Virginia Books

For some reason, my local library had all but this novel in Settle's excellent series. I've read The Beulah Quintet twice now and find the books rich and well written.

Novel set just before the Civil War and tells the tragic tale of Peregrine Catlett and his second son, Johnny. As Peregrine considers freeing his slaves, he realizes all his children have left, and he feels there's no recourse but to remain a slaveholder. Tied by a special bond to the land, Johnny returns, but only until the outbreak of war, when he joins the Confederate forces. But he loses sight of his reasons for joining the war...and ends up fighting both family and friends with disastrous results.

I had vainly considered myself to be fairly knowledgable about current American writers until that beautiful Sunday morning of 7 September 97 when I turned to the Book World section of my Washington Post and read an essay written by a septuagenarian author named Mary Lee Settle. She told it like it is, revealing how the literary marketplace of modern-day America has slid into a disgraceful period of not publishing unless it has a virtual guarantee of profit. Their business theory: only young writers can bring us a long stream of profit. I read her personal revelations with interest, likening them to my own experiences. For I, decades ago, had four hardcover trade books published by three different,notable publishers, and now - after a hiatus self-imposed in order to make myself financially secure - was finding it difficult to get published again. My age?

"Who is this woman?" I asked myself. "Her statements," I know, "are nothing but the truths. She tells it like it is. How refreshing!"

Then, on the subsequent Sunday, I was joyriding around on the net, accessed Amazon.com, and saw that this lady who was apparently considered "over-the-hill" had 39 - yes, 39! - books listed.

How could I not have read her? "I must correct my deficiencies," I told my deficiencies," I told myself. So, I scanned up-and-down, perusing the titles of her 39 entries. So many made the decision hard. Probably because I am, as she, a native Virginian and had just returned from a short vacation exploring the back roads of West Virginia, I chose her "Know Nothing" - a book billed as a novel that is a history of the western part of the State of Virginia, just prior to the Civil War and that land subsequently becoming the State of West Virginia.

I found it to be more than a history. I marveled at its rare eloquence; the conversations of Blacks with Blacks, Blacks with white people, and white people about Blacks. The vernacular and patois were perfect. Except, true to the actual;ity of that era, the term 'Black' was never used. It had not been invented at that time. It was always 'nigger' - a designation then, of itself, mot bearing any rancor or disrespect.

Soon, I was in love again. I saw that there existed out there, somewhere in the netherland of authors personally undiscovered, a will-o'the wosp who eluded me. She piqued my imagination. She of the intriguingly-beguiling persona - a mature person of the same generation as I, who had been blessed with the gift of verbally portraying people and events as they really were. I must meet her, I thought. She lives in Charlottesville, only about a 2-hour drive from my home in Fairfax.

Then, after the impetuosity of initial fascination wore off, I realized I am still in love with love. It would be best for us to never meet. What if a faux pas were to burst my bubble? I have found that the older one gets the more he or she needs a visionary shelter, a person who serves as an icon of one's dreams. That is the raison d'etre' of writers; to be the untouchable cloud in a heaven of imagination.

I recommend this vintage book to any and all, especially the current generation of "people of color."

I felt I was reading a history book instead of a novel. The epilogue summarizes the causes of the war the carpetbaggers and scallywags will not admit.

After reading The Battle of Bentonville and the biography of Gen. Robt. Hoke, this historical novel puts a gripping personal and realistic touch on this period. It makes it easy to tdentify with the trials and hardships endured by the people of eastern North Carolina during the civil war. The book is a wonderful supplement to the historical accounts.

"Great book!I haven't had time to read it until now, but once I started I couldn't lay it down. The chapter on Battery Wagner was very good and at times I could almost smell the smoke." J.O., Dunn, N.C.

"You have mastered the art of keeping us history enthusiasts thirsty for details of every moment of the Civil War and entertained with a good story as well." B.A., Trinity, N.C.

"I really enjoyed your book and hated for it to end." S.C.,Tampa, Florida

"Your book was absorbing and I gained an entirely new slant on Civil War history. As I recall, the cotton tax was never mentioned in history books I read. To look at the conflict from that perspective makes more sense." A.N., Greenville, N.C.

"I normally do not read novels and I guess I am a stickler for hard core history. I began reading your book yesterday and couldn't put it down. The pages give life to both the soldiers and the loved ones left behind. You have done a great job of presenting the history of the 51st North Carolina Regimant while giving it life through the conversation of its characters. Your book will have a special place on my shelf. T.B., Columbia, S.C.

"This book is a treasure for the Civil War buff.... We hear the soldiers speak, as they must have spoken, on topics that range from concern for the crop harvest to their philosophical opinions as to the causes of the war." G.F., Shohola, Pa.

"You have captured everything I have ever read of wondered about the war in 329 pages." G.R., Sanford, N.C.

"So many times I have read novels thet were so far off historically that I could not enjoy them and I have read factually correct books that read too much like a battle report and bored me. In your book, there is a perfect combination of strong history and just enough fiction to make you come away feeling like you know the characters like old friends. I haven't enjoyed a book like this in a long time." L.S., Smithfield, N.C.

This is a very good book on the Overland Campaign of 1864. It is the story of the great campaign between Lee and Grant. The author writes very good character sketches of Lee, Longstreet, Ewell, and Hill. He also tells about the lower level officers of the Army of Northern Virginia. He does show bias against Longstreet who he does not think very highly of. Grant fans will not be too happy with some of the narrative. But it is a book about Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia not Grant and the Army of the Potomac. For the flip side of the coin I highly recommend Bruce Catton's "Surrender at Appomattox" which is an excellent account of the Army of the Potomac in these campaigns.

An excellent work that in my opinion captures the essence of the Confederate failure. Dowdy debunks the myths of Grant the butcher and the subsequent "Lost Cause" explaination that the South lost the war due to the overwhelming superiority of Northern numbers, industry, weaponry and supply. Dowdy places the blame with Jefferson Davis, Braxton Bragg, the CSA War Department and to some extent on P.G.T. Beauregard. The decentralized defensive strategy adopted by Davis, led to the inability by General Lee and other CSA field commanders to sufficiently concentrate the forces necessary to defeat the Union armies.

The author writes a simply marvelous history of the great generalship of an almost god-like Robert E. Lee.
Read how sheer numbers, not superior leadership, allowed U.S. Grant final victory.
Although I think this book is out of print, I would highly recommend any history or Civil War buff to search hard for it. They will not be dissapointed.

These truly are "Life" skills in two ways--they help you live your life positively/effectively and they take a lifetime to master. There are no quick cures or miracle pills in this book.

The "book description" lists the 8 skills taught in the book. Here are some more details about each skill.
1. Identify your thoughts and feelings.
Acknowledge the feelings you are having; you cannot address the negative ones unless you are honest about them. Don't deny negative feelings because you feel guilty or bad about having them (anger fear, jealousy, insecurity, etc.). Don't let anyone tell you that you shouldn't be feeling them or that they are not real. Try writing down your thoughts and feelings. Write the situation that led up to them.
2. Evaluate negative thoughts/feelings.
Observe the objective facts that led up to the negative thoughts/feelings; do not make any assumptions or interpretations. Then, ask yourself 4 questions:
Is this matter Important to me?
Are my thoughts/feelings Appropriate given the objective facts?
Is the situation Modifiable?
Given my needs and the needs of others, is taking action Worth It?
If the answer to any of the 4 questions is no, then try to accept the status quo. To quell negative thoughts that might linger, reason with yourself, distract yourself from the situation, or meditate. If all of the 4 answers are yes, decide if the problem is a situation or a person. If it is just a situation, you need to solve the problem. If it is a person, decide between assertion and acceptance (details below).
3. Communicate better.
Listen to others. Have positive body language (lean forward slightly, look at the speaker, uncross your arms). Reflect back what you hear ("What I hear you saying is..."). Avoid responses that are hostile or evasive ("that may be..." "well of course..."). Do not give advice or bring the focus back to you. Do not judge or grill. You must hear, not just listen. Be willing to be changed by what you hear.
Speak with compassion. Make "I" statements instead of drawing general conclusions or blame statements ("I don't like it" vs. "It stinks;" "I feel sad" vs. "You are mean"). Speak about specifics when possible ("You promised to clean up the room this morning but it is still a mess" vs. "You never clean up").
4. Empathize with and understand other's behavior.
Learn what the other person is thinking and feeling. Be aware of how that person perceives himself or herself. Try to appreciate where the other person is coming from.
5. Solve problems (when it's a situation rather than a person, that's the source of distress).
Define the problem. Generate alternatives. Make a decision. Implement the decision. Evaluate the outcome.
6. Practice assertion.
Ask for what you want and need. Spell out the situation that is leading up to your request (perhaps including how it makes you feel), and then be specific in your request. If this repeatedly fails to be effective you may need to add consequences. Learn to say no (restate the request, empathize with the requester, perhaps share a statement of what you're feeling, and explicitly say no).
7. Practice acceptance.
Make an active decision not to act.
8. Emphasize the positive.
Your goal should be 5 times as many positive interchanges as negative (both with others and yourself). This is a stronger correlation with happiness than income, attractiveness, or good health.

All of these skills are very practical to your everyday life. They are simple, but very difficult to apply, especially when you are angry or upset about something. The authors acknowledge this difficulty throughout the book. They provide many examples of people struggling to apply these skills to their lives.

I have read inspirational books (e.g. Tuesdays with Morrie) and listed to motivational tapes (Dennis Waitley and Earl Nightingale). These usually make me "feel good," but provide very little advice that is practical in the "messy reality" of everyday life.

"Lifeskills" delivers what it promises.

"Lifeskills" focuses on what is important to us all: successful relationships and a healthy approach to getting along with others. This is not just another "how to" book but one that combines scientific research with common-sense readability. This insightful book gives helpful suggestions for improving and enhancing your approach and attitudes at home, at work, and in all of your encounters . Specific exercises are listed after each chapter to help the reader act on the ideas just presented. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Lifeskills makes a difference for all kinds of relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. The book helps you recognize strengths and problem areas that currently affect your relationships and then walks you through 8 steps for improving relationships and communication. Lifeskills also provides scientific evidence for how following these steps can make you healthier. The book is well written and easy and enjoyable to read.

Herring's book is in inquisitive and thorough examination of the literature regarding America's national parks. His work analyzes the literature of writers who saw the good, the bad, and the ugly concerning national parks. While some writers saw parks as a necessity, others saw them as something to be feared and loathed. What was to initially preserve and inspire became nothing more than Disneyland.

In speaking with the author, who taught a few classes I took, he told me that this work would normally be reviewed in literary journals and digests, not in commercial circles, which is understandable. Works about literature have a far more limited readership range than literature itself. But hey, I purchased the book immediately when it was released and after reading it, thought I would provide my $0.02. I was curious to see his work. He spoke about Yellowstone on occasion, and had an interesting approach to teaching-- making pop culture references to literature and so forth. This book nevertheless reveals those very qualities in print.

Anyway, if you want some articulate, well-thought insight into the works of authors who wrote about national parks, _Lines On The Land_ is where you should go.

This book really would go better in the "nature essay" section of the bookstore than "literary criticism" (who reads that, really?). The best parts of the book are the sections where Herring talks about living in Yellowstone National Park. They make you want to head off to Wyoming, like, right now. Highly recommended.

Scott Herring writes beautifully about the asthetics and quinessential qualities of the national parks. He traces the historical background of national parks while at the same time, speaks of the great writers of our time and their contributions to both national parks and the beauty of nature.

"Lines on the Land" is a book that demonstrates the importance of national parks to the American Heritage. A collection of historical accounts, literature,poetry as well as personal insights, this book is for the scholar, the climber, and the nature lover within all people. Herring gives great insight on the importance of the land in relation to the American people.

A beautiful meditation upon the everyday details and context of first-century Palestine that adds adjectives and adverbs to the Gospels' action and dialogue. A thoughtful and thought-provoking piece that is faithful to what is written in the Scriptures, and celebrates the gift of imagination, as well. Bravo!

This book could easily be read as a daily devotional, each chapter being short in words, but full of thought-provoking material. This book helps one push pass the stereotypical and well-known portrayals of Jesus and takes the reader to a level with Christ that far too few Christian writers have been able to accomplish.

I have read numerous books about Jesus Christ and this book brought to life once again my intrigue and passion for him. More than a historical review, each chapter looks at cultural, social, and spiritual meanings often overlooked in the Gospels. For those really Looking for Jesus, especially those who have already met him, but would like to know him, this book is a must read.

Virginia Owens is not only a knowledgeable Bibical scholar, but an entertaining writer, as well. Not only did she adress my miriad doubts and questions about Jesus and the Bible, but she actually made sense of seemingly nonsensical parables. By explaining the sociology of the era and the reasons for the choices Jesus made, she brought understanding and enlightenment to my weary soul. Her practical and lighthearted style make this an easy and irresistible read. I wholeheartedly recommend the book, especially for those whose concept of Jesus has outgrown a childlish belief.

"Looking for Pa" is a wonderful historical fiction book that brings the Civil War to life for readers young and old. As a Language Arts and Social Studies teacher candidate, I have found multiple uses for Jeri Susi's book. She raises issues of the early Civil War in Virginia in a subtle way that allows excellent thinking and discussion opportunities for 4th grade through high school students. Well worth the price and highly recommended for pure entertainment. Superior maps and illustrations greatly enhance the dialogue rich text.

LOOKING FOR PA is a wonderful story that will capture the attention of young readers from the opening pages. A brother and sister, Jacob, 11 and Jessie, 8, are distraught, as they watch their father depart to fight with the Confederate forces. The unexpected death of their mother becomes a compelling reason for the two children to set off to locate their father. As the two travel by foot, accompanied by their pet goat, pig, and cat, they encounter some frightening obstacles, several fascinating people, and many disappointments. The satisfying conclusion will make all young readers feel proud, as they witness Jacob's and Jessie's tenacity, as they adapt and solve problems through the worst of times. The author, Geraldine Lee Susi, successfully combines the story of a desperate search with historical information and interesting details about the Civil War. The book provides many opportunities for children to gain insight into the issues and emotional turmoil surrounding this very difficult period in our history.

I am a Loudoun County 4th grade teacher. Three years ago I was looking for a novel to read to my class that would characterize the Piedmont Region of Virginia! I was fortunate to find the charming, historical fiction book, "Looking for Pa" by Geraldine Susi. Mrs.Susi's writing is vivid, descriptive, and a wonderful example of great writing for her young readers. Reading this novel is always a highlight in my school year. My students beg me to read this book each day! In 4th grade we have a great deal of Social Studies material to teach in a school year (Jamestown-present day). Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of spending a great deal of time teaching the Civil War. By reading this novel during my Language Arts time, I can spend a more in depth time on this period of history. Through this story she is able to present a vast knowlege of the Civil War Battle at Bull Run and the Piedmont region of Virginia. You feel like you are traveling along with this brother and sister caravan on their journey to find their Pa who is fighting for the Confederate Army. This novel gives my students an opportunity to internalize this period in history. I am so happy that my school ordered this novel as one of our 4th grade novel sets. I also highly recommend the teacher's guide that accompanies this book. Mrs. Susi, who is a retired reading teacher from Fairfax County, Virginia, has done a marvelous job suggesting various activities which stress vocabulary and reading comprehension. I can't wait to read Mrs.Susi's upcoming book. I am sure the sequal will be equally as exciting and educating as the first novel. Susie Geurin, Sterling Elementary School.

Few museum exhibitions have garnered as much conversation and genuine interest in history as the current LACMA sensitively curated exploration LORDS OF CREATION: The Origins of Sacred Mayan Kinship. This book is termed a catalogue, but in fact it not only enhances the magnificence of this exhibition and the importance of this aspect of Mesoamerican history, it also provides wholly readable essays by a gifted staff of writers that assures this volume will become a part of every school library.

The concept of kings divinely sanctioned is not unique to the Mayans: such lineage was also found in Egypt, Asia, Europe and Africa. But here the authors (Virginia M. Fields and Dorie Reents-Budet) follow the sacred kings on the Gulf Coast of Mexico from 900 BC through the gradual dispersion of those influences on the flowering of the Mayan civilization in southern Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala - that extraordinary and rich civilization that is even today not fully appreciated.

The extant religious ceremonies of the Mayan descendents are reviewed and their connection to the ancient rites is discussed through examples of archeological findings of art and mysterious fragments and evidences of a 'kingdom' ruled by those able to directly intercede between man and gods. The result is a lavishly beautiful collection of images and an immensely readable text. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

I won't go into a very lengthy description or recommendation. Let me just say that this book contains many quality photos of some of the more spectacular finds from the Mayan culture. If you have a lot of this type subject material lying around, this book has some photos I have not seen anywhere else. The book has excellent paper and binding and should give a long shelf life as a reference piece in your collection. My grand-kids love the large pages.

The Lords of Creation is a marvelous book filled with full color photos of Mayan art objects and sites. It has some objects not seen before in other books. The Metro Art Museum in L. A. has put this book out and is following up with a traveling tour this year. Fist stop is in Dallas (June -Sept) and then goes to New York. I am making plans to go. This is going to be very spectacular, as the book is. I highly recommend this book for all serious Mayan and Mesoamerican buffs whatever your studies or intrest range happens to be.

Jeff Mann's book has been the most challenging works I have spent time with in a long time.The beauty of language lured me into the author's life. The simply poetry of existence that infuses he book certainly adde d to the mix that lead me deeper into this piece. As a gay man living in the city I learned a great deal about gay men in mountain regions of the south.His telling story of himself and his life and family was most inspiring.
The gift of Jeff Mann offers us is priceless. He offers us as clear of a view of his queer life as a poet can make it. I feel privileged to have shared Mann's deep exploration of spirit and flesh. I am grateful. I would encourage folks to take the time to read this book with intent, paying close attention to the stories one tells oneself as Mann skillfully weaves his within the readoer's own heart and mind.

I cannot say enough about how much this book inspires me. The writing is sophisticated and highly compassionate. He is the first writer to put me to tears while reading. As a gay man in the mountains, I have identified so much with his life. I believe anybody who has ever been in love will be moved by his words. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up immediately!

Talk about dual crosses to bear, in a small West Virginia town, if you cared what people thought........ [we had] the most colorfully freakish family in Summers County. Only my mother, bless her, was normal."
"
Jeff Mann's "­Loving Mountains, Loving Men" is as enjoyable as it is painful. I grew up in small town Appalachia as a confused and lonely lesbian. I can relate to all Mann says in his memoir, needing only to replace names and places. It is a scary place to be when you know you are "different" from your peers. Mann's transformation from teenager to the man he is today is one that I am sure many of us or someone we know can relate to. And if you can't, then you need to read this book to understand.

Mann's writing is humorous and colorful. Just when I feel his anger, he gives me a chuckle. When he makes me cry at a loss, he feeds my hunger with a new passion. I cannot help but think of all the "Brokeback Mountain" stories like his there have been, are, and will be in this world. I can only hope that more of us will become strong like Mann in our convictions and struggle to stand up for what is right and good in this life

This is the historical food researcher's answer to Oprah's "AHH HAA" moments in your life! Sit back and let MS. Hess fill you full of delight as you find out exactly where and how gingerbread got its beginnings and why do we call turkey, well, turkey. The amount of historic research and information is a true goldmine for one serious in their food history or for the novice who would just love to know where all our food preferences comes from. I am a teacher of historic foodways and tell each and every one of my students to start here first! You won't be disapointed.

This book is a jewel. Being a 16th-17th century reenactor, I would not have thought that Martha Washington's cookbook would have become such a favorite of mine. The annotations by Karen Hess make it invaluable to anyone interested in historical cookery from the Elizabethan age onwards, and it is a darned good read, informative and fun even if you aren't. This is the book I will give someone who thinks they might possibly be vaguely interested in historical cookery and would like to learn more. It is very well-researched and there is something to learn on every page. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I stumbled upon this book when I was visiting Mt. Vernon for the first time a few years ago. It looked so interesting I had to purchase it. Even though this is a cookbook, it's very unique with a lot of additional material that explains cooking and the recipes from the time period that the book was written. I'm more of a history buff than a cook, but I really, really enjoyed it.