Arkansas Books

Here's a poet who was a gunner in a B-29 over Tokyo, and who kept a diary during his months on Saipan. Really fine, really worth reading, for the unvarnished thoughts of the man who kept the journal. Unlike most such journals, it hasn't been edited for publication, though there are a few of Ciardi's own afterthoughts.

A wonderful read, the author's insight that in war, we are not "killing machines", but human beings. John Ciardi writes about experiencing fear, loneliness, despair, and hope. His diary is but a small sample of the soldiers and pilots on Saipan who were so close to the Japanese homeland and no end to the war in sight.

The Book reflects the care and detail in which the subject was rsearched and the skill with which it was written. As a person who grew up in Blakely, located near Jessieville, at the end of a Dierks' rail spur fifteen miles east of the Mountain Pine Mill.(1944-1953), I related closely to the mill workers and their families while appreciating the difficulties encountered by the owners operating the millls as an economic enterprise.
The book is extremely informative with great details about the human experience and industrial adventures during this period of the lumber industry in the Ouachitas. Highly recommend.

Much of history often gets lost with the passage of time -- places and people forgotten. Kenneth Smith is to be given considerable credit for bringing this narrative and series of recollections together before "all is lost". Covering a period of about 50 years -- from the initial timber speculation to the last remnants of virgin forests in the Ouachita mountains being turned to sawdust -- this is the definitive record of how "people worked and lived in a forested backwater at the edge of the South". The book focuses on the larger timbering operations -- Caddo River Lumber Co. and Dierks Lumber and Coal Co. -- but the story is told through personal recollections in such we experience these times from the perspective of the individual mill hands and lumberjacks. His chapter on the community of Forester is particularly touching from a humanist perspective -- the place goes from forest to mill town and back to forest again with the people adapting the best that they can to both the boom times and bad times. The book is well researched, well-annotated and packed with many pictures of a era long gone. One might think that this book is primarily of local interest but I assure you that anyone interested in the history of people -- and especially the history of 20th century timber industry and its people -- are going to be delighted with the Kenneth Smith's historical record of the "cutting of the last great virgin forest".

John Wood does amazing work covering topics from living with roaches in Louisiana, to love, to becoming a parent, and to the after life. A prevalent theme throughout his work is the relationship with a high power, a diety somewhere in this world, though maybe of uncertainty. He expresses himself vividly, revealing a person simply throughout his words. One can picture a family, a father speaking to his son, a son speaking to his mother, and a husband speaking to his wife. Though some may call him a "crazy pagan poet" he is much more. He is a man of passion and laughter, a man who seems certain there is a diety, but is always trying to find the right path to follow. It is expressed so well in his poems.

wood's selected poems is a solid collection of poems spanning 30 years. there are a wide variety of themes and styles contained in the collection, though man's relationship with a higher power seems to be the prevailing theme. but don't get me wrong, these are not necessarily devotional poems. you have to read them to see what i mean. pay special attention to "Opie and the Apples," "Baptisms," "Silage," and my favorite, "Here in Louisiana."

I was thrilled when I found this book. In our Non-Western World Literature class, we read poets such as Forugh Farrokhzad. THis is an excellent collection of her work. Readers will be surprized at her insight into the lives of women. As a country we have been isolated from the creative talent that Iran contains. I found this very enlightening.

"Sin" has a very nice selection of the great Forough's poems. The translation is "generally" well.
The reason that I gave 4 stars, is due to some details in the poem translation. I read the Persian version as well and I could understand all in the English translation. But for most of the friends didn't know Persian, the translation was sometimes far from the original version; plus the semi harmonic intonation in the poetry hasn't been well respected in the translation.
Although I'm saying it could be better, I very much recommend this book, its very valuable and worth it to spend time and attention.

This book contains the ABC of forensic anthropology. It provides a set of standard measurements used by every forensic anthropologists in the US.

This little spiral bound book goes to the lab with me everyday. Buikstra and Ubelaker have combined information from multiple authors to explain the procedures of analyzing human skeletal remains. The forms in the back of the book are the standard forms for skeletal inventory and analysis used in labs througout the country. This book will satisfy both a beginner, and an advanced scientist, however may be difficult for some beginners to understand without some knowledge of osteology. Anyone going into forensic anthropology or bioarchaeology will need this book!

The book is a must for Arkansas gardeners, hikers and naturalists!! Anyone not familiar with Carl Hunter's love of the Arkansas landscape will find this book as informative as his other publications. I purchased it used because I am "frugal"!! I received the book in good shape and appreciate the vender's efforts.

This book was very informative and reliable concerning AR trees, shrubs and vines. However, the majority of the pictures show only fruit or flowers for a particular species and at certain times and locations neither can be found on a given plant. Needs more photos of identifiable leaf structure and arrangement.

Being an enthusiastic amateur treasure hunter myself, in years past, I diligently read each and every volume of Mr. Terry's exhaustively researched works. Although I found some the information erroneous or far from exact - for instance many locations cited as "ghost towns" are FAR from being one - there are so many intriguing stories of legends, factual evidence & stories of past recoveries that any true TH'r will be enthralled. Treasure hunting is supposedly America's fastest growing hobby: it's uniquely enjoyable for the adventure, historical aspects & healthy outdoor recreation. And when you really find something decent...Boy Howdy!! Not as easy as it sounds, though. To be a professional TH'r, one has to have patience, applying oneself with the perseverance of a detective: because that's what it takes to be successful. Exhaustive research is the key: going where people gathered long ago (old picnic grounds & abandoned schoolyards, for instance) will be beneficial for coin shooters who are after more than modern coins....for me, finding modern coins was a complete waste of time & energy. Going for the gold? Go where it is KNOWN to be & be creative: the better your equipment - i.e. a decent detector which finds gold & common sense makes this a most fascinating hobby. For some, it's a life's career. Good luck!!

Found this to be a very interesting paperback book for anyone dreaming of treasure hunting/finds. But, I wish it was updated. I'm sure there are more interesting things about Florida. Not all of Fla. treasure finds are in the sea as this book notes. Worth reading.Open anywhere and begin reading.

A very enjoyable look at one of the greatest German Americans involved with the Civil War. Tracks his early days to his time as a commander in the Union Army. Engle provides the reader with a new insight into Sigel's life, with a fresh style that never disappoints. A book that is long over due and finally pays tribute to a forgotten figure of the Civil War. A great addition to a Civil War collection, especially if you are interested in Civil War biographies.

German-Americans, during the Civil War, were proud of saying "I fights mit Sigel." Franz Sigel was a German officer, who fled to the United States after an unsuccessful insurrection, in which he played a role as an officer of a revolutionary force (in 1848). The purpose of the book is straightforward. In the author's words (page xix): "The purpose in this study is to understand Franz Sigel's life, to venture some explanations, and to provide a framework that would make sense to the reviewer.

The first chapter focuses on Sigel's background, from his birth in Baden to his retreat after the unsuccessful military venture into Switzerland. The crushing of the republican forces was an event that colored Sigel's later life. He was a "champion of idealism, liberalism, and democracy" (page 25), but failed to achieve those goals in Germany. These factors are part of the context for his declaring for the Union at the outset of the Civil War, after he arrived in the United States in 1852.

It is his performance in the Civil War that is central to people's views of Sigel. In early small-scale conflicts, he had some success in Missouri. Part of his importance was generating many German recruits flocking to the Union forces. His popularity among Germans and his ability to inspire new recruits into the Union Army helped him last as long as he did as a field commander. In his first major battles, Wilson's Creek, he convince the commanding general to try a Robert E. Lee-like division of forces to strike the larger Confederate Army from front and flank. At this stage of the war, this was essentially not very practical. The end result? A Union defeat and the death of General Nathaniel Lyon.

I won't be tedious, going over battle after battles in which Sigel fought. Two illustrate: At Pea Ridge (Or Elkhorn Tavern), he began slowly, but actually had one of his few really good days of the war on the second and final day of the battle. It may be that the commanding general, Samuel Curtis, was the kind of take-charge commander he needed to work under (he was never very good in independent command, as later events would show). At Second Manassas, his generalship (he served as a corps commander) was uninspired, as was normal. He was finally shelved.

However, historically, he was an interesting figure in that, despite his flaws as a commander, he did elevate "the status of Germans in an American society and by raising the national consciousness of Americans" (page 233). Overall, the book is pretty well written, although sometimes matters might be more clearly explicated. Nonetheless, to get a better understanding of an important Union general, this is a good volume.

John Grisham has learned how to end a book - although it's not always a happy ending or the one we'd like. "A Painted House" is a wonderful slice-of-life, coming of age (even at 7 years old) story. Great descriptive writing, wonderful imagery. A good read from start to finish.

I enjoyed the change of pace from Grisham's normal books, but like a lot of other reviewers, I didn't think it was believable that Luke was a 7-year-old, and that it ended sort of abruptly with seemingly no resolution of anything. The story seemed to be building up to a climax that never happened. While I did enjoy reading about life in rural Arkansas in the '50s, I just felt so let down at the end. I also thought that Tally, the teenage daughter of the Spruills, got a little too much enjoyment out of little Luke watching her bathe. Comments such as "You liked that didn't you?" and "Maybe I'll let you watch me again." seemed a bit disturbing for a 17-year-old girl to be saying to a 7-year-old boy.

A Painted House is a sweet story narrated by a 7 year old boy who gets in enough trouble to keep the reader's attention. It is one of those beautiful stories that should go on forever. A quick read in Grisham's spellbinding style.

After seing so many positive reviews i deceided to give this book a try. I must say it was interesting especially for a big city girl like me. I truely didnt know anything about farming and thought this would be real boring but to my surprise it wasnt.

Its very well written Luke, the 7 year old kid knows a lot of secrets and i can see that happening in real life as grown ups tend to trust kids with their secrets more than anyone else for some reason. I could also see myself telling a kid secrets...lol

I didnt like the end so I have to subtract 2 stars. WHere was the plot? Nothing really happened. I dont know why it was titled "the painted house", it should have been more the likely "The mysteries farm" or something. Maybe i missed something i dont know how some people see this book as one of the best books they ever read.

Its okay to read but dont expect too much.

Wow, Grisham blew me away with his ability to write a novel that didn't involve an attorney (or two) and a court room. This book transports you into The South and guides you to imagine what it would be like to experience the story in person. It was very well written and has a compelling storyline. I couldn't put it down until I was finished and I have passed this along to several friends and family members.

This book provides well-written insight into growing up as a black child during the Depression. Maya Angelou is wonderful with her use of words and imagery. I was greatly reminded of my own childhood and what being a kid really meant. Written in first person, she addresses childhood fears, respect for adults and growing up with such tangible details that she could be her eight-year-old self again.

Angelou's insights into the African-American way of life and religion during a time of national change range from tender to comical. She speaks warmly of her love for her brother and her frustration with the young white girls. It is sweet to see the growing up process taking affect and the experiences of youth shaping her character.

I am somewhat relieved that we were not permitted to read this book back in my high school literature class where many parents were opposed to it. I fear it would have caught me off guard in many respects. Many of the sexual themes running throughout the book are quite heavy and discussed in detail. Both the subjects of rape and teen pregnancy are covered and sex in general is frequently alluded to.

Though I do perceive this as a lovely piece of literature, I would be cautious in offering it to teens and others who may be unprepared for its impact.

This is another autobiography by Maya Angelou.

Here, she tells of the hardships she experienced in growin up: her parent's divorce, being sent to live with their grandmother in a small, Arkansas town and its racism, sexual abuse and more emotional scarring.

Eventually, Maya finds a father figure and when better things began to happen to her, she started to find her voice.

This is honest and gripping...

We are the members of the South Mill Young Readers Book Club located in Conyers, Georgia. We are in the thirteen year old age bracket and thought it would be challenging to attempt to read and understand this story. As a result of our reading, we rate the book as follows:

Creativity - B+
Enjoyment - A+
Price - B+

We would recommend this book to others in our age group to read it.

Typed by Book Club Instructor: mwg

I thought this book was an interesting read, however it was difficult to finish at times. What made me continue to finish the book was the beautiful way Maya Angelou writes. I found her story to be a bit dry and slow at times. However, her preserverance to become successful in life dispite her many obstacles kept me interested in this book. If I had not known how successful Maya Angelou's life turned out, I might not have finished the book. I was interested in knowing her journey. I recommend this book for teenage girls who are struggling with self-esteem issues and teen pregnancy because Maya Angelou's story can be used as a great encouragement to hang in there despite adversity.

Definitely not what i thought when i was assigned to read this book by my professor. Maya Angelou definitely led an interesting life, but the way it was written makes her seem self- conscious and doubtful of hew own recollections, i personally did not like or understand it. i had to rely on sparknotes to guide me to the end of this most unique... book. i would not recommend it.