Blair Books

Growing up, I always wanted to go to Europe, after all that was the center of history and art in my school books...nowhere was there the idea of exploring the areas around home and across the US. I now realize that we have a lot to see and do right here in our back yard. This is the kind of book that opens doors to things you never knew were there. If you want to plan a Kentucky getaway for two, this is the book for you.

Disclaimer - Moonlite is mentioned in this book. Moonlite is an authority on Southern Food and Barbecue.


Patrick Bosley of the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
Author/Editor - Family Favorites From Moonlite
Recipes That Founded A Kentucky Tradition
ISBN: 0-9766896-0-x

What my Review Stars mean to me at a glance:

5 stars = A Must have for your Book Shelf - perfect for cooking or a guide for traveling! Worth Full Price

4 stars = A great read - may fit special interests - I recommend you to buy it if the subject appeals to you. Worth Full Price

3 stars = Interesting material - read it if you have time; buy it if the subject appeals to you. Look for it used at a discount. Also, it is worth looking for it at your local library (if not available, try interlibrary loan).

2 stars = It is worth a look at your library if the subject interests you

1 star = Look at it if you come across it, or try another title on the same subject

I've visited many of the places in this book and the authors are right on target with their recommendations. I'll be planning other romantic getaways with my significant other with the help of this book. A must for anyone who is thinking of visiting Kentucky, as well as those of us fortunate to live here!

As a displaced Kentuckian limited to visiting once or twice a year, I was looking forward to this book to enhance my wife and mine's experiences. Although I am intimately familiar with the Lexington area, I was nonetheless delighted to find many central Kentucky locales that were new to me. The authors have obviously done their research, and have represented all regions of the state well. Most satisfying to me personally was the inclusion of Joseph-Beth Booksellers of Lexington. It is indeed a wonderful place for romance. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a romantic experience, and hopefully it will encourage more people to recognize Kentucky as the special place that it is.

The book is informative and fun. The authors divide the chapters by types of activities (i.e. arts, active, spectator sports) which is helpful. Additionally, each activity is specified by geographic location (mountains, piedmont, coastal plain). I think this book would be especially nice for a wedding or anniversary gift for a couple living in North Carolina.

I bought this book as a gift for someone who asked for it, but I looked through it first. I expected cupids and overly cute things, but the authors have a real sense of humor and appreciate the potential romantic qualities of a wide range of otherwise cool things to do. I think it's just a great guidebook of fun things to do in North Carolina, romantic or not ... in the eyes of the beholder, I guess. But, if you're going to NC, or live there, take a look at it.

Romantic North Carolina is good fun for lovers and others seeking adventures off the beaten path in such a beautiful state. The authors are savvy about their topic and include vivid site descriptions and a vast amount of resources on North Carolina. The book is exceptionally well-designed and will be a handsome and helpful addition to travel collections.

A beautiful book with lots of full color pictures. The text is thorough and interesting, covering the origins, role in the ecosystem and conservation status of all seven species. The pictures would make this book worthy of coffee table status by their depiction of these peaceful creatures in brilliantly blue waters, but its textual content makes it a solid reference resource. I would highly recommend this book.

This captivating portrait of the world's sea turtles has answered just about all the questions I ever had about these mysterious animals. How long do they live? Where do they travel? How do they find their way? What do they eat? How do they make more little sea turtles? And the questions are answered artfully, with gorgeous photos, maps, exquisite illustrations (of each of 7 species), and lively writing that flows with the images. The writing has a sprinkling of unique perspective, humor, and philosophy. Witherington writes about sea turtles as if they were old friends. His description of extinction prospects and conservation left me optimistic rather than depressed. Folks who are real sea turtle heads probably have this information in a lot of different sources, but it's nice to have the sea turtle story together in such a lovely form. I've really become a big fan of sea turtles. I see buying this book for people I'd like to share the feeling.

Sea Turtles: An Extraordinary Natural History of Some Uncommon Turtles, by Blair Witherington, is another great sea turtle book in the tradition of James R. Spotila (Sea Turtles: A Complete Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and Conservation). These are not just tabletop books (although the quality of the photographs clearly encourages their display). The ecology, behavior, anatomy, physiology, and biogeography of the seven species of sea turtles is simplified for the layperson without distorting the complicated nature of sea turtle life history. The photographs are breathtakingly beautiful.

The strength of this book is the clarity of Witherington's writing as he summarizes sea turtle biology, and the nice sections on each species. The weakness probably is in his discussion of conservation concerns, especially in what the reader can do.

I like to leave a copy of a book on sea turtles with a teacher when I'm invited to give a talk. This is a great book for middle and high school classrooms, and is a great addition to the library of any sea turtle enthusiast.

Mr. Blair has acounted many stories that can impact others and help prevent walking down the wrong path or considering any short cuts in life. These stories are happening everywhere around us and it is enlightening to have someone provide stories about the consequences when these choices are made.

Mr. Blair has written a very moving and very informational book about how choices effect not only our lives but those that we love. I recommend this book highy. It has opened my family's eyes to what choices they have to make in the future, has to be well thought out before they act on them. Thanks Mr. Blair
Leigh

I am so proud of my Dad for writting this book. It is really an awesome book. I recommend reading it. Each time you read this book you learn something new. There are many LIFE leasons in here that are priceless!

So the first review is by a guy who has never read the book and the second one is by the author himself, who has obviously never actually read the book either. Besides, if what he says is true he has 20 copies in his basement he is still trying to give away. I've known Seabury for over THIRTY years (not a mere 20) so I was suckered in to actually PAY for the book, and thus Seabury gets himself less than a $1.00 sterling to spend on something useful. I would suggest a new ribbon for his typewriter. Oh, wait! I'm sorry. Actually Seabury paid a grand to have the book published, therefore if he sells another thousand copies, he'll break even! I'm just happy to have done my part. Only 999 copies to go.

Actually, I'm a fan. In fact, in the great American Novel I'm about to write, Seabury Blair, Jr. is going to be a character--just like Elliott Swanson. Those names are just so cool even if the people inhabiting them are sixties left-overs. Now Seabury claims to be a Dave Berry wannabe; I think he's right up there as an Outdoors Dave Berry, except Dave Berry has two sets of pillows on his bed and never goes outside. So, really, Seabury is the Dave Berry of the Great Northwest. And he will tell you the truth, too, such as the fact that Gore-Tex(r) is a rip off and doesn't work and the undeniable fact that it rains here a lot. Duh. What I'd really like to know, though, is who is B.B. Hardbody, really? May we have a picture, please?

So. Dude. You owe me an autograph.

I haven't yet read the book but I've known and read Seabury for almost 20 years. As my editor for many years Seabury time and again proved what an incredible writer he is. His wit and humor is only equaled by the great Patrick McManus. Blair weaves his way through a story without wasting a single word and involves his readers to paint mental pictures as the story unfolds without knowing you're doing it. His writing is that powerful. I can't wait to get my hands on one. I'm sure it will be a must-read.

Listen: I wrote the book, so you might expect I'd give it 5 stars.
I just thought you'd like to know what it's about. So ...
Here's a book guaranteed to "perk" up your morning coffee break, proving that tall tales can be short. Learn to distinguish a terrorist from a mother and her baby, or how to do the beer curl to get in shape for football season. Meet Stummick, who does nothing but hang out all day, and B.B. Hardbody, a woman of great wisdom and beauty (who would gleefully strangle the author if he wrote anything else). Shake hands with characters like Grizzly Hemingway, a fly fisher who says beer coolers bounce because ale is made with hops. Each story will put a smile on your face and get you through the rest of the day - no matter what kind of geek your boss is.

It's easy to see why Tarleton's Wife won the Golden Heart award from Romance Writers of America. This is what historical romance was meant to be. Ms. Bancroft captures the desperation and courage of the British Army's struggles in Spain against Napoleon's troops and brings it to a very personal and compelling level through the lives of the heroine and her hero. And then, when the story returns home to England, I was equally captivated by the heroine's struggles to help the hero's tenants. The characters are memorable, the story great, the writing equal to the task. This is a heroine and hero to cheer for. Please, Ms. Bancroft, keep writing historical romances like this one.

This is the best Historical Romance I've read in years. In the beginning, I'm right there on the battlefield, feeling it all, smelling it all, seeing it all. Very well drawn characters and plot. Well done, Ms. Bancroft. My hat is off to you.

That's what our heroine is in Tarleton's Wife. In the questionable role of wife to an Army officer she had to leave for dead in Spain during the Napoleonic wars, our heroine girds her loins and becomes the salvation of his lands and tenants. I enjoyed her stick-to-it-tiveness and I really admired how Ms. Bancroft made her into such a class act. The secondary characters beg for a sequel.

Big House was one of the first persons I met when I was a freshmen at WSSU. Reading this book brought back some great memories. This is an Outstanding read that anyone would enjoy.
K.B.

very compelling Book about Big house and His legacy which has him as One of the winningest Coaches Ever in College Basketball. but this Book reflects on the struggle and Bridiging the gap socially and spiritually. Humor keeps things into perspective in the Book,but what Big House had to deal with in Jim Crow America,etc... is no laughing matter and this book pulls no punches,but it speaks directly about the game on the court and the game of life and so much else in between. very Powerful.

Big House was a great coach - the fifth best in history of college basketball but more importantly he was a guy with a sense of values and a good sense of humor. He knows basketball as well as anyone in the country and has some candid comments about how to improve the game. But his real commitment was to the students he coached. He experienced the bitter bite of segregation - working for an HBCU called Winston Salem State - but his memoir is better than a rant - it is a reflection of his insight and integrity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book in which Jillanne, a beauty-queen/news reporter teams up with handsome "tracker" Clay to find a missing child in the Arizona desert, testing their faith and survival skills in the process.
Suspenseful, with a touch of Kerry's special humor. Great book!

This is my first Kerry Blair experience, and I loved every minute of it. I love the fast paced nature of the book, and the wonderful sense of humor that makes it such a pleasant read! Great for teens on up.

Another good book by Kerry Blair. The story keeps your interest, the characters are great, and the beauty tips add a different angle to the book. I just know that if I pick up a book by Kerry, I'll like it.

Touching evocation of a moment in time -- the last days of the Big Bands, the last days of summer at a southern seaside resort. Engaging read. Well drawn, complex characters. Crisp, believable dialogue. Remarkable insight into the workings of a band in action -- fascinating even to a non-musician. Highly recommend.

A great story about the real world of a musician's life on the road, set in the big band era of the South -- and about struggles with alcohol. The characters who inhabit this world, plus the family members "back home," really come to life. I highly recommend.

The author really knows his stuff! As a former traveling musician I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the band characters. He nailed the various personalities that seem to be in every band no matter what type or era. The way the author addresses the drug/alcohol abuse is right on; enlightening and heart breaking.
A great nostalgia trip to the Big Band era.

This should be the primer for garden coffee-table books.

This book features gorgeous photos, a terrific representation of every area of the Adirondacks, interesting stories, and history on the gardens. I especially appreciated the background given for each garden, and the nice balance between historic gardens, personal gardens, and publics areas. I don't often rave, but this is just about everything I could want in a garden photo book.

Compiled and edited by Horace Randall Williams, Weren't No Good Times is an anthology of 46 of the 125 interviews of former Alabama slaves, conducted from 1936 to 1938, presented with the express purpose of thoroughly documenting and creating a record of life during slavery in the southern state of Alabama. A powerful primary source, presenting individual voices with a loud and clear message of what slavery itself was truly like, Weren't No Good Times has the absolute highest recommendation and is a must for school and community libraries and American History and Black History reference collections and reading lists.

Very beautiful and informative. Photo's are superb. Text is a well researched and fascinating history of gardens old and new. Keen gardener's eye and knowledge is evident throughout.