as well as to be thankful for the occasions when you can encounter the Aunt Lollys of the world in print versus in person!

Polly Horvath is so much fun! I'm working my way back to her earlier books while I await the release this year (2005) of a book to be entitled, THE VACATION!

* The simile is Polly Horvath's and occurs
in chapter 5 of THE HAPPY YELLOW CAR.

This wonderful book is "a must," not just for hikers but also for nature lovers. More than an accurate and detailed guide, the book affords readers lush visual imagery through the descriptions of a skilled writer who, without doubt, loves the trails he treads.

I have been enjoying canoeing, kayaking, and camping in Missouri all my life, but every page of this book told me something I didn't know about my favorite state. This book is guaranteed to make the reader start making trip plans. This is a great gift book because it is a catalyst to further adventure.

I haved lived in St. Louis for most of my life, yet I never knew there were so many beautiful parks hiding within our city. After reading "Hiking St. Louis", I feel as though I have made a new discovery right underneath my nose. The hiking trail directions and maps will make it easy for me to find these nearby treasures and enjoy them during their best seasons. I look forward to pulling out those old hiking boots this upcoming Fall season.

This trail guide is so easy to follow. It gives just a little history of an area and then exact and detailed directions of each trail. This book is for a local and tourist or newcomer to the area. I loved Cliff Cave Park and the overlook of the Mississippi river, which I had always wanted to find. And I loved Belle Fountaine and Coldwater Creek with the Wpa ruins and giant staircase. The overlook there was spectacular too. I am discovering so many new places and some of the harder trails I have been shown how to make them easier. Ellisville has a very interesting trail system, on which I took my bike, being a paved trail, but mostly wooded. I love the information about available restrooms, suggested seasons difficulty of trails, etc. I will purchase this inexpensive book for many of my friends, relatives, and business partners because there is so much valuable information about the wooded trails all within the St. Louis area and it is in the format of a hiker-friendly book that is easy to carry.

This book changed my mind. This is a excellent, balanced, and scholarly analysis of the literature and the decision making concerning the use of the atomic bombs. It thoroughly debunks the standard revisionist myths: of Japan being willing to surrender, the expected light US casualties, and the unwelcome nature of the Soviet entry into the war in the Pacific.

This book systematically undermines the arguments of the main anti-bomb proponent, Gar Alperowitz, who is exposed as someone who manufactured evidence to fit his argument.

Essential reading for anyone interested in the topic.

An eye-opening, informative, and well-researched discussion of the issues with excellent suggestions for further reading. A bit pricey, but very much worth the price.

In 1990, while working in the Missouri Historical Society, I came across an accession card referring to the flag of the Missouri Brigade. The flag apparently had not been well cared for and was nothing remained but tatters wrapped around a staff. But the description of a rampant tiger was thrilling.

In the years that followed, I became very interested in the accomplishments of this fabled Confederate Brigade. As many know, there are scarce books about the Missouri Brigade. Well Gottschalk's book redresses this more than adequately.

The volume covers the entire history of the Missouri Brigade from its inception as part of the Missouri Home Guard to it's bloody end at Franklin.

It is the definitive accounting of one of the "Orphan Brigades" of the Southern Confederacy. And truly, the Missouri Brigade fought with courage and competence throughtout the maelstrom of the American Civil War.

It remains one of the most cherished volumes in my Civil War Library. Add it to yours today!

An outstanding piece of work. Gottschak's effort is heavily researched, well written and very readible. This book covers the formation and combat history of the 1st Missouri Brigade (CSA) during the Civil War, and is richly detailed throughout. Highly reccomended for anyone interested in the often obscure and overlooked western battles of our Civil War.

Triplet is eloquent, wrote vividly, and an unervingly visceral tongue for a writer. His acerbic tone and honesty was quite refreshing and even unsettling. His life experience is a tribute to the American race.

I just loved those goofy Filipino stories Triplet told. I have heard about the actions these Filipinos guerillas did back in WW2, but not what happened during their down times, or more importantly their civil life after the war. Here's a story of their lives from an American officer in charge.

In The Philippines And Okinawa: A Memoir, 1945-1948 is the third volume of the autobiography of Colonel William S. Triplet. It completes his personal story by recounting the American occupations after World War II. From overseeing the temporary burial of thirteen thousand U.S. servicemen to rounding up Japanese holdouts who refused to believe the war was ended, In The Philippines And Okinawa is a powerful, dramatic, first-hand look at the dawn of a new history arising from the horrors and heroism of World War II. A very highly recommended contribution to military history collections dedicated to the aftermath of the war in the Pacific.

For a small town, Branson, MO and its environs has so much you can't even begin to tap it with a full two weeks' vacation there. You'd be advised to have some help. "The Insiders' Guide to Branson" offers that help so you can make the best and most efficient use of your vacation money and time. Whether it's the shows and other entertainment, eating, shopping, daytrips, or investing in some local land buys, the "Guide" provides interesting, entertaining, and helpful information by two witty local insiders who live there. I can't imagaine anyone going to vacation to Branson without this book.

This book is absolutely fantastic! It is the most complete guide book on Branson I have ever read. I would highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Branson. The chapter about the Shows was very informative as well as entertaining. I loved the chapters on shopping and the lakes. I wouldn't plan a trip to Branson without first consulting my Insiders' Guide.

THE INSIDERS' GUIDE TO ST. LOUIS is a great book for anyone interested in domestic travel. This book tells you where to find the most enjoyable attractions on both the Missouri and Illinois sides of the St. Louis metroplex, and also tells you where to get the best- and healthiest- food to eat. There is also a long discussion of different neighborhoods, as well as a section on both childhood and post-secondary education. The radio station list is also comprehensive. True, there is nothing about the area's shopping malls, but that's a minor quibble, as this is a great book that almost anyone can enjoy.

We used this book on a recent trip to St. Louis, and it was extremely helpful. I particularly liked how it devoted an entire chapter to traveling with children in St. Louis - so we were able to choose family friendly restaurants throughout our stay. I also noticed that some listings were repeated in different places throughout the book, so it was less likely that you would miss something if you looked in the "wrong" place. (eg. family friendly restaurants were also listed in the general restaurants chapter)

I would recommend this guide to anyone planning a short or extended stay in the area.