Crackers Books

This different view of the Vietnam War is filled with adventure, the danger, and the hardwork on the part of a young soldier and a German Shepard. The author's method of telling the story from two points of view adds to the knowledge of the war experience. What a surprise to learn that the dogs were not brought home again after their time in Vietnam! Luckily Cracker's fate was positively different.

This is book for children. I should have known this because Kadohata has written several children's books (Newberry Award on some of them) and the story line is appropriate for children, not deep enough for adults. The happy ending, although I'm not sure it could have happened that way considering the rules that the military enforced at that time (Vietnam War), could only be appropriate for children.

The rules have changed since this book was written, though, and I wonder if the change of rules would have made for any kind of story compelling enough to write a book about.

For a kid that has dyslexia this was a wonderful buy. He is beginning to love to read again... And this book helped.

I got this book for my 11 year old after he requested it at a book fair where they wanted 5.40 more for it and was thrilled to find it less here. Although, when I got it I figured it was a kids book, I found that after picking it up out of curiousity I enjoyed it too. The switching between the soldier and the dog thoughts are very smooth and the portrayal of a soldier and his relationship with a K9 I felt was pretty much dead-on. I like that they portrayed an era of history with a story but still stuck to reality. Happy Reading!

Cracker is a terrific story about one of the unsung heroes of the Vietnam War, namely the K9's. It's great the way the author has written from both the soldier and the dog's point of view. It's also great to see that war dogs are finally getting some attention. This book also introduces the Vietnam War to a new generation of kids. The war and the dogs that saved so many lives should never be forgotten. Anyone interested in another war dog historical fiction--this time a World War II real war dog hero should try Chips a Hometown Hero. Chips: A Hometown Hero Both of these books are great for any dog lover's collection!

Lawrence Scott is a full-time police officer in Florida who loves to fish and write. He has a bachelor's degree in History from the University of Florida. He is a street cop with fifteen years of experience. He has also been a marine police officer. He is someone who knows the ocean, and knows crime.

Morgan Ponce's nickname is Cracker for his Minorcan heritage, which is the name for the Spanish who came to Florida. He has connections with the ancient conqueror Ponce de Leon, who established the colony known as America's oldest city, St. Augustine. Morgan is a dedicated homicide detective who drinks and fishes to provide a psychological barrier to the horrors he witnesses in the line of duty. But the biggest shock is yet to come, when a young and influential congressman and his wife are found brutally murdered on their yacht, the Majority Rules. Ponce and his partner, Nicky, find themselves in the line of ruthless murderers as they try to unravel this puzzling murderer, and their prime suspect is the victim's father himself:

"Morgan said to Nicky, 'So, we got a father who knows details of his son's murder, but won't tell us how he knows.' Morgan went on. 'We got witnesses reportedly seeing a Mako center console with blue writing on it, a T-top, and three men aboard her.' Nicky then said, 'We got three dockhands at Jordan's estate that look like ex-Navy SEALS, all of whom are trained extensively in hand-to-hand killing-not to mention the gun racks in the Mako.'"

Cracker Cop is a straightforward, entertaining tale of murder told from a police procedural perspective. Scott adds a healthy dose of interpersonal relationships affected by Morgan's line of work...his divorce, the fact that he doesn't see his kids as often as he would like, a new love, and the anguish he feels when his partner lands in the hospital after a murder attempt on his life. The backdrop of St. Augustine and Scott's obvious love of the ocean and fishing makes all of us readers wish we were out there on the ocean watching him engage in one of his passions. The new love in Cracker's life...Dr. Loretta...is sweet and satisfying. Overall, Cracker Cop is an top-notch read from a romantic guy who has a lot of heart, and is a respectable addition to the genre.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Lawrence Scott has penned a gripping detective story which takes place in America's oldest city, St. Augustine. From the very human lead character, detective, Morgan Ponce, to the surprise ending, this is an excellent read. It is easily compared to works by James Lee Burke or John D. MacDonald. When the son of a rich and famous politician and his wife were found brutally murdered, Detective Ponce finds himself in a little over his head. He has to investigate this mob style "hit" and becomes a target himself. The murders had occurred on a luxury yacht and Detective Ponce has to find out who did it and why. Unfortunately, there was little evidence, no witnesses and he was met with resistance everywhere he looked. As he and his partner sift through the morass of information, it becomes evident that some very important people and corporations are involved in a high level conspiracy. This is a must read!

H. Steven Robertson, Author of "Ranch Boy."

Cracker Cop grabs you from the begining and keeps a hold on you. This book reveals some of the "hidden history" of the Nation's oldest city and combines it with the mostly unknown world of criminal investigation.
Furthermore, "Cracker Cop" is richly textured with personal details of the world of police work that only someone with intimate knowledge of the field would have.
I'm looking forward to the next book!

A great thriller from begining to end. I cant wait to read about Detective Ponce's further adventures.

I loved this book! It was so cool reading about my adopted hometown, and
recognizing the places mentioned (even if they were thinly disguised -
too bad about the spoilsport potential lawsuit crazies!)

OK, Larry, you gotta give us another fix -soon. Will Morgan and Loretta get
together again? Will Morgan ever get to go fishing again? Will Nicky
recover and once again become part of the dynamic Old City duo? Will the
Lieutenant ever acknowlege Morgan's brilliance? Will Morgan's kids grow
up and realize what a cool dad they have? Will St. Augustine's
Finest solve another crime? Come on - don't make us wait too long!

Reading Cracker's Mule was like listening to my father. It took me to a time when I would sit in Daddy's lap and hear him tell the tales of his childhood. Billy Moore takes the country between Alabama and Florida he and my father both live in and gave it the only voice it could have--an honest one. I am privileged to have had the chance to work alongside Billy Moore, and even happier that he wrote this story. I cannot wait to read Little Brother, Real Snake.

I laughed out loud in several parts...the roaches in the foot washing tub. Cracker's blind mule opened my eyes to a flawed yet wonderful world that I did not want to leave.

My husband and I both enjoyed reading Cracker's Mule. This book reminded my husband of the many hours he spent at the livestock auctions with his uncle. This is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages. Cracker's Mule is a book that kids can read and see how kids back in the fifties enjoyed life without tv, cd's, and video games. This book will have you in stitches. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Hope there will be a Cracker's Mule Two soon. Great job Billy Moore!

What a refreshing book. It brought back found memories of being reaised in the South!!!!
I will recommend it as good reading for book reports to my class.
...
Thanks,
Barbara Forte

Cracker's Mule is an enjoyable read for all ages. It illicits a wide range of emotional responses from tears to rib-splitting laughter. Cracker's Mule provides a look at the time when life was simpler, when relationships were built with time and care, when life was more closely tied to the land, and when kids did not get "bored" with summer.

Having had the forune of being born and raised in Florida's...pre theme park era, I have had the luxury of experiencing an evolving FLORIDA.

Jon Kral's photo journalistic approach to capturing a little known, and almost forgotten quality of Florida is remarkable. Not only for the absolute thought provoking images, but what they represent...where we are from...and where we are going.

From the images of the Kissimmee round up and cattle drive, to those of a lone horseman at the end of the day...one is left with a new sense of what the true Florida was...and remains today.

The images range from brutally honest, to surrealistic, yet each conveys it's message clearly...provoking the human spirit and emotion.

This approach to a "land forgotten" should be high on one's list to view. Jon Kral touches not only the meaning of the past...but how it drives the future.

Jon Kral has created a beautiful picture story of the life of the Florida "Cracker". Words are not necessary when the picures tell the story, Kral has insight into the life of the cowboy, and it is obvious that he loved every minute of photgraphing the men at work and at home. He put the book together with love of each and every picture. Readers will be surprised and amazed at the cattle country in Florida. We forget that there is more to this state than Walt Disney and Interstate Highways. This book will make the reader want to take a car trip to the Cowboy Country and see the country in person.

"Kral captures (the cowboys) laboring and relaxing in rich monochrome photos that, when meticulously focused and organized, sometimes echo the sculptural quality of Ansel Adams' work, and when more softly focused and granier, resemble impressionist paintings in-oddly enough-black and white." Ray Olson, BookList

I have read every book Carl has written and I keep waiting for the next one, the new novel to come out. Carl, I miss you! Please put a new book out for us. No one does it better. Do you hear me, Carl? HURRY please because I'm going through Hiaasen Withdrawal!

I'm a Welshman who has ranched in Florida for nine years, and I can tell you this is indeed a remarkable book of atmospheric photographs concerning the life of the Florida cowboy. It is a creation that colour could not do, building up a fascinating, fantastic reality in an unique way. I salute the author for his originality. I bought four copies, kept one and sent the rest to my kids across the Pond, sayin', "Y'all better come an' see your ol' pop, Florida ain't what ya think it is!"

I finished Graham Crackers and Milk Christmas Day. One Great Book. Thank you, John.

Dr. Graham's book is vivid and inspirational, one of the best spiritual awakening books I've read in years. I especially like his chapter (14) about the power of naming things. Dr. Graham renames the people of God as "go-forwards" because we have slipped our feet in Jesus' sandals and have decided to go forward with him. We have set our face toward the things of God and will never turn back. I also like the humor he adds to each chapter by including personal human-interest stories from his own life. I laughed throughout the book, all the while realizing how little I really know of God, compared to Dr. Graham. I was awed by how much I have to learn. I want to re-read the book over and over again! A must read for any one who is searching for spiritual awakening.

This book, the second I have read from this author, was very enjoyable. I found his adaptations from his sermons to speak to me on a personal level. The discussion questions found at the end of the book provided thoughtful insights. I highly recommend this book, or Mold Me and Shape Me also by Dr. Graham, to anyone. Both books make excellent gifts as well.

This is an excellent book - based upon Dr. Graham's personal experiences - recommend it highly.

"Graham Crackers and Milk," just the thought of that nighttime refreshment sounds soothing. There are many soothing passages in this book. It has religious, family and helpful psychological references. For instance, I had never thought about Jesus making "I am" statements: I am the bread of life. I am the resurrection and the life. I am the good shepherd. I am the vine, you are the branches. The book mentions miracles and prayers Graham said while a doctor. I also learned a lot about the beliefs of the Episcopalians. Relating family stories, we see how human a Godlike man such as Dr. Graham is by wanting his children to play down the street so he can wash his car peacefully and not sympathizing with his wife whose jewelry was stolen until he was robbed of something precious to him. He gets personal with other family stories like his wife mentioning seeing the full sun, which he changes metaphorically to full Son, bright and shining. I learned a new psychological term called triangulation and how to avoid it. We triangulate when we talk about someone who is not present. The book gave me several things to think about: How many pigs am I scrubbing right now-seeking earthly prizes that will pass away? Perhaps my favorite quote in the book was: The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety, attributed to George Muller. The questions for discussion and reflection included at the end are great for individuals or for Sunday school classes or church groups. I have read Dr. Graham's other book, "Mold Me, Shape Me." Every time I hear the story about the 4-year-old's arm being re-attached while he was a surgeon, I get chill bumps. Before reading these books, I would have written, the story about "Dr. Graham re-attaching a 4-year-old boy's arm." I am careful to say now that God has the glory for that success, not a doctor. Graham says, David did not say, "Look what we have done after battling the Philistines." He said, "Look what the Lord has done. Give God the glory for success." Dr. Graham ends with how he makes Jesus Lord of his life and second, lets God lead, guide and direct. If we put God first in our life, God will be the last thing in our life as well is another thought I went away with.

I hope to encorporate this book into my Introduction to Poetry class this fall. My students are really going to be suprised that poetry can be so fun and yet so damned insightful and relevant. A real tribute to the importance of alternative presses/publishing firms.

As a full professor of English at a major northeastern university, I'm not inclined to be receptive to alternative conceptual paradigms. However, this book forced me to consider the world from a perspective beyond the security of my academic post. To quote from the text, his "words slapped my smug face" and evolved my sense of self in the process.

Opened my eyes to things I never imagined. Rutledge has a powerful style.

A friend advised me to get this book. And I am so glad I did. It almost reads like my life story. But, then again, I think most people who read this will think it could be about them too. If you buy one book, make it this one!

This collection of poetry touches upon topics relevant to all of us, including gang violence, racism, and socioeconomic hatred. I higly recommend this book to everyone, especially teachers and other artists. It is well worth dropping a ten spot. You've got my word on it.

I appreciate being able to review some of the content of the book before I buy. I don't feel I'm buying a pig-in-a-poke. If you like US history and a good story, this one and others by Rick Tonyan give a good, accurate picture of early life in Florida.
Thanks

Rick Tonyan has written an extremely readable novel that is well-researched and historically realistic. It is excellent reading for anyone who would like to know more about the Florida frontier during the Civil War of the Florida "Cracker" cattle era. If a reader isn't interested in history, per se, this is still a darn good yarn! I hope there are more books from Rick Tonyan.

This book really opened my eyes as to what the most Southern of our Confederate states was like during the War of Yankee Aggression (Civil War for those of you North of the Mason-Dixon line). Although not a big fiction reader, It is obvoius that this book is well researched and makes up for the fictional dialogue with more than enough historical content to keep a reader like myself turning pages. Ths book is an eye-opener about the deepest of the deep South. The story seems more like the badlands of Idaho than 1860's Florida. Definitely not the modern day "sunshine state"......in any way.

Guns of the Palmetto Plains is an entertaining and well-written cowboy saga set in a location which readers would not expect. Little known in comparison to the beaches, cattle have been and still are a major part of Florida's history, with this particular story set in the latter portion of the Civil War. The characters are captivating as well as believable in the context of the harshness of their lifestyles. The descriptions of the swamp and forest topography of East Central Florida and its history are woven into the chain of events in a way that is especially interesting to those of us who live in the area. They provide a new perspective on nature of life in this part of the country while weaving a tale that is hard to put down. There are tough, strong good guys you will befriend and really bad bad guys you will love to hate. And their interaction is as complex and unpredictable as real life.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! And if you get a chance to meet the author, do so. I am pretty sure he really is Tree, the main character.

Rick Tonyan has done a superb job in blending fact and fiction. His description of the area is very accurate. One can visit many of the places mentioned - Volusia County, Palatka, St. Augustine - all have places mentioned in the book that are still very much in use.

It is the end of the Civil War. The cattle needs to be moved to help feed the Confederacy. The challenges of doing so makes for interesting reading. Some of the area described has changed very little. Granted, power poles and lines grow next to major paved highways. However, many roads are still sand. There are still swamps and forests. We who live in this area like to think of it as the "real" Florida. The union officers housed in Palatka and St. Augustine are met with a hostile hospitality. These events did happen and Mr. Tonyan has written them beautifully.

As another reviewer has said - try to meet the author. He has more stories to tell.

I can't believe I'm the first person to review this masterpiece! Maybe it's because Bennett seems so very British, English even, that he's not appealled to American readers. I'm sure you're missing something worth having.

Bennett is a masterful observer of character and the six monologues gathered in this collection all display strong characters revealled with a sharp eye and a compassionate heart. Bennett is witty and controlled in his approach, allowing his characters to reveal themselves and their foibles subtley. I find these little tales deeply moving as well as funny, despite the apparently mundane subjects he's dealing with.

I can't think of a comparison to make to illuminate his style, especially since monologue is very rarely seen these days. I can see an affinity to A. Maupin and R.Rodi in terms of waspish observations of people and their social milieu. Bennett's characters aren't blatantly queer like Maupin's or Rodi's, they're not young and tre! ndy things either, but Bennet's own sensibilites and sensitivities give queer readers pause for thought, especially about the older, isolated members of society.

He takes us right inside the heads of six very ordinary people and lays bare their lives, their self-delusions and their petty snobberies in their own words. The texts were originally written as television plays and were broadcast on the radio by the BBC too, however, they work perfectly well on the page, rather like short stories. Why not try it and see for yourselves!

I suppose I am a bit biased because I grew up in the same town as Alan Bennett (Leeds, Yorkshire) but this book is truly remarkable. The characters are a mixture of people we all know. A chip in the sugar is the man who lives down the street, A lady of Letters is always in the post office (usually in front of me !). All these people exist, what Alan Bennett does is drag them out of their lives and our heads and put them there in front of us. We may read about them and dismiss them as characters in fiction but they all exist and in most cases there's bits of them inside each of us. Thanks Alan Bennett for entertaining us and teaching us at the same time.

Alan Bennett has been called England's National Teddy Bear, so beloved is his work and person. It's a sweet moniker, but misleading to those who may not have yet read Bennett. Insightful and compassionate with a wit so sharp it effectively amputates sentimentality, this is a Teddy Bear with laser eyes and sharp claws that are only just retracted.

Bennett's character sketches in Talking Heads are devastating. The grown man whose safe little existence begins to unravel as he discovers his dear old mum has taken a lover, the vigilent, upright busybody who ends up in prison for invading her neighbor's privacy, the widow of "Soldiering On" whose emptiness of purpose is revealed through her inability to grieve--each uncomprehending character Bennett has created in these astonishing soliloquies is undone by his or her brave and steadfast unwillingness to acknowledge the bare-knuckled truth of human emotion.

Bennett is not cruel in revealing the weaknesses of his characters, but he is uncompromising in revealing those weaknesses. This is the Teddy Bear who brings to the picnic the sharp knives that cut through the bread and fat prepared and packaged by his companions.

Also recommended are Bennett's Writing Home, The Clothes They Stood Up In, and any and all of his other plays, particularly The Old Country; and, for those who just must have the soft and fuzzy version of the Teddy Bear, listen to Bennett's reading of Winnie the Pooh, or go see his stageplay of The Wind in the Willows.

Honestly I thought the story was quite dull he tells us about the dull part of their lives, I'm surprised I didn't sleep reading it. It's the worst book I've ever read. You probably won't put this on display on the computer, but you asked what I thought of it and I told you the truth, I'm sure many others agree with me that the story was boring. . Thankyou

I have been studying Alan Bennett and like many others find it highly amusing. It works remarkably well as a television series and not just on the page. The personalisation and connection to the viewer draws you in and makes it appear that each character is actually talking to you. Excellent work

Very informative and historical pictorial of the classic cracker home. The different floor plans and pictures of "still standing" structures in Florida are all part of our heritage and I find that very exciting.

A complete and thorough description of a type of architecture and therefore the culture. This book was meaningful to me because of my southern heritage and I live in a cracker house. I didn't know it was a cracker house until I read the book. The author is fun and easy to read and the information is great.

A well-designed and thorough examination of Southern vernacular architecture. With its concetration on Florida 'Cracker' design, Haase discusses the unique limitations of the Florida climate and the adaptations made to regional styles. His clearly labelled diagrams and enthusiasm for the subject bring a welcome light to architecture that is too often overshadowed by the flamboyant designs of Addison Mizner and other South Florida styles.

Brief, but very informative, well documented and organized summary of a neglected (and marginal) theme in architectural history.

This book is good for people looking for an ancestor, it includes a roster of the regiment with their service records.

this book that is...I happened across this excellent history while doing some online research regarding my great grandfather. I found his Reg. and much to my surprise learned that there was a book written about them (2nd Ga. cavalry) as well! This well researched and fast paced narrative takes the reader on an amazing ride through the entire history of the 2nd Ga Cav. From their formation to their surrender. A must have for those interested in smaller unit history and Cavalry actions in particular. I never knew my great grandfather but through this book I was able to get a glimpse into his world and gain a better understanding of just how brave and resiliant these ordinary men from all walks of life had to be. By the way my Great grandpa was William C. Cleaton, co D, 2nd Ga cav Regiment, and he lived well into his 90's, fathered 6 children, celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary, and in his early 70's cut a third set of teeth....and is said to have enjoyed them greatly.

This well researched book provides valuable information on the 2nd Georgia Cavalry Regiment as well as other units that served under Generals Wheeler, Forrest, Wharton, and Harrison. In addition to its interesting and well researched narrative it contains an expanded roster of the regiment, a very useful bibliography, and an index. It is a welcome addition to the library of books on Confederate Cavalry in the Western Theater and an invaluable resource if you have ancestors who served in the regiment...

Cracker Cavaliers: The 2nd Georgia Cavalry Under Wheeler And Forrest is the battlefield history of the Second Georgia Confederate cavalry unit from its first engagement with Union forces in 1862 under General Nathan Bedford Forrest at Murfreesboro to its desperate and brutal battles with Union cavalry in the Carolinas during 1865. The Second Georgia fought almost constantly throughout the course of the Civil War from Perryville, Stones River, and Chickamauga to Mossy Creek, Sunshine Church, and Waynesboro. Many of these conflicts are obscure and relatively unknown to general histories of the war. John Poole has undertaken a meticulous historical research to produce this comprehensive, articulate and definitive history of the Second Georgia that will be immensely appreciated by both the academic community and the Civil War military buff.