Tennessee Books

This novel created a rich densly packed world I would not have otherwise traveled to with eccentric and suprisingly familiar characters met along the way. The story carried a wonderful genuine story of someone finding them self lost in the woods and yet returning to their own path even when others try to stop them. I look forward to reading more from the author.

Yes, it is a little lame to review your own book, but, hey, someone has to push this thing into the street.

Aaaanyway...obviously I think it is a great book. I have been told by lots of other folks, too, not the least of which is the wonderful, workaholic publisher I found, after looking for, um...a little bit of time (four years), and who agreed to print my book.

This book has a little something for everyone. I tried to keep it moving, so even though I guess you could say it's a "drama", I intentionally kept building it up on some level (physical, emotional, etc.) throughout its entirety. I have been told that the dialogue is excellent, as well as the action. Yeah, it has action. I don't care if it's a drama, you still have to have action. There are fights and explosions, and showdowns and angry people conflicting with other angry people.

You get the idea.

I want to emphasize the fact that even though the backdrop is a bluegrass music scene, you don't necessarily HAVE to like bluegrass to like the book. The fact that you either don't like or don't know much about bluegrass won't in anyway lessen your ability to enjoy the story. Plus, the great thing about it being a book, for those of you not into bluegrass, is that you..well, you don't really hear any music (still trying to figure out how to do that, though--that would be cool; a book about music that you can hear, too, or a book that has, like, music for effect, kinda like the movies and stuff...hey, dibs on that patent!).

So, thanks for checking it out. And if you want to write a review, that would be great. You don't even have to buy it. You could still write a review about...about, the cover. Or, um...the summary.

Or something.

Thanks!

Zach

I have a longstanding interest in what might be called "domestic social history" of the 19th century -- how American and British households operated, what they ate and how, what were considered good manners, clothing customs, the functioning of the "servant class," and all of that. The author of this excellent work is Curator of Household Accessories and Tablewares at the Strong Museum in Rochester, one of the leading Victoriana museums in this country, and she certainly knows her subject. Per the title, she concentrates on the kitchen and dining room (with short excursions into the garden for tea and into city restaurants for special occasions), explaining where customs like placemats originated, detailing the astonishing amount of china and silverware thought necessary in a proper middle-class home, and analyzing the evolution of table manners over a period of three generations. Period illustrations are plentiful, as are quotations from 19th century sources (the bibliography runs to six pages) and menus from the social pages of the newspapers. There's also a lengthy collection of recipes of the time. If you want to pick up on what William Dean Howells was really talking about, read this book.

I recently needed to help someone plan a formal tea party. Off I went to my collection of books on cookery. I had such a hard time putting it back. Of course, planning the menu for my friend was secondary. Each page is a delightful taste of time past by yet, helpful in gathering those cherished gifts from Victorian dining to add pleasure to our meals of the 90"s. Enjoy!

Author Thomas Burton does a fascinating, respectful study of one of this country's least understood religious groups--the serpent-handling Christians. He explains the beginning of the religious movement, its evolution, its leaders and its followers (including their prosecutions)with straightforward respect, honestly revealing both the positive and negative qualities of all those. In the end, if (like me) you aren't ready to swap your prayer beads for a rattlesnake, you'll at least be wondering why we call the Hopi sacred mystics when they take up poisonous snakes in their religious rituals, but may be inclined to call rural Caucasians stupid rednecks when they do the same thing.

A must for any serious student of Southern American culture!

You would also enjoy reading Burton's "The Serpent and the Spirit", the totally intriguing story of Glenn Summerford, which is a true crime story that can still be called a mystery, even as Summerford serves time following his conviction for attempting to murder his second wife.

Burton's writing style would make any subject matter fascinating. He serves up non-fiction in a way most authors can only dream of doing. Treat yourself to a Burton read.

In this awesome book, Burton presents a balanced view of serpent handling believers, their history and religious culture. Combining academic research and oral sources, the author charts the history of the practice while examining the legal and ethical issues associated with the movement.

Although it is a scholarly study, the personal interviews and numerous black and white photographs make it a riveting read. The author takes a sympathetic approach while presenting both sides of the story, from the critics to the words of the believers themselves.

Chapters 2 and 3 deal with the life of pioneer George Went Hensley and the early history of the movement from around 1908. The history is further explored in chapter 4, illumined with quotes from the church publication The Evangel.

Chapter 5 is devoted to the legal history of serpent handling in Tennessee courts with reference to particular cases of arrest and prosecution. The practice has always presented a dilemma between religious freedom and protecting the lives of citizens. It seems that the authorities have always been divided but in general have attempted not to interfere with the freedom of faith.

The next chapter: Portraits, looks at three personalities in an attempt to provide a significant perspectve on the serpent handling individual. The three individuals are Liston Pack, Charles Prince and Anna Prince and there are lengthy quotes in their own words.

Media criticism of these believers is examined in the Conclusion, together with psychological studies, from the negative Freudian perspective of Weston La Barre to the sympathetic conclusions of Nathan and Louise Gerrard using the Multiphasic Personality Inventory Test, and the work of Susan Gilmore and Troy Abel. The views of various theologians and contemporary fundamentalist religious leaders like Jerry Falwell are also provided.

Appendix A: The Annointment, examines the phenomenon of acting under the influence of the Holy Spirit. This section includes a report of an electroencephalograph test taken of Liston Pack by Dr Michael Woodruff, detailing the EEG patterns which occur in the mystical state.

Appendix B: The Music, describes the worship music of the serpent handling churches. It is improvisatory in nature, derived from a blend of bluegrass and country-western styles utilizing 12- and 16-bar blues progressions. Secular melodies are often employed with scriptural lyrics. The instruments include piano, organ, guitar, bass, cymbals and tambourines.

Appendix C is a chronology of the life of George Hensley from 1880 to his death in 1955, and Appendix D: Questions and Answers, attempts to answer a wide range of questions about the snakes, the poison, the fire, key scriptures, the customs of the Pentecostal Holiness churches and the number of believers which sadly seems to be in decline.

The book concludes with a reference section of sources in the archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University plus printed sources, legal references and a section on films, videos and records. There are 84 black and white photographs of prominent personalities, church services and the buildings of the Church Of The Lord Jesus at Jolo, The Holiness Church of God In Jesus Name at Carson Springs and the former Dolley Pond Church Of God With Signs Following in Birchwood.

Although there are certain individuals in these churches who have an unhealthy obsession with snakes outside of the religious service and although some of the preachers have led less than exemplary lives, it seems to me that most of the church members are sincere in their beliefs and are godly people who try to live holy lives. I also recommend the book The Serpent Handlers, by Fred Brown and Jeanne McDonald.

Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake-Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia

Gabe Klein called Klein is a Sheriff in a small town in Tennessee that is not doing so well economically. One day he is told by the mayer that a production company will be making a Television show that is a cross between baywatch and Mayberry RFT. The mayor wants Klein to tutor Isabelle Ash who will be playing the Sheriff.

The Mayor thinks that this will be safe bet because he thinks Klein is ugly and Isabelle is a model that he has a crush on. Once in town thought Isabelle and Klein begin the training and sparks start to fly.

What will happen next? Read A Sheriff in Tennessee

Model Isabelle Ash intends to make a career change. Rather than showing off thong bathing suits in thirty-degree weather, she is to become an actress. A new series set in a small town has approached her for the part of the lead - a lady sheriff. So Isabelle sets off for Pleasant Ridge, Tennessee to learn first hand what it takes to be a small town sheriff.

Sheriff Gabriel Klein is skeptical of a beautiful actress learning from him, but the mayor signs his paycheck and insists Gabe teach her. Gabe has many women friends, but with his homely looks they all seem to prefer to be pals rather than romantic partners. So he never considers that fact that Isabelle might sincerely be interested, or that his attitudes toward her might portray a very inaccurate stereotype.

Author Lori Handeland has a gift for combining an amusing storyline with complex characterizations, demonstrated once again in A SHERIFF IN TENNESSEE. Gabriel and Isabelle fall neatly into the stereotype traps regarding looks -- as polar opposites. Gabriel sends mixed signals because of his own poor self-esteem, little realizing just how sexy Isabelle finds him. Isabelle is accustomed to being judged by looks and resents it, so her interest is peaked when Gabriel obviously overlooks her bust size, yet grows aggravated when he still does not pay enough attention to her brain. Such an amusing conundrum does not necessarily dictate a "fluffy" read when circumstances allow both to prove their strengths in a twisting plot that will keep the pages turning. A SHERIFF IN TENNESSEE comes very highly recommended.

I had to read this book because found a connection to some long lost relatives when I received a book - Smoky Mountain Ghostlore - by this same author. Didn't find any from reading the stories in this book, but most were a blast. The writer makes the Smoky Mountains sound like a really neat place, and I plan to vacation there this fall.

I am a folklorist in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and this book is a treasure of true stories. It is written in an easy, personal style so the reader feels as if the adventure was their own!

I contacted the author, Juanitta Baldwin, and obtained permission to tell stories from Smoky Mountain Mysteries on the walking/storytelling tours I conduct. My tour participants love the stories! ...

Mr. Daniel's book is a great place to start if you have an interest in the Confederate Army of Tennessee. It's a soldier's point of view of all things military. To fully understand this interesting army you will still need to go to Thomas Connelly's masterful "Army of The Heartland" and "Autumn of Glory", but start here. If you've already read Connelly then this book is a great compliment to those works.

Finally, A book that goes into detail on the soldiers of the Army of Tennessee. This books quotes from diaries and letters from the Soldiers themselves. This is a true treasure!! I would also suggest The Army of the Heartland and Autumn of Glory by Thomas Connelly in addtion to this book. Both of these detail the Army of Tennessee from its founding until its surrender in Bentonville NC in 1865. I highly reccomend this book!!

This excellent collection of Ambrose Bierce's writing, organized to replace the autobiography he never wrote.

BUT, this is certainly not a biography. Bierce is not always fun to read. If you're looking for a fun biography, look elsewhere. If you've read enough of Bierce's writings to know what you're getting, give this book serious consideration.

This is the first book where the reader is taken through Bierce's life in his own words. From his experiences in the Civil War until his mysterious disappearance into Mexico in 1913, "Sole Survivor" tells Bierce's tale through his stories, newspaper work, and personal correspondence. A must-have volume for anyone interested in the great American journalist and author.

What most people don't realize is that of the more than 100,000 Southerners who fought on the side of the Union in the American Civil War, some 40,000 were Tennesseans, coming principally from the Appalachian counties of East Tennessee. A Southern Boy In Blue: The Memoir Of Marcus Woodcock, 9th Kentucky Infantry (U.S.A.) is the candid, intimate, and vividly related autobiographical story of one of them who was not yet nineteen when the war broke out. Marcus joined the 9th Kentucky Infantry. A bout of measles kept him from the battle of Shiloh, but then he went on to see action at Stones River, Chickamuagua, Missionary Ridge, and more. Marcus wrote his memoir in 1865, and his descriptions of battles, camp life, and the politics of the time open up an authoritative and informative "window in time" that will be read with interest by academia as well as the non-specialist Civil War military buff.

It's not general known, but of the approximately 100,000 Southerners who joined the Union forces and fought against the Confederacy in the American Civil War, more than 40,000 were Tennessee, especially the Appalachian counties of East Tennessee. A Southern Boy In Blue is the personal memoir of Marcus Woodcock, a young man from Middle Tennessee who at the age of 19, donned a Federal uniform and fought as part of the 9th Kentucky Infantry. Deftly edited by Kenneth Noe, A Southern Boy In Blue is a first hand account of participation at the battles of Stone River, Chicamauga, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, the siege of Corinth, and the Battle of Perryville. In three years Marcus rose from the rank of private to first lieutenant. He wrote his memoir in 1865 and vividly described the battles, camp life, and the politics of the times. A Southern Boy In Blue is a welcome and invaluable addition to the growing body of eye-witness Civil War literature.

Long before the civil rights movements of the 1950s, black industrial workers in the 1930s and '40s set the stage in the South for social change movements. Labor organizers, wary of the racially-exclusive AFL, began organizing for the CIO, with significant support from the organization. Their participation in union politics, elections and organizing "profoundly unsettled the segregation system."

It also confronted trade unions with whether they were concerned simply with wages and working conditions or with larger social goals. While civil rights movements of the era were wholly defeated, the success of the CIO in the 1940s arose largely from the civil rights organizing, and they laid the groundwork for the movements of the '50s and '60s. For instance, racial segregation under local political boss Edward H. Crump extinguished many civil rights for working-class whites as well as blacks, and organizing for civil rights and labor rights became intertwined.

Michael Honey does a fantastic job in explaining the CIO's contribution to the Struggle for Civil Rights. The Left-Led CIO Unions, most of all FTA Local 19, prepared a cadre of African-American working class leaders in Memphis, who were, in fact, the precursors to those of the 1960s. A must for anyone interested in the study of the Labor role in Civil Rights History in Memphis and the South in the 1930s-1950s.

Can't understand how this country works if you don't see how racism has been used, especially to divide workers. Honey writes about a pivotal time in American history when the working class was organizing and had the potential to transform the South for workers and African-Americans. The lessons are no less true today. A must read for organizers of any persuasion.

This book is a must have for any library on Appalachia or the Great Smoky Mountains. Michael Frome does an admirable job balancing sensitivity for the mountain people, their customs, attitudes, and anomalies with historical research and insightful commentary about the creation of the Park and its future. Being a native of the region, from a long line of Appalachian families, I felt that I understood my home more after reading this book than I ever would have otherwise. With equal nods to conservationists and tourists alike, this book will educate, entertain, and enlighten anyone who cares about this most beautiful and mysterious of regions. Additionally, Frome implores the reader to know the Park intimately, to abandon the car and strike out on foot, to rejoice fully with Mother Nature in Her playground. The addition of Strangers In High Places to your collection will be one of the best decisions to be made.

This book is a must for all who love the Smoky Mountains. In it you meet those players who made this magical place what it is today, including the wind and rain, early pioneers and geologists, loggers, whisky distillers, woodsmen and rangers. If you want to get beyond the slide shows and park brochures, read this book and learn what the Smokies are really all about.