This book is a story about people who appear to live a simple, uncomplicated life. But after Mary Hannah, the main character, is thrust by accident into the life of Indian Knob, she realizes that things aren't what they appear to be and life in this mountain region is far from simple. What Mary Hannah does find in Indian Knob is a place that knows about survival and loyalty, acceptance and love.

The author writes with a deep sense of understanding for the mountain areas of Virginia/West Virginia and celebrates all that is unique about this place and its peoples.

My wife and I, along with our kids (23, with wife, 17, 8, and 6)(all boys) listened to it several times. We loved it! All of us! Warning: it is dangerous to listen to while driving as it hard to keep the car on the road during a belly laugh. Both stories are very funny, and you will fall in love with Miss Rosemary. Mr. Davis does a wonderful job telling the story. I'll bet his books are great, but I am now in the process of acquiring all of his works on audio just to hear him tell the stories. Well worth the money! Get the tape!

I am a folklorist in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and this book is a treasure of true stories. It is written in an easy, personal style so the reader feels as if the adventure was their own!

I contacted the author, Juanitta Baldwin, and obtained permission to tell stories from Smoky Mountain Mysteries on the walking/storytelling tours I conduct. My tour participants love the stories! ...

I was one of the several record producers to be blessed with an opportunity to work with certain members of the Stoneman family and fortunate to have written and produced what is currently being hailed as possibly their finest album ever recorded. Originally recorded in 1978, I have just now released it for commercial sales to the public. It is titled: The Stonemans-Country Hospitality, and is currently enjoying good sales over Amazon.com's music site. It is a rare recording from an exceptional and legendary musical family. When I first received this book of their life story I sat down and read it without stopping. I discovered at once how little I knew of this family I had worked so closely with. It is a gripping story of the struggles they endured and obstacles they overcame in order to pursue their love for music and survive as a family in the process. Dr. Ivan Tribe has done an outstanding job chronicling their life history and has performed a service for us lovers of bluegrass and traditional mountain music which will place us forever in his debt. I am proud to have my album listed in the discography of this wonderful book.

Do not go into rural school systems without reading this book first. The four systems studied offer an unexpected richness and diversity of history, development, experience and current conditions. It is unlikely that "outsiders" could anticipate the broad possibilities represented by the systems described in this book. The book does an exellent job of placing their current conditions in the context of their history, both sociological and political. It should be required reading for anyone contemplating "reforming" rural schools.

An excellent, well written history of Tennessee. Gives an insight into the expansion into the lands west of the Appalachians that is easily understood. Puts the process of transition from wilderness outposts and small farming
settlements to statehood into perspective with other events occurring during the same time period.
Undoubtedley the best explanation of the establishment and subsequent failure of the state of "Franklin" that I have read.

James Thor Whitehead is a young boy living in Carter County, Tennessee and growing up with his family's tradition of storytelling. All his life, he has listened to this father's tales about the famous tiger that roams the mountains and valleys of East Tennessee. Thor believes that these stories are true and fears that this legendary beast will one day hunt him down and eat him. Eventually Thor learns of the real "Tennessee Tiger" who was legendary for his killing of 99 bears in his lifetime and the sparing of the 100th bear's life. A combination of folklore and mythology make this book a must. This book should be enjoyed by children of all ages and adults alike. It is especially meaningful when read together as a family. My child enjoys hearing this story over and over again. The colorful pictures are quite unique and very well done. I highly recommend this book!!

I've read and reviewed most of the basic tellings of "The Three Little Pigs", as well as most of the variants. Here's my take on it.

This excellent little variant has that great Appalacian voice and elegant watercolor illustrations to go with it, just the tiniest bit cartoony (the pigs have cute heart-shaped noses). It is a gem: alone among all the tellings, it gives each pig a distinct personality! But the surprising thing is that this isn't really a "Three Little Pigs" story in the traditional sense. Its plot is original and intriguing, following how the first two pigs are caught by the "mean, tricky old drooly-mouth fox", and how the little runt, Hamlet, finally outwits him.

This book gave me confedence and ideas needed to get my thru-hike underway. This book wasn't filled with false hopes of an easy hike, but hearing something from a 7 time thru-hiker convinced me of its value. This is a wonderful step-by-step workbook with everything you need to plan a long distance hike. On top of this all, proceeds benefit a non-profit organization striving to maintain the A.T.

I had never heard of Grace Lumpkin until a friend of mine took a Southern Women Writer's course. She suggested I read To Make My Bread. The book outlines the struggles people from Appalachia had to contend with while trying to reform labor problems. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the formation of unions in the South.