South Carolina Books

"Ocracokers" describes the people, the village, and the island of Okracoke on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It's about as isolated a place as can be found in the eastern United States, still reachable only by ferry. Traditionally, a few hundred people eked out a living on the island by fishing, piloting vessels, and salvaging wrecked vessels -- of which there were plenty in the treacherous waters off Cape Hatteras. Blackbeard the pirate raided in these waters. In recent decades, Ocracoke has become a tourist destination, but it's still relatively unspoiled by the standards of ticky-tacky beach resorts. Most of the island is now a National Park

The author, a high school teacher, is a descendant of the early residents of Ocracoke and he interlaces stories of his own experiences with interviews of old-timers, historical accounts, and descriptions of present day (1980s) trends and issues. His chapter-long account of his mullet fishing expedition with a pair of old time fishermen is superb. He has chapters on hunting, churches, the school (94 students from K to 12), hurricanes, and history including World War II and the growth of tourism. He also devotes a full chapter to a bittersweet interview with the matriarch of the only African-American family on the island.

"Ocracokers" is a complete and authoritative account of life in a small unique community. The text is enhanced by black and white photographs, mostly of people, and maps of the village and island, although a better map showing places mentioned in the text would be welcome. It's worth your time to read the book and to visit Ocracoke.

Smallchief

This book stands out amongst all the publications of its kind for the good taste with which it was written and the nobility of its purpose. It intends to illuminate your darkening path, lonely traveler, and will take you to the ancient Salem, even if you never step upon it.

If you are a Scottish Rite Mason and were impressed with the degree work through which you went, you will be amazed to find how far we are from our historical ritualistic roots.

If you are a Scottish Rite Mason of the Southern Jurisdiction, then you are doubtlessly aware of Albert Pike's revision of these rituals. After reading this, you may think he should have left them alone.

These rituals are not for the faint of heart. The 30th Degree as exposed in this book which made the hair stand up on my arms! I also enjoyed unapoligetic Christian nature of the 18th Degree, something made less obvious and/or purposely obscured by Pike in his revisions. (Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Pike fan, but these rituals are, in my opinion, in no way inferior to what he put forward and which are now the basis of ritual work in the Southern Jurisdiction.)

Highly recommended reading for those interested in the evolution of Masonic thought and practice...

"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

Enjoy mountain vistas along Blue Ridge Parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains, a dawn's early light of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, gaze at the Whitewater Falls, highest waterfall of the East of 411 feet, and be awed by 5,000 pipes of the Duke University Chapel's organ. If you are an avid hiker, you will be delighted with the jagged crest of Grandfather Trail on Grandfather Mountain. Or a whitewater rafter will enjoy the photography of Nantahala River with its Class I, II, and III rapids plus many more nature lover spots.

History buffs will love the photographs of George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore House, largest private home-four acres in size, in Asheville; the Oconaluftee Indian Village; and, The Elizabeth II Sir Walter Raleigh's vessel that he used in his voyage to the New World. Many more historical photographs are included. In addition you will also find lovely photographs of wildlife, flowers and many other interesting landmarks.
About the Photographer:

Kevin Adams photography credits include: North Carolina's Best Wildflower Hikes, Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina Waterfalls, Wildflowers of the Southern Applachians, and Waterfalls of Virginia and West Virginia. Adams, member of North American Nature's Photography Association, has received the following awards:

* In 1995, the North Carolina Year of the Coast Award
* In 1996, the North Carolina Year of the Mountains Award
* In 1998, North Carolina Zoological Park

Opinion by Reviewer:

North Carolina, my state (transplanted from Texas), with lots of wonderful, wonderful photographs for any reader's enjoyment. A great coffee table book to show your friends and relatives. These vistas are as breath-taking and splendid as the photography in Our North Carolina and I can personally attest to that! All will enjoy this collection of Southern beauty.

Aline Helg does an excellent job of outlining for her readers the conditions in Cuba, 1886-1912, which became the foundation for the rise and fall of the Partido Independiente de Color en Cuba. This organization, among the first Black parties in the new world, is a vital part of the historty of cuba as well as the history of africans in the americas. The book is written in a clear and concise form that makes it easy to grasp/follow and enjoyable, while simultaneously being highly informative. Helg's book is the answer for those interested in this segment of history and its implication on race in contemporary Cuba. It is the only answer for spanish-impaired folks who do not have access to Tomas Fernandez Robaina's El Negro en Cuba until it is translated. Enjoy the read, Prof. T.R.L. Patterson's students at SUNY Binghamton sure did.

This book is absolutley wonderful. It will make you feel like you are right there in the OUTER BANKS, of North Carolina
Steve Alterman does a tremdous job of trying to capture the essence of the OUTER BANKS.
Perfect coffee table book

A great little book. The photos are interesting, with a good mix, and I really loved the historical tidbits that were included. It's nice to have some context with the images.

This very informing pocket companion is an essential guide when visiting the Outer Banks.

From famous places to see to more obscure spots in the area it relates with clarity and an obvious insiders knowledge all this incredible part of the USA has to offer to the seasoned or family travler

After watching both POTC Movies and reading all the N. Sparks' books. This is a great book to complement both genre about the east coast of North Carolina. I bought one for .77 and read it daily during silent reading in my English Class that I team teach with. Buy a used book, great summer reading.