Southern Books

If you have ever read even one book or short story by Ellen Gilchrist, then you have had a special experience that will never leave you. She is simply unique--there is absolutely nobody else like her.

This collection of short stories, which span several decades in no particular order, are full of heart-rending, exquisitely written, slices of life that have such pathos, such reality, such a truly human essence, that we can even love Rhoda Manning's Daddy, who is a racist to the extreme. Impossible, you say? Yes, with any other author, it would be impossible, it would be repugnant. But it is not...not that we FORGIVE him, but we see him through the loving eyes of his daughter from the age of 5 well into adulthood.

Other stories cover a wide range of different experiences including, eerily, a story about Middle Eastern terrorists who plan to murder several people on their leader's request. Gilchrist explains at the end of the book that this story was written BEFORE 9/11, which is truly scary. She had no clue that something REAL would happen. The difference is that in her story, there is a happy ending.

Rhoda Manning loves her daddy. She invariably disobeys him, but she loves him as a five-year-old in the first story of this collection, getting in trouble with a gun. She still loves him as a 60-year-old, getting in trouble climbing a tree to retrieve a golden bough so she can descend into the underworld and commune with him. Along the way we too get to know her daddy, Big Dudley. In one story, he takes charge of her wayward, pot-smoking teenaged sons in 1970s New Orleans. In another, he ups and moves to Wyoming and teaches the whole family to ski. In yet another, he sends middle-aged, newly sober Rhoda down the Wind River with her 12-year-old son in a canoe. He's frequently racist, often stubborn, but he's also fiercely protective, forceful, strong, and sensible. "He was always turning out to be right, and when we abandoned the clear paths he wanted us to travel we were always sorry."

Ellen Gilchrist fans may have some trouble recognizing this older, wiser Rhoda Manning, but underneath the sobriety and wisdom, our favorite smart aleck still holds court. "Watch nature videos. See who rules a group of chimpanzees and why. Then decide if you want your president to keep it zipped." Charmed as ever by Ms. Gilchrist's easy, droll storytelling, I realized that getting to know Rhoda over the years in these bite-sized vignettes makes Rhoda seem more alive and genuine than she would if I read an entire novel about her. This way we learn about her in bits and pieces, over time, the way we learn about people in real life.

There are Rhoda-less stories, too. One of them is sufficiently prescient of the events of September 11, 2001, that the author notes in a foreword that it was written in the fall of 2000. That particular piece features new characters, but the last story is in the voice of Traceleen, one of my longtime favorite Gilchrist creations. A former maid and current friend of a white woman she still calls "Miss Crystal," the Creole Traceleen now studies yoga and Buddhism. These disciplines stand her in good stead as she confronts the nanny her niece has hired for her precious grandnieces and, later, this nanny's drug-crazed boyfriend. I've always loved Traceleen because she's so dignified and serious, such a wonderful counterpoint to the crazy, selfish behavior of her rich employers. "I sighed. Once again lack of understanding had caused a problem. Could I find a way to set things right? It would have to begin in my own heart, as Jesus taught and I sometimes know."

These stories often have a fairy tale quality about them, and Ms. Gilchrist dispenses the lessons subtly and gently. There is real wisdom here, in simple, conversational prose. It's gratifying to see these characters settling down, to learn what they've learned. "Why in the name of God after all these years have I decided this is funny? Because everyone lived through it. Because no one died or was maimed or had their lives ruined."

Nearly everyone in these stories is well-off, and some are very rich. The women are gorgeous and talented, if sometimes troubled by men, children, diet pills, Arab terrorists, and unwanted pregnancy. If I had one tiny quibble, I'd like to see what Ms. Gilchrist would do with more ordinary characters --- those of us not so rich and not so beautiful. But that's not a flaw --- merely curiosity stimulated by a mature writer at the top of her form.

--- Reviewed by Eileen Zimmerman Nicol (ezn1@aol.com)

Rhoda Manning is five years old when readers meet this recurring character in this collection of short stories by award-winning author Ellen Gilchrist. Rhoda Manning owns the stories and reveals them as a five year old child in the title story.

She also reveals herself as a mature adult and divorced mother of three and as an elderly woman clinging to all that is good from the past. Parents of teens will have no problem identifying with Rhoda's tale of woe as she parents three teenage boys who are wreckless and wild, spending their days crafting ways to defy their mother and their authoritarian grandfather.

It is a tale of pot and lies and the overwhelming job of parenting in the 70's. The brash and bold Rhoda is almost equaled by another Gilchrist regular, Nora Jane Harwood.

In this tale written prior to September 11, the protagonist finds herself in the locker room of an athletic club in Berkley, Ca when an earthquake jolts Nora and her two year old, Little Freddy. ...

...This is a story that ends too soon with characters so real you want them to live on.

Another story, "The Abortion", Gilchrist's characters reveal their courage and character ...

Gilchrist's stories and characters are above all else real. Their trials and tribulations are woven loosely in some cases, but always with an echo of familiarity.

I've gotten pretty into butterfly gardening and developed a pretty thorough interest in lepidoptera, and this book is part of what sparked that in me. It's a great intro, because it shows some of the more conspicuous local species, plus the information's less dry than your average field guide. Even if you're not a beginning butterfly watcher, chances are you'll learn SOMETHING from it, and it's a great book to own, especially since it gives specific locations where you can go see the butterflies. The photographs are awesome. If you decide you get more into butterflies after this book, I recommend the Butterflies through Binoculars series; this book gives you some of the knowledge to know what to look for in more advanced guides.

Herbert Clarke's gorgeous and colorful photos (over 250 of them) fill butterfly expert Fred Heath's An Introduction To Southern California Butterflies with clear close-ups of Southern California butterflies, enabling identification of almost 90 species and highlighting their favorite foods and plants. Heath has lectured, led field trips, and written many articles about the butterflies in his area: his region-specific Introduction To Southern California Butterflies is a strongly recommended pick for all butterfly enthusiasts!

Worth every penny! Great book! It's maybe 9" x 6". Pages are thick and glossy and good quality. Lots of photos. My only request to the authors would be to add a bit more info to help butterfly gardeners, such as the Latin name of "thistle". I would also love a companion book that provides extensive photos of caterpillars, so that when I find a caterpillar, I can figure out which butterfly it is going to become.

The Whistle Stop Cookbook is a delightful compendium of original recipes from the Irondale Cafe in Irondale, Alabama. Cafe (dubbed the "Whistle Stop" by Fannie Flagg, and owned since 1973 by Mary Jo and Bill McMichael). Mary Joy has compiled a spiral bound cornucopia of good eating recipes ranging from Buttermilk Biscuits, Skinless Fried Chicken, Cheese Grits, Refreshing Scallop Salad, Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy, and Southern Corn Pudding to Mississippi Mud Cake, Hot Pineapple Salad, Marinated Cabbage Slaw, Banana Split Cake, Peanut Brittle Sauce, and Green Tomato Pie. Whistle Stop Cookbook is a very welcome addition to any family kitchen collection.

The Irondale Cafe Cookbook is a must for every cook, young or old. The recipes are easy to follow and use ingredients that most of us keep on hand. The macaroni and cheese and rice pudding especially remind me of wonderful childhood memories that I was unable to duplicate until I found this cookbook. My copy is well worn. The recipes are full of old fashioned flavor but can be prepared in a short amount of time. This book could make a terrific cook out of someone who doesn't know how to boil water.

I love, love, love this cookbook!! I crave my grandma's excellent home cooked meals and this cookbook has the recipes and advice to let you cook just like her.

this book is superb. very informative and helpful, especially for those who would like to work for the development of the Mapun Island municipality in Tawi-tawi, Philippines and the Jama Mapuns.

jama mapun belong to the muslim group.they are known to have a RICH ECONOMY AMONG THE SAMAL GROUP.

jama mapun belong to the muslim group.they are known to have a RICH ECONOMY AMONG THE SAMAL GROUP.

This analytical survey of the political climate vis a vis the Jewish community in the 1980's was remarkably prescient in scope and still serves as the textbook for political surveys.

No other book has painted a more vivid and insightful portrait of Jewish life in modern South Africa. Its perspective is unique, offering us an insider's view of the inner-most thoughts and feelings of South Africa's political elite.

The book provides a profound insight in the political climate of South Africa as it relates to the Jews in that country. Unique personal vignettes of the political movers and shakers of South Africa can be found in the books pages.

This book is positive without being sappy, easy to read and understand, yet profound. It's a treasure trove of insight into human behavior and defines a life well-lived.

We enjoy bouncing our experiences and observations of each other, entertaining and teaching and learning from each other. Perhaps more importantly, we gain value and worthwhile memories?a measure of our lives. ?Journey of a Southern Man? is Jackie Cooper?s testament to his life and journey. With a sense of humor, he tells about himself, his family and his friends, while at the same time helps us see truths about our own lives. In frankly facing his own fear of illness, aging, loss and death, and through the power of his insight, we are challenged to do the same. Each story is a delicious slice of life and reads with the fluid simplicity of a Hemingway novel. An accomplished teller of tales, Jackie?s stories charmingly blend the traditional (see chapters Gimme That Old Time Religion, Golden Rule Should Apply at Theaters and Laughing Helps People Cope) and the unconventional (see chapters Survival Tips for Snow?Lay in the Munchies, Thinner Isn?t a Curse, A Former Smoker Confesses?He Loved Every Puff) Jackie?s book has a keen sense of the passage of time and the existential irony that change is the universe?s only constant. ?Journey of a Southern Man? inspires the reader to not settle for the ordinary and helps us remember the important things in life?love, relationship and gratitude.

Jackie does a great job with his first literary effort. Hiscollection of stories reinforces the timeless concept that awell-lived, gentle life has such merit and meaning. When I finished his book, I was disappointed it was over, and am now anxiously awaiting his follow-up. I think I'd like to be Jackie Cooper if I could pick being someone other than myself.

Unquestionably the best book I have ever read, or will read, in my entire life!

Historian Richard Allen Morton has accomplished a rare feat: while many thesis papers written by graduate students have been adapted for publication as books, few have been written with such brevity, conciseness and precision as to educate, entertain and inform readers who are not faculty members sitting on the dissertation committee. Too many dissertations seem to be compiled by writers who think that history is better if served by the pound and the heavier a book is, the better it is! Not so!

Edward F. Dunne has the distinction of being the only man to serve as the Mayor of Chicago and, later in his career, as the Governor of Illinois. To date, Dunne is the only Roman Catholic to have served as Illinois Governor. He was also an active leader in Chicago's Irish community. Dunne served as the first President of the influential Irish Fellowship Club. In his retirement, Dunne compiled a multivolume history of Illinois and its prominent citizens.

Dunne has been identified as a progressive politician and a supporter of Bryan Democracy. Morton documents how the Progressive political movement faltered in Illinois as political spoilsmen and party regulars such as Roger Sullivan (Democratic) and William Lorimer and his protege William Hale Thompson (Republican) ultimately prevailed over the reform minded progressives in their respective parties. This unfortunate trend has continued to the present day.

The Dunne family remained somewhat prominent in Cook County. Dunne's son and grandson followed in Edward F. Dunne's footsteps and served in the local judiciary. I actually met the late Arthur Dunne when he served in Chancery.

I bought this book as part of my research for my master's thesis on Midwestern progressivism. I expected the usual rather dull factual account. Instead I was pleasantly surprised by the comprehensive research, highly readable prose, and the profundity of the interpretation. Moreover, I learned far more about the realities of politics and society during the progressive period than I have from far more celebrated works. This is good history, and like all good history it focuses upon the past and not the personal saws of the writer. A bit pricey, I have never regretted the purchase. If you are looking for dynamic history at its best, check this out!

I have bought this book about 15 times already. when I use it with guest, they enjoy the book and food, so much, as they leave thru the door I give my book away and get me a new one.....they are just getting harder to get..

My husband purchased this cookbook and now we are giving it as Christmas gifts. The recipes are clear and concise and extremely delicious. They cover the best recipes from South Lousiana Cookeries. Every recipe is a keeper especially for entertaining.
SMB

I've used this book for 20 years - it's the best for authentic Louisiana cooking. The recipies are true, easy to follow, and always good. In case your wondering I was born and raised in Louisiana, so I do know good cajun food.

"Lake Moon" is a story of shattered dreams and unrealized greatness. Superbly crafted with rich, moving passages this novel defines a period of time in the south when a generation of rock musicians came of age. Told with deep feeling and subtle humor, this book is a powerful work of fiction with memorable characters. Author John Williams has firmly established himself as a gifted storyteller following in the tradition of the great southern writers Pat Conroy and James Dickey.

Anyone who has played in a rock band--and taken the music seriously--will appreciate this saga of a group of musicians who should have captivated audiences throughout the Southern counterculture of the '70s. Just why the Trybald Trio failed is the subject of this eloquently written novel. Musicians and serious fans will recognize that the plight of the Trio was the plight of many real bands that transcended race and class differences and played stunning music--but who were no match for the egomaniacs, sharks and leeches infesting the entertainment business. Highly recommended.

Southern, scarey, beautiful, mysterious, but never boring are the words which come to mind. But enough about my wife (cha boom teesh). This is a wonderful book! Dr. Williams skillfully draws you in and holds you tight, like a needy orangutan, to this wonderful story of relationships and dreams draped over a musical chair, called the Trybald Trio. The hard, raw emotions of this story remind me of Mississippi's Larry Brown and I was captured by the subtle beauty of Williams' clear voice describing the band's desire to play great music in the cesspool which is the music business. A great read.

It was my boyfriend's in college cookbook and his younger sister went to J.T. Morgan Academy. When we parted ways, I took the cookbook. (Most definitely the best thing from the relationship!!!) Cookbook better than the relationship and probably the only reason I glad I was ever in that relationship!!!!

Seriously, a great cookbook! Wonderful southern recipes with old fashioned as well as modern ideas. Great pound cake recipe (old fashioned pound cake - I add vanilla). Thanksgiving and Christmas in my family are not complete without the refrigerator roll recipe.

I am ordering this book because when my son moved from Alabama (where we live) to Colorado, he wanted to take this, my favorite cookbook, with him so he could "cook Southern". Even thought I have lots of other cookbooks, I LOVE this one and find that I am missing it terribly while it now lives with my son in Colorado. Most of the recipes are easy and are VERY good.

I have my personal copy of Land of Cotton cookbook and having found it to contain very good and easy recipes. Have never been disappointed yet. I highly recommend it. I often give it as gifts.