Georgia Books

What a splendid surprise this book was. I met the author and bought the book because of my interest in Appalachian writers and interest in Civil War history. The book is well paced and brings well researched and interesting information of the mood of the country, both North and South, during the time just before and during the Civil War. I got a perspective I had not considered before. The book was difficult to put down and a very enjoyable read. I am surprised it is not more widely read.

If you identified with Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" and Nora in "A Doll's House" early feminist plays in which love alone promised a woman happiness and sin against one's society didn't count, you will love Black Horse White Rider. With historical accuracy, Jack R. Pyle's version pits funloving, teenage abolitionist Elizabeth Chadwycke, falling in love with and marrying philandering, southern plantation slaveholder, Clay Greenleaf. The pace is deadly as Clay slowly, steadily, passive aggressively, tethers his bride, until the leash is so short, she wonders if she controls even her own thoughts. Resistance carries a hefty legal price: Clay will get custody of their two daughters, whom he rarely sees and doesn't even like because they're not boys. When Elizabeth finally escapes with the girls, powerful Clay seeks revenge. The chase takes the reader through a labyrinth of surprises to an ending so rewarding (yet predictable), it couldn't be guessed! Don't miss this great read!

It is a blessing to live in Mossy Creek located hours North of Atlanta, where everyone who lives there wants to stay there. Neighbors help friends and arguments are usually settled amicably. Outsiders who move there are warmly welcomed as long as they treat others, as they want to be treated.

When the bride has no flowers for her wedding day, the groom tries to find them but it is the people of Mossy Creek who work together to fill up the church with roses and one woman donates her prize winning rose instead of entering them in the local competition. The owner of a ballet school and the owner of the funeral home are feuding and disturbing the newly bereaved. Tango lessons temporarily solve the problem and friendship finds a solution.

Even the children in Mossy Creek are kind hearted. John Wesley has been saving up all summer to buy his mother a birthday present but when a homeless hungry family of migrant workers passes through town, he gives them his money for gasoline and food. On an amusing note, the town bands together to save a tree from being torn down while Amos the chief of police tries to get Ida the mayor to admit she has feelings for him.

There are many more blessings in Katie Bell's column in the Mossy Creek Gazette; they are all tender, worn-hearted and uplifting as the ones in this review. Mossy Creek combines the atmosphere of an Anne River Seddons' novel with the magic of a Barbara Samuels' character study. The latest trip is worth the journey.

Harriet Klausner

THe Mossy Creek books aren't exactly cutting edge fiction, but they are a wonderful way to pass some time with characters that you know fairly well. Blessings is the 5th (I think) book in the series, and it is as wonderful as the rest. There is some small town pettiness and some small town loving-kindness, and an enjoyable time will be had by all.

This is a wonderful Civil War book told through the eyes of William Daniel Dixon of Savannah, Georgia. It is a fascinating and detailed account of his journey from the coastal battles of the early war to the battle of Atlanta. If you are from the southeastern part of Georgia you will find it especially interesting to read about the battles and encampments around the Savannah area. Dixon recounts his personal exploits as well as his unit's: the Republican Blues. Compared to the fast travel and communications of today it is great to read about a time of letters, trains, telegraphs, long foot marches, and horse back jouneys.

The Blues in Gray is a very readable account of the Republican Blues service in coastal Georgia with exciting battles taking place on the Ogeechee River at Fort McAllister south of Savannah, Georgia. William Daniel Dixon was 23 when he began his private journal which he kept throughout his Confederate Service. He was a native of Savannah and lived his entire life there. The editor, Roger Durham, has done an excellent job making Dixon's voice heard. I am Dixon's great granddaugher and am delighted that this primary material is available to readers and scholars.

I've known Jackie for years and all his books open doors to a past that all of us share to one degree or another. You see faces you've forgotten, streets you once walked, places you've been. Whether they are the actual faces, streets or places, you feel as though you've shared them all with Jackie and his characters.

As I read The Bookbinder, I felt as if Jackie Cooper was sitting there talking to me. I kept wanting to respond--to tell him the things we have in common. I laughed aloud while reading some of the anecdotes, like the one about getting his coat caught in a newspaper vending machine, and smiled at others. A few brought me near tears. His book isn't a thriller, but if heartwarming and uplifting are what you're looking for, read it.

What an exciting and fun book to read. It offers a peek into the exclusive worlds of the rich, famous and fashionable during the peak of the party life years of the 70s and 80s. Not only does the story cover the lavish lifestyles, it covers the characters as real people that everyone can relate to on an emotional level. This book has a little of everything, drama, suspense, romance, steamy love scenes, action, mystery you name it. This was a great book to read on the beach on vacation.

As luscious as biting into a fresh peach... As decadent as pure milk chocolate...This is a witty and sinful look into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, a definite treat for anyone who enjoys Jackie Collins and her ilk. It conveys an absolute sense of realism that even Ms.Collins can't provide. Even if you think yourself worldly and sophisticated and unshockable, I guarantee without a doubt that this book will force you to cover your mouth in surprise. Oh, one word of advice: If you are IN ANY WAY prudish and sexsensitive, don't pick up this book. If you're like me and want to be royally entertained, dig in and enjoy. But don't say I didn't warn you!

This was a wonderful book, its a wonder how Dr. Mays overcame all the things that was holding him back. This is one you should read.

Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays (1894-1984) was one of the most prominent educators, social reformists and civil rights and religious leaders of his time. This book magnificently captures a time in American history that is far too scarcely documented: the Post-Civil War segregation era, leading up to 1970. This book gives a very personal description of Dr. Mays's struggles for dignity, respect and integrity, while simultaneously touching upon the collective struggle of African-Americans. I recommend this book for anyone seeking a greater understanding of African-American and American history. Mr. Mays was a pioneer in social reform and civil rights, was the President of Morehouse College from 1940-67, was a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and held the honor of being the "First" to hold several important and powerful positions in private and public organizations. He was a giant among men. I assure you that this is one of the best autobiographies that you will read.

The is a wonderful book. It contains history and background on Georgia, and is a Great read, and the receipes are out of this world. I highly recommend if you get a copy of this book, never let go of it, no matter how people you show it to.

I would not use most of the recipes in the cookbook, because i am a veggie. The history is an excellent source of information. This cookbook will make a great gift.

Larry Ivers has written a thoroughly documented volume covering every aspect of British military service in colonial Georgia, beginning while the area was still under the aegis of South Carolina. The building of fortifications, regulation of traders, diplomacy with the various Indian tribes, scouting by land and water, disease, death and boredom on a lonely frontier are all part of this highly entertaining read. Maps and illustrations are plentiful and most helpful. This book should be of value to anyone interested in Pre-Revolutionary Georgia, living historians, wargamers, and students of Native American studies.

British Drums on the Southern Frontier is the finest history of colonial British warfare on the Southern frontier, as well as a fantastic biography of James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia. This is probably the most widely "bibliographied" book by modern writers of Georgia history and has, until now, only been available in libraries and as an expensive used book.

This who-dun-it has all of the essential elements of a good mystery. A fisherman discovers a severed arm in a lake, and the plot thickens from there. The detectives investigating the case are interesting characters, and as they become better acquainted with each other, their relationship blossoms. The author has done a fine job of studying and explaining the science of embalming, which fits nicely into the plot. All in all, a good read and a fine first novel. Let's hope for more from this author.

The Butcher Bird weaves a tale of intrigue that holds the reader's attention to the last twist of fate. The book tweaks the imagination and stirs the curiosity to solve the strange and bizarre tale that evolves slowly to the end. The book is not for the "faint at heart" as it reveals the shadow side of human nature that prevails even in the quiet calm of a peaceful setting. The Butcher Bird is a good backpacking companion to hunker down with amidst the hum-drum workaday world. NDalebuck@aol.com