Pennsylvania Books

As a PSU Alum, a faithful reader of Jordan Hyman's columns in the Daily Collegian during my years at Penn State and a fellow writer, this brought me right back to my voice-losing afternoons and evenings at Beaver Stadium supporting my beloved Nittany Lions. Kudos to Jordan Hyman on capturing th eessence and spirit of the greatest college football program in the nation.

The author here does an outstanding job capturing the essence of Nittany Lions football in a series of short stories, told through the eyes of some of State's most famous players/coaches to ever enter Happy Valley.

Kudos to Mr. Hyman, for attaining all the great stories inside the book. This is a must have for any Penn Stater and any college football fan in general, for that matter.

As a frequent visitor to Gettysburg, I am always on the look out for new books. And this is refreshingly unique. I bought one for myself and when my friends saw it, I had to get them a copy also. The photos are great -- some I've seen before, but many are new to me. Nasby must have done a lot of research to gather all of these great photos. Nice job....

A wonderful look back into time at the town and battlefield of Gettysburg. Detailed captions give an enlightened context to the wonderful photographs. A must have for anyone interested in the battle.

This book offers a fascinating look into the world of 1830s-era
Philadelphia and its environs. There is interesting material
here on the history of immigration, the Irish in America, railroad construction, epidemiology, ghosts and folklore. The core of the book is a story about Irish railroad workers in Chester County that was largely unknown until the authors began studying it (they obtained a historical marker for it from the Commonwealth's Historical Commission in 2004). In addition, there are interesting ghost stories that will make for better than average Halloween reading.

This remarkable new book is a must read for Irish-American history. A reconstruction of the fate of an immigrant Irish work crew who died of cholera (and possible violence) while building the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad in rural Chester County in 1832 is the main focus. The story of the tragic deaths of 57 young Irish immigrants is combined with much fascinating detail concerning Irish and Irish-American history of the time. The much neglected history of the P and C Railroad is handled very well as is the discussion of the pandemic of Asiatic Cholera in North America. There is even a evocatively described ghost story. Readable, yet scholarly, this is an incredible book.

The Book is filled with all the sweetest quotes ~ I love using them in cards and as myspace comments. The pictures are ADORABLE. I really enjoy having this book around!

This lovely book is a photo collection portraying Amish children. The photograhper established a relationship with the Amish community and took the pictures with their cooperation. Proceeds benefit a clinic for children with special needs. It's a great gift for anyone who was touched by the recent killings of Amish children to buy for themselves or friends.

I just bought this book yesterday and finished reading it today. I have to admit, I had a very hard time finding a spot in the book where I could stop and put it down! Every page made me want to read the next. Plus I don't think it could've ended more perfectly (nothing like I expected)! Without giving away too much, the ending definitely left the reader wanting more...FIVE STARS FOR THIS RELEASE!!! Cracked Dreams was good, but Godchild was GREAT!

Sylvester, a.k.a. "Boom", is a hit man who takes pride in his skill and adeptness at killing. However, when his right hand man, Ivan, ends up a casualty of war, Boom is hungry for vengeance, and, most of all, dead set on protecting the wife and daughter Ivan left behind. Boom finds a side of himself he's never seen before and one that, quite frankly, scares him to death.

GODCHILD by Michael Baptiste is a quick read, full of twists, turns, and action. The prose is casual, yet fluid, and the characters come more alive with every passing sentence. I was impressed with the smooth shifting of settings from Philly to New York, and I have to admit that I was thrown for a loop at the end. A dramatic bundle of thrills, GODCHILD was an exciting book, and I am curious to find out what comes next for these characters.

Reviewed by CandaceK
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Ken Hull has done a wonderful thing with this book. I can't rave about it enough. There are lots of travel guides out there, plenty of "Off the Beaten Path" and "Fodor's" and "See this area on a shoestring...", but this is the one you want for this great area, which is a diamond in the rough. In this case, though, the "rough" is just as beautiful as the "diamonds" it displays, and Ken understands this and celebrates it. His prose is relaxed, friendly, folksy, and fun to read, as he travels the small towns and back roads of Central Pennsylvania and shares his impressions of the cool places he's discovered. "Break the chain"!, support neighbors, bring back or sustain the places with character, and enjoy yourself this summer -- grab Ken's book, and explore what Central PA has to offer! While you're at it, check out the local indie bookstores and art galleries, too.

Going Local


"Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza."
Dave Barry

I was born naked, wet and hungry. The situation, thankfully, has improved, but I've never lost my appetite for good food. I was born lucky, because I've always found some of the best food and cooking right here in Tioga County. I love the black diamond steak at the Steak House, the French fries at the Hornet's Nest, and the mix and match six-packs you can get at Your Mama's Mug. Yep, if you want to know the best places to eat local and drink local, you ask a local. One man that has applied this wisdom to his travels is Ken Hull, author of Going Local: An Adventurer's Guide to Unique Eats, Cool Pubs & Cozy Cafés of Central Pennsylvania.

Ken Hull is a self-taught artist who resides in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. When he's not creating and painting, he likes to spend his time riding the byways and back roads of central Pennsylvania on his Harley, scouting out cool places to eat and drink. Hey, why settle for boring, cookie-cutter chain restaurants when you can eat well and eat local?

Going Local is more than a guidebook. Its part journal, travelloge, and memoir. It's about Ken's experiences as he's traveled through Central Pennsylvania, and the places he's discovered and the folks he's met along the way. He starts with the 200 year old tavern in Boalsburg and goes on to include eateries like Webster's Bookstore & Café in State College, Restless Oaks in Mcelhattan, the Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport, as well as Wellsboro's very own Wellsboro Diner. He focuses on unique places, mostly the smaller places--places with a history, a sense of self, real personality. Ken says, "My general rule is not to include any chains, `big-time' operations or really upscale restaurants, unless they possess some uniqueness, creativity, or oddities..."

Since the book is somewhat of a guidebook, Ken starts off each listing with a section called Just a Taste. Here you will find the name of the establishment, the address, contact information and other basics like price ranges, cuisine specialties, and local attractions so you can plan ahead. The book also includes a detachable map that allows you to navigate your way around and find the places he's visited and listed. Find a place you would like to visit, unfold the map, and have fun.

Ken's intention with this book is to inspire and encourage you to break away from the ordinary. Free yourself of the monotony of chains and fast food restaurants, and experience the enjoyment of independently owned eating and drinking establishments that we have in central Pennsylvania. The book is not a definitive work. There's more to discover along the wonderful roads, sweet byways, and little towns and villages. You can even find some of your own. Just use your map, ask the locals. And hit the road to discover what's around the next curve. Take the time to slow down this summer and share these experiences with family and friends, or maybe even a stranger. Have your own adventures, and maybe write your own stories as well...

Be sure to check out Ken's website for all his events. Amazon won't let me put the link up, but just google Ken Hull, or Going Local, and you should find it. This is a great book for any who loves to eat in Pennsylvania, or who will be traveling there.

Since I spent my early years in that geographic region of the country, I can understand the local lore and people descriptions. The author is right on target with both. I liked the development of the characters and local activities. The plot was well laid out and there was enough mystery and suspense to keep me turning the pages. I am ready for the sequel!

Grave Creek Connections is completely captivating and I'm only on page 102. Mr. Morris' intimate knowledge of the area and it's people put me right in the hills among his characters.

A excellent book for anyone interested in history of
Eastern, Pa.
Charles J. Adams 111 books are always well written.

I was born and raised in Abington, PA, I found this book in the local library and have since purchased it. Using actual reports from newpapers along with their rather gruesome sketches, the book is a tomb of true horror stories. For someone interested in the expansive railraod history which resides in southeastern Pennsylavina this book gives the other side of the story. One final comment, to anyone whom is willing, the sites listed in the stories are not hard to find, and are indeed frightening to image what occured so many years ago.

this is the 4th 5th, and 6th books in the Badge of Honor series. It tells the story of a big city (Philadelphia) police force, and the lives of the men involved. I live in Philadelphia, and it is really great to be able to recognize the places, and sometimes the thinly veiled caricatures of some of the city's past politicians. It's a great read, intriguing, yet a very fast and easy story. Be sure to start with the previous 3 books and read in order....you won't be disappointed.

W. E. B. Griffin (William Butterworth) is one of the true masters at creating realistic characters, with all the strengths and weaknesses, and spinning great stories around them. These three novels are books 4-6 of his Philadelphia Police series featuring Matt Payne, Peter Wohl, Jason Washington, and a recurring cast of supporting players.

Very well done. A pefect "coffee table" book. I am extremely proud of John & Marjorie Hummel (my parents), Mike Adams, & Bradley Isle for their work they did on this book. Finnally part of their extensive collection of postcards is now avaliable to be shared with everyone. Although, I may be bias through my relationship with 2 of the authors, - This book has been received with enthusiasm by everyone I have shown and they purchased a copy. This is a must have book.

If you want to know more about Grove City, Pa. and it's history, look no further. This book has wonderful pictures and great facts that I didn't know about and was excited to learn! Personally knowing the authors John and Marge Hummel (Nanny and Pop), you will not have more information. Through this book, they explain the goings on of GC. The tough times and the great times. Take your time to enjoy this book. Then, take your time to enjoy it again and again! Thank you to the editors for taking the time to write this book and publish it.