Boone Books

The Dixie Association is a perfect book. It is hilarious, wise, profound, and unbelievably beautifully written. It should not be subtitled "Voices of the South". It is THE voice of the South, perfectly captured on paper. Donald Hays has perfect pitch for Southern language, on the street and in the locker room. The basdeball portions are true, interesting and exciting. The picture of the last game remains one of the great descriptions of an epic encounter in sports. There are more great characters than you can count. I read it in the 80s when it was published and probably bought a dozen copies before I was through giving it to people who I thought needed it. And finally, I simply loved the book so much that I tracked down the author and called him to tell him directly how much I was moved, and touched, and thrilled by it. I am about to launch into another buying and giving spree with this new edition.

The Dixie Association was a well written and thought out novel, written by an author who knew how to grab his audiences attention. A baseball team full of rejects that noone wanted around and did not have any respect for, but they knew the game of baseball and that is what they all loved and it is all that mattered to them. Donald Hays writes the book through an ex-convicts eyes. With the rudeness, foul language, and racists remarks the author offends everyone. In all I really liked the novel and give it a thumbs up, cause I could actually read the book without dreaading it.

I thought the book was very well written. The author showed a great deal of knowledge in the sport of baseball. The characters were interesting and fun to read about. I enjoyed reading about the games and the way it was portrayed through the eyes of an actual ballplayer.This book is defenitly one of the best baseball books ever written, not only because of its portral of the game, but because of the conflicts its characters deal with off the field as well.

The Dixie Association which is about a team of outsiders who come together and create a chemistry that is unforgettable. The book details a season throught the eyes of Hog Durham, a ex-convict. His blunt, yet persuasive analysis of baseball is intriging and also repulsive by way of his language. Though repulsive, the language is manageable by way of being able to identify with Hog Durham and the times in which the story takes place.
The manager named Lefty Marks is the one who provides the best of the book. His unconvential wisdom of life and baseball are a view in which is not used enough because it is seen as American political taboo. He provides a refreshing and heartful determination to do the things in which make him feel successful, without money standing in the way. Some may view him as throwing away his life while most who understand his points will respect and appreciate his unconventional wisdom.
The Dixie Association while harsh on racial sensitivity is a joyous read that almost anyone can read. The story is simple but the characters are full of explosive personalities that protect a weak story. This is by far the most entertaining baseball book ever written.

This was one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. Although the story is played out in a baseball environment, you really don't have to be a baseball fanatic or even a sports fan to get caught up in the drama and exicetment of this novel. The main characters are all well depicted and they each have conflicts they must resolve both on the baseball field and in society. There is a quagmire of underlying themes, and you can't help but become intrigued with at least one aspect of this story.

The Stormholder by Boone & Thomas is a wonderfully enchanting tale. The children, particularly Katie, will draw you into the story and keep you there until the final page is read. My recommendation is: take the trip to August. Learn with the kids about magic. Just don't ask what's in Madame Helonia's teas.

If you've ever read a book about magic and liked it, this is the book for you. Not only does the magical atmosphere and simple wonder of this book draw every young and old reader inside it's pages, its original and exciting storyline holds them there. There's a character in there somewhere that everyone can relate to and they wide variety of magical-life can put a smile on anyone's face! Most people's minds will immediately go to Harry Potter if they hear about a book about magic, but don't be detered by that! This book is completely orignal and it's ideas are refreshingly new. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, and I only wish I could've given this reveiw sooner!

This book is excellent for Young Adult readers...and the parents who might want to read it to them. The world and creatures are imaginative without being silly, which is a fine line to walk. As an adult, I would have hoped that the characters were developed more, and that a *few* of the interactions were a bit less stereotypical, but I honestly enjoyed the book anyway. I'm admittedly finnicky about my fantasy, and I would recommend this book to any young adult without reservation. It has the same charm of Harry Potter without remotely resembling it, and for that I applaud the author(s).

I was hooked from the very first chapter. I bought a copy for my sister and told my friends about it. I believe that young people could easily get lost in the story and wish they were right there with the characters. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens to everyone. Keep up the good work.

The Stormholder, by Tricia Boone and Melissa Thomas:

Reviewed by C.S. Marks

Katie and Jack seem to be fairly typical eleven and thirteen year old kids; they play soccer, they argue with their parents about having to learn herb lore, and they tease and play and poke fun at one another. But there is one thing that separates them from most `ordinary' children: they are learning magic. It seems that Katie and Jack have a destiny awaiting them...one that leads them into the richly-imagined world of August in search of their missing parents.

August is peopled with strange and intriguing creatures, and it would be both difficult and undesirable to describe them here, as part of the joy of the book is in the discovery. Every page introduces a new and fascinating life-form (to my delight); it was as though I was opening up a new and exciting doorway with each successive chapter.

I would prefer to not reveal much of the story here, only to state that this is a tale of exploration and discovery, both of the new and magical world, and of Katie and Jack's abilities, history, and destiny. All is not as it has appeared, nor as they would have ever imagined.

This book is suitable for nearly any age reader...provided one enjoys tales of wizardry and magic. It flows well, and moves along at a smart pace. There is, at times, a distinctly Hogwarts ambiance, but not to the point of obscuring the book's own unique flavor. I enjoyed the exploration of wizardry in August, and found myself turning the pages to ask: `What's next?'

As to the actual execution of the book, I noted several points of interest. It was written by two authors, and at times I thought I could detect slight differences in style and word usage between them. The writing is generally solid and is an easy read. The use of words is colorful and rich.

The principal characters are interesting and well developed. One can tell that the authors understand young people; the dialogue and mannerisms of Katie, Jack, (and their friends, including my favorite character, Abby) is realistic and appropriate.

I believe that this book would be a welcome addition to the library of young people (as well as adults who enjoy YA fantasy), particularly if they are into magic (with a little bit of whimsy), wizardry (with a hefty dose of intrigue), and the enchantment that comes with a good, light-hearted story. Recommended.

I have to say this book is just wonderful! It is great as a casual read as well as excellent for the researcher and/or family historian! It helped me to fill some gaps in my families history (Daniel's sister, Sarah Boone) and gave other avenues in which to reasearch.

Wanted to read this book as a celebration of Daniels life Yet I found it to be long statements made directly following his death It is told that none ventured into writing of this man during his life I guess that makes it appealing The man had big family and was known to beat the Indians at there own gam that I found Admirable the book on a whole was simply a bore due to the accounts of how Boone tryed to purchase this or that But to those who want to build homesteads in the 1800s It will be to your liking

This is the one to get. This one, and John Mack Faragher's BOONE biography (Henry Holt, 1992). Anything by Belue is worth getting; he is precise to the point of obsession, and his works--four thus far--will stand the test of time.

Occasionally a book that has been available for a while deserves another look just because of its intrinsic value. In 1998 a book was published that combined the names of two legendary individuals who will be associated forever with the history of the American backwoods-Daniel Boone, the famous adventurer, and Lyman C. Draper, the renowned nineteenth-century interviewer and collector. It was only through the painstaking efforts of editor Ted Franklin Belue that Draper's highly significant tome on Boone finally came into being a century and a half after it was started. Before the ink was dry on the printed page, this book had become a backcountry classic. It instantly went to the front rank of Boone biographies. For the previous hundred years few but the serious historian had been drawing from Draper's handwritten manuscript on Boone; now even the casual reader would have the material readily available in print. Despite the fact that Draper never finished writing the biography and didn't take Boone's exploits beyond 1778, The Life of Daniel Boone (596 pages hardcover, $39.95, Stackpole Books) has proven to be well worth the long wait.
The book is a treasure trove of information about Boone, including such highlights as: his early years in Pennsylvania and North Carolina; activities during the French and Indian War; hunting in the Appalachian region; long hunting in Kentucky; adventures in Dunmore's War; the establishment of Boonesborough; and the first half of the Revolutionary War in Kentucky. While perusing these pages, the reader will be reminded constantly of Draper's monumental research that involved extensive travel to obtain interviews with people who had known Boone personally or with relatives and friends of such individuals. He also endeavored to collect important documents before they disappeared. His efforts were literally a race against time. Belue sets a standard for excellence with his very interesting preface as well as his editor's note (following the preface) that explains how the book finally came into being. The outstanding notes at the end of each chapter by both Draper and Belue are a further wealth of information. Draper's 44-page appendix provides a Boone genealogy and biographical sketches of many other frontier figures.
From Smoke & Fire News, November 2004, by Bob Holden

Lyman Draper wrote the single best account of the life of Daniel Boone. This source, while not well known, has been mined by virtually every biographer of Boone since 1850. This book and the biography of John Bakeless are the best two volumes ever to appear about the life of Daniel Boone. Also the Memoirs of Nathan Boone and his wife are of extreme value. These books provide the basis for the study of early Kentucky history.

I LOVE this book. I am a little older than a teen, but i am 23 and living on my own. The recipes are great because they have single serving dinners.... just perfect for me.... It is a great book to start learning how to cook. can't say enough about it.

We've tried all kinds of recipes in this book from soups to main dishes to desserts (the creme brulee is superb) and everything keeps turning out wonderful. The book might appeal more to girls with all the little helpful side notes-we've also enjoyed Sam Stern's Cooking Up a Storm which might appeal more to boys than this book. Together they made an excellent combination for the teen cook or for a young adult going out on their own for college or work or newly married. Again, every recipe we've tried has turned out-we can highly recommend this cookbook.

This book is OK but "Cooking Up a Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook" is a much better book for teens. A good addition if you want more than one cook book for kids.

My daughter received this book and we both love it. The entree recipes provide clear directions and come with side-dish suggestions and general cooking tips. Any teen who wants to move cooking skills beyond the microwave should own this book and the partner book Teens Cook Dessert. The recipes in both are delish!

I am having a back to school program for my teens at the Library teaching them how to make easy and delicious after-school snacks. This is a great book. Just looking at the flyers I have up, they are psyched that we will be making snacks created (and taste approved) by teens. The recipes are easy, the ingredients are easy to find, and the best part is these will be healthier for them than microwavable, perservative-riddled frozen "snacks." I also like that there is a section on breakfast food since many teens tend to skip this very important meal. The cool thing is that a lot of the breakfast recipes (like the scones and even the breakfast casserole) can be made in advance and grabbed when their scurrying out the door.

No wonder PROPHET ANNIE won the coveted Western Writers of America Spur Award. I couldn't put it down.

This is my second Recknor book. I find her to be one of the freshest most original writers that I've read in a long time. Her plots are unconventional, yet convincing. She's utterly enjoyable from start to finsih. I love her "bad guys." I can't wait for her next book!

I did enjoy Prophit Annie to a point. After awhile it just felt like it rambled until I couldn't wait until the ending. I enjoyed the style it was written in. Reading it felt as if you were talking to an older relative relating what it was like in their time. Where Prophit Annie was good, if you want to experience a fantastic western story - pick up Ellen Recknor's "Me and the Boys" (out-of-print service). I think Me and the Boys was way above better than Prophit Annie.

Fast moving, exciting and extremely funny.......There is no other way to describe Ellen Recknors' latest book, "PROPHET ANNIE". This writer has taken the age old fear of ghosts and put a new and interesting twist to it......Anyone and everyone who enjoys a tale of the old west with a heavy dose of comedy should pick up this book and read it....Keep up the good work Ellen.....

With PROPHET ANNIE, I discovered a new favorite author. Annie Newcastle is a sassy, hilarious heroine with a distinctive voice. This book reminded me of one of Larry McMurtry's funnier westerns because it combined humor and pathos. The characters and dialogue are priceless. I especially loved Sam Two Trees' dry wit. I'm heartbroken that Ms. Recknor's earlier efforts seem to be out of print (What is Avon thinking???) but I'm off to search for them in an out-of-print store. After reading PROPHET ANNIE, I would definitely buy anything this author writes--paperback or hardcover--as soon as it hits the shelves because you just don't discover a treasure like this very often.

Originally found this book lying around in a dusty drawer, but was thoroughly entertained by it from beginning to end. Very easy reading and it's fun going back to it over and over and over. Really makes me wish there was a Louise Gehrig out there somewhere.

This book was not only incredible but an inspriration to me, before I left for school and began playing college softball! This book isn't just for atheletes though, my best friend who is the polar opposite of an athelete love this book as well.I would suggest this book to anyone who loves sports,The Yankees, Billie Holiday, or even loves to read.

Where does he get it? Louise Gehrig is an amazing heroine, and the Manhattan Meteorites are my second favorite team, right after the Mets.

You can tell from "Balls" that Gorman Bechard is a New York Mets fanatic. But I'll forgive him, 'cause the guy writes one heckuva a novel. His lovably loopy story of the first female professional baseballer has a ring of truth, most notably in terms of his view of expansion; the league he concocted back in the early `90s bears a startling similarity to the overstuffed Major League of 1999. If only Mr. Bechard would accept the fact that the Cubs are infinitely superior to his beloved Metsies, I think he'll be just fine...

Not only did the author create an interesting set of characters, but he also created a fully realized vision of baseball in the year 2000 (this was written in 1995). Yogi Berra and Hank Aaron as league presidents; new teams added and others in different cities; standings for all of the teams; and best of all... Baseball Commissioner Dan Quayle.

The book mixes baseball with speculative fiction, a little romance, and some suspense.

A winner all around

Not only is this book excellent reading it is so funny. The writer is so true to form. Sherry W. Boone deserves a standing ovation. I have the cassette and laughed from beginning to end. Hope those who bought either or..enjoyed as much as I did.

One word......PERFECT.....
and to Sherry Boone, thanks
so much, write more!!

A bloomin bouquet letters from myrtle is one of the most uplifting books I have ever read. I love all myrtle's letters. The book makes you feel like you are visiting with your best friend. I looking forward to more in the future.
Vivian Greene
Deep Gap, NC

"A Bloomin' Bouquet: Letters from Myrtle" is one of the most uplifting books I have ever read. You need to read each and every letter. Some are funny and some tug at your heart strings. Sherry Boone has such an insight when it comes to people and it really shows in her "Letters from Myrtle." I highly recommend this book to everyone.

This book makes you feel like you are visiting with your best friend. You want the letters to go on and on. I look forward to more in the future.

This is a great book. The only things is that I don't have the Hilary Duff 2004 Calendar. If you please can order this item to me, I apreciate that. Thanks. Ruben from Orlando, FL 32811 Lady Bell Dr.

As someone who has read numerous biographies about Hilary Duff, I will tell you right now that this is one of the best. Boone has outdone herself in putting together a beautiful 80-page book featuring not only large, color photos of Hilary, but also tons of information about her, her family, friends, career, up-coming projects, her music, her charity work, etc. There is also a cute quiz for readers in the back, where they can test their Hilary knowledge, and also quotes from the teen queen herself, and from her many celebrity fans, including Roger Ebert.

This is a must have book for all Hilary Duff fans. Whether you are 5 or 50 you will be pleased with everything that it has to offer. Two thumbs up to Mary Boone for creating a biography that is much like a work of art.

Erika Sorocco

It took me an hour to read it, yep, it's that short and that easy to read. Maybe if I was younger this would be more difficult, but it has lots of great facts about hil, and not to mention, tones of great photos, mind you, I could live without the one with her and Aaron, seeming as I now despise the guy. This book is well-written, you even get questions and answers and a test at the end of the book, with a neat way of finding out the answers, it's out of 10, I got 9, so maybe I'm not as big a know it all about Hilary as I thought, but I did only get one wrong, so I settle... wink! Anyway, any Hilary fan should own it no matter how small the book is(80 pages), it's still a good read and worth the price.

This book is like her whole life.Whenever I bought this book I knew NOTHING about her but after I read it's like i've known her my whole life! I loved it!!!

This is a great book that all Hilary Duff fans should have!!!!! It gives you information about everything. It's only 80 pages but still is a great book. This is one of the best ones out there.

This book is very fun and imformative. It gives us information, but in a fun way...I recomend this book to anyone under the age of 13, and who enjoys history...if you get this book in school, dont be scared it is fun!

I love the writing in this series, it's such a pleasure to read, I wonder why are so many other textbooks so boring?

I'd love to give it five stars, except that there are recurring themes I find grating - some of her "fan club for the US government" stuff is just in totally inappropriate places. For instance, "American slavery was a horror. We should never pretend it was anything else. But the American system of government lets us correct mistakes. When you study history you see we usually do. Of that we can be proud." Gag me with a spoon, slavery was not abolished until more than 240 years after the first slave was delivered in 1619! Hakim does such a great job of fairly telling the story, why ruin it?

Another place I found disappointing was the perpetuation of the myth that the first settlers at Plymouth were called "Pilgrims" and that the Europeans started Thanksgiving. She has a box on Thanksgiving saying the story of the first Thanksgiving is a "real turkey", lists some other European Thanksgiving celebrations, and then neglects to mention that the Indians had been conducting Thanksgiving celebrations at harvest time for generations. I'd love to see someone do such a great job TELLING the story, who could also not perpetuate those irritating little false stories that schoolchildren are always taught.

Gosh, this doesn't sound like the positive review I inteded, but I see others have already told the good stuff. It's wonderfully well written!

I just borrowed this book from the library and now plan to buy the whole set. As a home schooling parent, I am always struggling to find quality materials and this series is just that. Hakim's books are easy to read and comprehend. Most importantly, they give a realistic view of history, not the politically correct one so often taught.

As I teach my children U.S. history, I want them to know that, yes, the white people were sometimes violent and unfair to the Native Americans, but some Native Americans were that way too. Before the Europeans came, they kidnapped and killed each other. I want my kids to know the whole truth and these books are very fair. No matter what the race, some people are good and some are not.

I highly recommend these books for teaching history to children and even adults.

"Making Thirteen Colonies: 1600-1740" is the second volume in Joy Hakim's "A History of US." The first volume covered how the first Americans crossed over from Asia to become Indians and the first Europeans, mainly the Spanish but also the French and English, began settling the New World. This volume focuses on the narrow string of settlements established by the English that became the thirteen colonies whose people began moving westward and who also started to question the relationship they had with England (there is a small amount of overlap between this and the next volume, which covers period of American history from 1735-1791).

Hakim begins with a preface that looks at the vast mixture of ideas that were brought over from the Mediterranean world and took root in the Americas. Along with the first chapter, which talks about the comet that appeared in 1607 as a portent of great changes for the world, this preface sets up several key themes that will be revisited throughout this and future volumes. "Making Thirteen Colonies" has 42 chapters and it the book is divided into five main sections. The first (chapters 2-12) tells how English settlers came to stay by establishing the first permanent colony in Jamestown, Virginia. The second (chapters 13-23) looks primarily at the Puritans arriving in New England, although Hakim also touches on what was happening between the Indians and the Spanish in the southwest. The third section (chapters 24-30) tells about the mid-Atlantic colonies, most notably New Amsterdam/York and Pennsylvania. The fourth section (chapter 31-39) returns to the South, looking at not only Ole Virginny but also the two Carolinas and Georgia. This unit also looks at the Triangle Trade and other considerations that united the four southern and nine northern colonies. The final section (chapters 40-42) is a transitional unit, that looks at how the colonists began to move westward and the stage was set for the period of history that would make those thirteen colonies into a new nation.

One of the great advantages to writing a ten-volume history of the United States is that unlike most standard American history textbooks "A History of US" is able to clearly establish the unique identities of each of those original thirteen colonies. I recently finished reading an excellent series of books, each of which was devoted to an individual colony, and Hakim ends up being closer to those volumes than she does the standard textbook. Consequently, in addition to the traditional stories about Pocahontas and John Smith in Jamestown, William Penn and the Quakers of Pennsylvania, the Salem witch trials, Ben Franklin as the quintessential American, and Daniel Boone finding routes through the mountains, Hakim establishes an individual identity for each colony.

However, the main strength of this series is how Hakim engages young readers, the same way you would expect a "real" teacher to do in a "real" classroom. This shows up primarily in her ability to anticipate and answer questions that students might have (e.g., why the Indians were not enslaved). I can easily see why this series is popular with parents who are home schooling their children. The book is richly illustrated with dozens and dozens of historic paintings, etchings, drawings, maps, engravings, and assorted reproductions. The margins are crammed with interesting facts, definitions, and quotations, and features on topics such as Land Green and Africa: The Unknown Continent are sprinkled throughout the book. The After Words this time around are devoted to cartography and has some superb examples of 16h- and 17th-century maps. It is easily to see why this series has impressed so many people and why Hakim is able to get such good responses from young students who are used to getting their information from computers and the Internet.

"Making Thirteen Colonies: 1600-1740" is the second volume in Joy Hakim's "A History of US." The first volume covered how the first Americans crossed over from Asia to become Indians and the first Europeans, mainly the Spanish but also the French and English, began settling the New World. This volume focuses on the narrow string of settlements established by the English that became the thirteen colonies whose people began moving westward and who also started to question the relationship they had with England (there is a small amount of overlap between this and the next volume, which covers period of American history from 1735-1791).

Hakim begins with a preface that looks at the vast mixture of ideas that were brought over from the Mediterranean world and took root in the Americas. Along with the first chapter, which talks about the comet that appeared in 1607 as a portent of great changes for the world, this preface sets up several key themes that will be revisited throughout this and future volumes. "Making Thirteen Colonies" has 42 chapters and it the book is divided into five main sections. The first (chapters 2-12) tells how English settlers came to stay by establishing the first permanent colony in Jamestown, Virginia. The second (chapters 13-23) looks primarily at the Puritans arriving in New England, although Hakim also touches on what was happening between the Indians and the Spanish in the southwest. The third section (chapters 24-30) tells about the mid-Atlantic colonies, most notably New Amsterdam/York and Pennsylvania. The fourth section (chapter 31-39) returns to the South, looking at not only Ole Virginny but also the two Carolinas and Georgia. This unit also looks at the Triangle Trade and other considerations that united the four southern and nine northern colonies. The final section (chapters 40-42) is a transitional unit, that looks at how the colonists began to move westward and the stage was set for the period of history that would make those thirteen colonies into a new nation.

One of the great advantages to writing a ten-volume history of the United States is that unlike most standard American history textbooks "A History of US" is able to clearly establish the unique identities of each of those original thirteen colonies. I recently finished reading an excellent series of books, each of which was devoted to an individual colony, and Hakim ends up being closer to those volumes than she does the standard textbook. Consequently, in addition to the traditional stories about Pocahontas and John Smith in Jamestown, William Penn and the Quakers of Pennsylvania, the Salem witch trials, Ben Franklin as the quintessential American, and Daniel Boone finding routes through the mountains, Hakim establishes an individual identity for each colony.

However, the main strength of this series is how Hakim engages young readers, the same way you would expect a "real" teacher to do in a "real" classroom. This shows up primarily in her ability to anticipate and answer questions that students might have (e.g., why the Indians were not enslaved). I can easily see why this series is popular with parents who are home schooling their children. The book is richly illustrated with dozens and dozens of historic paintings, etchings, drawings, maps, engravings, and assorted reproductions. The margins are crammed with interesting facts, definitions, and quotations, and features on topics such as Land Green and Africa: The Unknown Continent are sprinkled throughout the book. The After Words this time around are devoted to cartography and has some superb examples of 16th- and 17th-century maps. It is easily to see why this series has impressed so many people and why Hakim is able to get such good responses from young students who are used to getting their information from computers and the Internet.

The Demise of Luleta Jones by Mark Allen Boone is an excellent literary novel.

The first chapter immediately tells of the suicide of Luleta Jones--an eccentric 39-years-old African American, public school teacher. Clayton Hemphill, a 75-year-old retiree and unwavering fan of Luleta, finds her body hanging from a rafter on the second floor of his 2-flat apartment building. Theophilous `Theo' Pugh, who tells the story through interviews, is an unrelenting reporter for the Chicago Weekly Word.

Theo comes to Lincoln Manor on the West Side of Chicago to profile the community and stumbles upon the story of Jones's suicide that had happened two years prior. He slowly uncovers how she died, power grabs by African American bourgeoisies, backstabbing, and family infighting. What becomes apparent is that Luleta was a person capable of seeing good in all people, a woman who believed that all human beings had worth. This cause love and hate relationships for the talented, self-confident, beautiful, independent woman. Theo's life is touched in startling ways. In his decision to put her life on paper, and in interviewing various members of the community, Theo falls in love with the deceased woman and is obsessed with her story. Could his obsession with Luleta cause Theophilous Pugh to lose his grip on reality?

Mark Allen Boone's methodical descent to the end is emotional, heartwarming and much unexpected. He is an excellent writer; his characters are so close to reality that you find yourself lost in each of their lives--so very true with the life of Luleta Jones. The Demise of Luleta Jones is indeed an excellent, fresh read. I hope to see more of his work in the near future.

Why do people get sidetracked with nonsense, things that don't feed the soul but rather things that fuel the ego and causes anger, jealousy, hatred and disruption? Some are able to nip nonsense in the bud before it consumes them - for reasons that we may never know some actually choose to be consumed as shown in the story - The Demise of Luleta Jones.

Luleta Jones, a free-spirit, caring, regal, phenomenal creature was not afraid to go against the status-quo. By simply being herself, uproar was created in a local African American community that eventually led to Luleta's downfall. The Demise of Luleta Jones shows what happens when ill-will feelings are invoked and allowed to control your very existence. Luleta - you either hated her or you loved her. What an intricate WEB we weave when we chose to hate. Without a doubt I loved Luleta - her character reminded me of a treasure - a treasure that was full of life and vitality with an aura that demanded respect.

And then there's Theo, the moralistic, happy go lucky, compassionate journalist that brings Luleta back to life; Theo is someone that I certainly hope to see again. Mark Boone created a captivating novel; he managed to eloquently intertwine so many facets of life into this story; human behavior, murder, drugs, greed, mystery and most of all love - it's a book that I highly recommend.

Sharon - Sisters Sippiin' Tea Literary Group - Tulsa Chapter

In 1996 Theophilous (Theo) Pugh, a writer for the "Chicago Weekly Word," composed an article about Lincoln Manor, a Chicago neighborhood that had undergone both racial change and gentrification to become "the West Side's crown jewel." He becomes fascinated, however, with the mysterious death of Luleta Jones a thirty-nine-year-old African American music teacher. The police made little of her death, ruling it as a suicide; but many people who knew her, including Clayton Hemphill, who keeps her memory alive with a museum in her honor, believe that she was murdered. Theo sets out on a dangerous journey in Mark Allen Boone's beautifully written novel to find out the truth about this elusive woman.

The novel opens with a unforgettable image of a woman (we soon learn it is Luleta) standing in the pouring rain with all of her possessions, including a grand piano that she has covered with plastic to protect it. Both Hemphill, the man who sees her, and the reader are both mesmerized by this character. A jeweler by trade, he compares Luleta to a diamond with many facets. Everyone sees her from a different angle and has his or her own opinion about her. I would love to know if she is based on a real person. I certainly would have liked to have known her.

Mr. Boone deftly brings serious topics into this mystery without being didactic: insurance redlining, white flight, racism and finally the plight of teachers and others who challenge the status quo by bringing fresh new ideas both into and outside the classroom. They listen to their own drummer but at their peril. (Luleta believed, for instance, that her responsibility as a music teacher was "to facilitate, to enable, to fling open the doors and throw up the windows so the music can get out to do what it was meant to do." Tell that to a high school principal who probably is sitting on two degrees in physical education.)

Mr. Boone's language is smooth as silk and highly descriptive. One character's skin is "eggplant-smooth," and another's is "raisin brown." He gets his Southern colloquialisms right too, ("you're not from around here, are you?") and reminded me that you make a military bed so tight that you can bounce a quarter off it. My favorite line, however, belongs to the character Mozelle when she speaks of her honesty: "As the old folks say, 'If I tell you a rooster dips snuff, you can look underneath his wing and find the tin.'"

This really good mystery that should appeal to all thoughtful readers does not turn out the way I had hoped it would, but then life doesn't either. Perhaps Boone will write more novels with Theo as the central character who will solve other cases while subtly teaching moral lessons much as the way Walter Mosley's Easy Rawlins does. We certainly hope so.

I found The Demise of Luleta Jones to be a well-paced, well-conceived novel that leaves me looking forward to Mr. Boone's next work of fiction. I enjoyed meeting each character and how he/she intersected with Luleta Jones. While I would not classify the book as a 'thriller' it certainly did hold my attention. I was readily able to visualize the characters and settings which lent to my enjoyment of the book.

Mark Allen Boone captured my attention (and bemusement) in the opening chapter - an evicted woman on the street with her grand piano and a passerby with a sudden urge to rescue the woman and the piano. No motivation, no long description of how the impulse was nutured, just one of those random things life throws at one; and, therefore, quite believable. He had me until chapter nine - Mrs. McBride, the wealthy snob whose sole purpose in life seems to be putting others down (she'd say, of course, that she's merely putting them in their (rightful) place.

Roughly, the structure of the book is that each chapter provides another character's perspective on the late (possibly lamented) Luleta Jones. As I continued with the book, I understood that Boone was deliberate in his use of characters to represent a social group's perspective - not to the extent of loosing individuality - to make the story a social commentary about human nature. As the plot and structure unfolded, I saw why he presented Mrs. McBride as he did.

What I appreciated most about the novel, however, is a very minor point - Boone has the perfect touch in finding an uncommon, perfectly-fitting aphorism. You have to find them for yourself - I'm not giving away the best part of the book :-)

I can't say that the book held my attention as well as some mysteries - until two-thirds of the way through, I could put the book down; I was never tempted to quit. While a mystery is an appropriate genre for this work, its focus is much more philosophical - what makes a person an example of life lived to the full, and why do others hate such a person? Boone's analysis is precisely on target - that makes the book well worth reading.