Books matching: appalachian life
29 result(s)
- #1
The Land Breakers by John Ehle is a historical fiction novel set in the late 18th century, depicting the struggles of settlers in North Carolina as they attempt to tame the wild land. The book portrays the day-to-day challenges faced by these settlers, including clearing trees, building shelters, and dealing with the presence of wild animals like wolves and bears. Through vivid storytelling, Ehle captures the essence of life in the 1780s mountains of North Carolina, showcasing the hard work, determination, and sense of community that characterized the settlers' lives.
The Land Breakers immerses readers in a compelling narrative filled with memorable characters and poignant moments. The book explores themes of adventure, grief, love, and the beauty of the untamed land, offering a glimpse into a time of unending work yet occasional peace. Ehle's writing style blends detailed descriptions of daily labors with meditative stretches, providing a rich and engaging reading experience that delves into both the struggles and moments of solace experienced by the characters.
It was early summer when the two young people arrived in Morganton, which was little more than a long muddy street with poles stuck in the mudholes, and a few stores here and there. Also there was a p... - #2
'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... - #3
'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... - #4
The Coal Tattoo by Silas House is a powerful and moving tale that delves into the lives of two sisters, Anneth and Easter, who are deeply bonded yet distinctly different. The story follows their journey as they navigate through troubled times shaped by the tragedy of coal mining, making decisions that could forever alter their relationship. Silas House intricately brings readers into the hearts and minds of the characters, providing depth and soul to each sister, making the readers care deeply about their lives and struggles. The narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, family, and the impact of coal mining on the characters' past, present, and future.
In The Coal Tattoo, Silas House skillfully weaves a story that captures the essence of everyday life in Kentucky, portraying the characters' ups and downs with a touch of reality and depth. The author's magic with words shines through as he paints vivid pictures with language, creating a beautiful and moving narrative that resonates with readers. The book beautifully depicts the love between the two sisters, their struggles, sacrifices, and the unwavering strength they find in their deep bond, despite facing insurmountable adversity.
- #5
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.
- #6The Book Woman of Troublesome CreekBook 1 in the series:The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
In 1936, deep in the woods of eastern Kentucky, lives Cussy Carter, a 19-year-old member of the historical Pack Horse Library Project, who is also known as a Blue due to her blue skin. The book follows Cussy's journey as she delivers books to the impoverished hill people of Eastern Kentucky, facing prejudices and challenges along the way. The novel sheds light on race, poverty, and the love of literature, offering a unique perspective on what it means to be an outcast in society.
The story is told in the first person by Cussy, also known as Bluet, as she navigates through the challenges of being a pack horse librarian, dealing with poverty, hunger, and the coal mining industry in the mountains of Kentucky. The book delves into the historical context of the Pack Horse Librarians and the Blue People, intertwining their stories to create a compelling narrative that explores themes of prejudice, poverty, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Satisfied, Pa carried it out of our one-room log house and onto the hand-hewn porch. He was hopeful. Hoping 1936 was the year his only daughter, nineteen-year-old Cussy Mary Carter, would get herself ... - #7
"Velva Jean Learns to Drive" by Jennifer Niven is a captivating Southern fiction novel set in 1930s Appalachia, following the coming of age journey of Velva Jean. Raised by her older sister after her parents' abandonment, Velva Jean dreams of driving and singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Despite societal expectations, she refuses to let go of her aspirations, showcasing bravery and resilience. The story delves into Velva Jean's struggles, relationships, and her determination to carve her own path in a challenging environment, creating a rich and engaging narrative that immerses readers in the world of rural Appalachia.
When we got home that night from Three Gum River, my daddy was gone again. There was a note this time, and Mama seemed to be expecting it. She stood to one side of the kitchen and read it, and then sh... 'The Stories of Breece D'J Pancake' is a collection of short stories that delve into the dark corners of West Virginia, exploring themes of life, death, and the human condition. Through his spare and unblinking prose, Breece D'J Pancake paints a vivid picture of rural Appalachia, capturing the struggles and complexities of his characters with raw authenticity. The stories vary in subject matter, from encounters with old loves to reflections on war and mortality, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they have finished the book.
I think you should come over (drive or train, I’ll pay your expenses and “put you up”) because if you do the preface I feel you should be more familiar with this valley and [my son] Breece’s surroundi...- #9
The Foxfire Book series, including the original anthology, captures the essence of Appalachian life through a collection of personal stories, traditional skills, and survival techniques. The books delve into various aspects of mountain living, such as hog dressing, log cabin building, soap making, preserving foods, snake lore, hunting tales, and moonshining. Readers are transported to a time where old crafts and trades were essential for everyday living, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a simpler way of life that is slowly disappearing.
The Foxfire books are a celebration of the home life and creative history of Appalachia, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of its people. Through firsthand accounts, practical guides, and folklore, the series not only educates readers on traditional skills like basket weaving and butter making but also immerses them in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. With a focus on preserving the vanishing knowledge of older generations, these books serve as a valuable resource for those interested in homesteading, survivalism, and the appreciation of Appalachian heritage.
'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.