Books matching: appalachian culture
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- #1
Save:'What My Heart Wants to Tell' by Verna Mae Slone is a heartfelt tribute to the Appalachian heritage, capturing the essence of life in Eastern Kentucky. Through personal stories and poetry, the author shares memories of her family, neighbors, and the customs of the Mountain People. Readers are taken on a journey back in time, exploring the challenges and joys of a hard scrabble upbringing, the deep connection to the environment, and the values of hardworking, God-fearing, honest people who lived in the beautiful hills of Eastern Kentucky.
It was so cold that February morning in 1863, the wind almost bounced off the sides of the hills as it roared its way up Caney Creek and up the mouth of Trace, whirling the icy snow around the log cab... - #2
Save:'Fair and Tender Ladies' by Lee Smith is a captivating story told through a series of letters written by the main character, Ivy Rowe, spanning from her childhood to old age. The narrative follows Ivy's life in the Appalachian mountains, touching upon significant historical events such as the first World War and societal changes spanning decades. Through Ivy's letters, readers are immersed in a world rich with human experiences, relationships, and the vibrant culture of Appalachia. The writing style, characterized by colloquial language and beautifully crafted descriptions, brings Ivy's story to life, making it a poignant and engaging read.
Your name is not much common here, I think it is so pretty too. I say it now and agin it tastes sweet in my mouth like honey or cane or how I picture the fotched-on candy from Mrs. Browns book about F... 'A Far Piece to Canaan: A Novel of Friendship and Redemption' by Sam Halpern is a tale of a Jewish sharecropper's son, Samuel Zelinsky, who returns to his rural Kentucky hometown to confront his past and seek redemption. The narrative weaves through the protagonist's youth in the 1940s, working on a tobacco farm as a sharecropper's son, and his journey towards adulthood and self-discovery. captures the essence of Appalachian life, portraying themes of poverty, hardship, friendship, and the enduring bonds of childhood that shape a man's character.
The writing style of the book is praised for its eloquence in depicting the struggles and dignity of poor southern sharecroppers, offering a glimpse into a bygone era with vivid descriptions and heartfelt storytelling. The plot unfolds with a mix of nostalgia, introspection, and emotional depth as the protagonist navigates his past, grapples with his flaws, and embarks on a journey towards redemption and self-realization.
- #4
Save:'Oral History' by Lee Smith is a captivating novel that delves into the Appalachian culture, capturing the essence of the region with authenticity and depth. Through multiple generations of the Cantrell family, the book weaves a story that is plain, gripping, and evocative, resembling an oral history that brings the characters and their struggles to life. The writing style of Lee Smith is praised for its ability to create vivid imagery and realistic portrayals of mountain life, showcasing the beauty and hardships that coexist in the Appalachian setting.
From his cabin door, Almarine Cantrell owns all the land he sees. He’s not but twenty-two years old now. Young, then—you could call him young for owning this much land and that’s a fact, but they’s ot... - #5
Save:Salvation on Sand Mountain by Dennis Covington is a nonfiction book that delves into the world of snake handling churches in Southern Appalachia. The author, a journalist, initially went to cover a criminal trial in the area but ended up immersing himself in the culture of these churches, where believers handle snakes as a test of faith. Through his observations and participation, Covington explores the complexities of this religious practice and the cultural backdrop that sustains it. The book provides an honest and intriguing account of Covington's journey of self-discovery within a world that is both familiar and foreign to him.
Covington's writing style in Salvation on Sand Mountain has been described as masterly and artistic, offering a vivid and engaging narrative that draws readers into the mysterious and human aspects of the snake handling churches. The book not only sheds light on the religious fervor and eccentricities of the practitioners but also delves into the author's personal reflections on his own background, spirituality, and the cultural connections he discovers throughout his exploration of this unique community.
This descent into himself will, at the same time, be a descent into his region. It will be a descent through the darkness of the familiar into a world where, like the blind man cured in the gospels, h... - #6
Save:An old Appalachian mountain woman, Nora Bonesteel, has the gift of the sight, and policewoman Martha Ayers is determined to prove herself. They try to resolve rumors of a ghost woman walking again, and try to prevent a convicted murderer from returning home for vengeance. The book is a mix of mystery, historical fiction, and ghost story, with multiple storylines and characters that intertwine seamlessly. The writing style is lyrical, with cliffhangers at every character point of view change, making it a quick and captivating read.
- #7
Save:'Trampoline: An Illustrated Novel' by Robert Gipe is a poignant and innovative story set in Appalachia, focusing on the life of Dawn Jewell, a flawed but endearing young girl dealing with addiction, poverty, and family struggles. The book captures the essence of life in Appalachia with themes of resilience, courage, and dark humor, showcasing a cast of flawed yet beautiful characters. The writing style is described as insightful, realistic, and hard to put down, providing a look inside the life in eastern Kentucky with vivid descriptions and authentic dialect.
'The Wettest County in the World' by Matt Bondurant, which inspired the movie 'Lawless,' delves into the lives of three brothers running a garage in rural Virginia amidst local law enforcement's animosity. The narrative portrays their struggles, resilience, and determination to protect their loved ones while operating on the fringes of the law. The writing style captures the essence of American history during the prohibition era, painting a vivid picture of the Appalachian Mountain region with raw honesty and a touch of mystique akin to Greek tragedy and Steinbeck's grit.
most illicit liquor has been made? The extreme wet spot, per number of people, isn’t New York or Chicago…the spot that fairly dripped illicit liquor, and kept right on dripping it after prohibition en...- #9
Save:Silas House's 'Clay's Quilt' is a novel set in the heart of Appalachia, focusing on the life of Clay Sizemore, a coal miner who lost his mother at a young age and spends his adulthood searching for the missing pieces of her memory. The story beautifully portrays the deep connections to family, faith, and the Appalachian culture, while exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. House's writing style is described as clear-eyed, poetic, and emotionally honest, offering a compassionate yet unsentimental look at the lives of people in Kentucky's coal country.
The novel delves into the lives of complex characters, such as Clay, Alma, and Anneth, who struggle with personal traumas, family ties, and the cultural heritage of the region. Through graceful prose and vivid descriptions, House weaves a narrative that captures the essence of Appalachia, showcasing its rich history, music, and deep-rooted connections to the land.
- #10
Save:'Shiner' by Amy Jo Burns is a gritty and atmospheric novel set in poverty-stricken, small-town West Virginia. The story revolves around Wren, a sheltered young woman living with her snake-handling preacher father and submissive mother in a remote mountain setting. As the plot unfolds through shifting perspectives, shocking revelations about the family's past come to light, leading to a series of detrimental changes in their lives. The descriptive prose vividly captures the mountain setting and overwhelming despair, while the novel's conclusion surprisingly offers a sense of hope for the future.
Ivy came early enough the morning of the burning that she had to walk by faith to find the cabin through the fog. We lived at the top of a slick dirt path, and our gray roof faded into the dying trees...
