Related Vacation Book Subjects: Mississippi
More Pages: Biloxi Page 1 2
Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Biloxi", sorted by average review score:
Native American Legends: Southeastern Legends: Tales from the Natchez, Caddo, Biloxi, Chickasaw, and Other Nations
Published in Paperback by August House Pub (August, 1998)
Author: George E. Lankford
Average review score:

Of Flying Heads, Snake Men, and Water People
Lankford's "Native American Legends" is a very readable but also scholarly collection of Southeastern Native legends and folktales. The stories are collected under the principles of the Finnish/Historical-Geographical school of folktale analysis. On the surface, this note may not mean much to lay readers. However, it means that the stories are examined in the context of from whom and where they come, a very useful arrangement. Simply stated, the stories come with additional cultural information as to their symbols and customs. This makes our attempts to understand the stories easier. If one is not interested in historical-cultural analysis, one can skip the informative introduction and head right into the tales themselves, which are written in the typical straightforward manner of most folktales everywhere. In additon, for purposes of comparison, Lankford also provides examples of African and African-American folktales and legends. The endnotes and bibliography are extensive There is, indeed, something in this book that can appeal to everyone. I have used the book in the classroom by, among other ways, dictating legends to the students; by hearing culturally unfamiliar tales, they are required to muster all their listening and note-taking skills to return to me their own written version of the tales. All in all, "Native American Legends" is a boon for all lovers of folk literature and stands as a model folklore anthology.

Bob the Gambler
Published in Hardcover by Houghton Mifflin Co (October, 1997)
Author: Frederick Barthelme
Average review score:

Losing It
The night after I finished this book I found myself before a slot machine in a small casino. I had a feeling and put a quarter in. I won and won again. I stuffed the quarters in my pockets but there were no buckets available. When I lost two quarters in a row I left. Unfortunately this was a dream and I awoke empty handed. Bob the Gambler is a beautifully observed, enviably perfect novel by a master who doesn't seem flashy because he stays within his means. It is also a surprisingly, even surreally loving story. The novel centers around the fissioned nuclear family of down-on-his luck Biloxi architect Bob Kaiser, a plump transplant moved by the Mississippi coastal decay before it was invaded by "gussied-up Motel 6 hotel rooms [and] an ocean of slicked-back hair," his pretty, witty, and wonderful wife of nine years Jewel, who is tough and stable, and yet the first to thirst for casino action, Jewel's daughter RV, an amazingly rendered, very sweet fourteen year old mid-90's teenager whom Bob adores, and Frank, the family dog. All the principals, as well as Bob's mother, whom we meet later in the book, are expert at the art of the cryptic tough-talking but secretly loving epigram. One of the great charms of this book is the depths of love of the family members both concealed by and revealed by their fragmented banter and quips. There are some wonderful moments and descriptions of daily life and teenage rearing, the euphoric swirl of casino gambling, and the decrepit Mississippi coast. The lasting impression one is left from this book, aside from the controlled brilliance of Barthelme's prose, is in my opinion a meditation on the meaning of money vis-à-vis love. Bob's wife's name, Jewel, is a token of facets of wealth unobtainable by any number of markers or wild infatuation-like risks; theirs, an irreducible love that includes and absorbs others (such as RV) in its understated wake, is the multicolored antithesis of liaisons such as those between David Duke (who make a cameo appearance)-and a sprightly young thing-of any coupling that can be price tagged, exchanged, or discarded. The casino and noncasino lights that surround Jewel, in her preternatural (and perhaps ultimately unrealistic, or at least extremely rare) stability, enact a preciousness beyond money and its temporary accumulations. They symbolize the nonmonetary values of the gift of being, the privilege not of accumulating but of existing-of the privilege of being alive, a spectator of phenomena in a world whose mortal decay, far from being its downfall, guarantees the preciousness of the light show it displays. Anyone who has taken junkets to Atlantic City may have noticed how on the flight there everyone chatters; they are full of excitement on hope. The way back is different. Everyone, or almost everyone has lost. They are quiet-until the plane lands, at which point they clap. Why? Because, although they have lost their money, they are newly appreciative of the far more precious gift of being alive. That is the mini-miracle, the lottery ticket, the stiff Barthelme hits for us in this wonderful paean to human frailty and true, tough love. In a way, Barthelme, his heart bigger than any red chip, says in this book the exact opposite of comedian Steven Wright's quip, "You can't have everything, where would you put it?" Barthelme says (with mathematician Paul Erdos) you do have everything, you have it all, already-you are infinitely rich.

Wonderful
I read this book as soon as it came out, have recommended it to friends, and just now purchased another copy as a gift. It's one of the best books I've read in years. The characters are so acutely observed, the dialogue so on target, that I got carried away with it. The well-written gambling scenes made my hands sweat at points. And the ending -- the ending is absolutely perfect.

A chilling look at gambling and love.
Barthelme's new book is fantastic. Rich in detail like his earlier "Two Against One," and chilling in its ability to paint the down and out life of its characters.

The Joker's Love Tune
Published in Hardcover by Genesis Pr Ltd (November, 1998)
Author: Sidney Rickman
Average review score:

Well-written and Exciting!
As a resident of the Gulf Coast and frequent visitor to the Mississippi casinos, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Rickman's book. The story is well-written and I found the details of the "behind-the-scenes" operations of the casino business exciting and informative. Also, the threat of the hurricane was very real and brought back recent memories. I'm looking forward to Ms. Rickman's next book!

An ace of a love story amidst the Gulf Coast casinos

Sam Bennett feels he lives the ideal lifestyle. He loves running a Reno casino and deeply cherishes his spouse Azia. However, heaven crashes when Azia dies in a camping accident. Five years later, Sam still has not gotten over his grief nor his guilt. However, Sam tries another new start when he takes over managing the new Sand Dollar Casino and Hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi.

However, Sam was not ready for the restart of the beating of his heart. When he first sees his assistant Abby Thompson, Sam is stunned. He realizes for the first time since Azia died, he finds a woman attractive and fascinating. Surprising herself after a disastrous affair in Nevada, Abby reciprocates Sam's feelings. As they fall in love, a hurricane threatens to destroy their casino. Besides needing to overcome the specter of their previous relationships, they also have to surmount danger from a real sentient being out of their Nevada past.

THE JOKER'S LOVE TUNE provides readers a feel for the new Mississippi as the author brillainatly describes the clash of cultures between casinos and the old-time Gulf Coast residents. The subplots are quite interesting and add to the contemporary romance by providing the readers with glimpses behind the scenes of a casino and the terror caused by a pending hurricane. Abby and Sam are a perfect pair from the first moment they met even though they have a lot of baggage to recycle. Rolling a seven, Sidney Rickman proves he is no joker when it comes to scribing a warm, exciting tale.

Harriet Klausner

Loved this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Joker's Love Tune." The characters are believable, the story is fast-paced, and the dialogue is intelligent. Abby, the chief character, is very appealing. She's a strong, independent woman, but one who has not lost her femininity. From the beginning it's obvious that she and Sam are perfect for each other, but the two of them have to overcome the shadows of their pasts before they can believe in love again. The book has an unusual setting in the casino world of the Gulf Coast, and it builds to an exciting thriller-like climax. I hope to see more books from this new author.

The Mad Potter of Biloxi: The Art and Life of George E. Ohr
Published in Hardcover by Abbeville Press, Inc. (January, 2002)
Authors: Garth Clark, Robert A. Ellison, John White, Eugene Hectch, and Eugene Hecht
Average review score:

The most unique and most copied potter in the world.
This book has marvelous images of just some of the fine works that George Ohr created. The summaries of his life are correct to some extent but it failed to provide any deatails of his offspring or how they may have carried on the innate artist abilities, this is why I only give it four stars.

the most amazing book of pottery I have ever seen!
this man was a a head of his time. i have never seen anythig that has come out of the 1800's that looked any thing like this.The photography is great and the biography is good , but the pottery is the best i have ever seen he had great form and great glaze you could not ask any more from a potter

Biloxi Blues
Published in Paperback by New American Library Trade (February, 1901)
Author: Neil Simon
Average review score:

Would prefer to rate this as 2.5.
"Biloxi Blues" is nothing like "Brighton Beach Memoirs," so if you're hoping for more of the same, don't bother. Eugene is very different; more mature (still obsessed with sex, nonetheless.). The humor is much more crude than the first play, and much darker. Eugene is not in this play a lot, which may explain my lack of laughing. I couldn't warm up to any of the characters like I did in "Brighton Beach Memoirs." Even though I was disappointed with this play, I'll still read the third play of this trilogy. I do not recommend.

Great book for small time readers!!!
This book is about a young Jewish man Eugene Morris Jerome and his thoughts and trials through the United States Army in the early 1940's during World War 2. In the beginning Eugene sets out to accomplish three goals while he is on his journey through the army. The three goals were to become a writer to have sex for the first time and most impotant of all not get killed.
In my opinion this is a very good book for the person who isn't really into the long drawn out novel type of books. This book isn't a book for virgin ears or in other words in some cases the reading gets kind of vulgar. Yet at the same time Neil Simon also does something I have never had happen to me before. He really stunned me when he not only made the book feel so real and personal, in some cases but he also challenged me and in the end really made you think about what just happened.
This book is for any gender male or female who are mature in there own sense. Neil Simon goes all out from the males point of view in the 1940's and in the army. It not only is very funny and amusing to read but also gives you the reader a good look on what goes through a guys head. It is very interesting, yet so true and personally (in its hundred and some pages which is very cool in its own right) I found myself wanting to read more and I couldn't put the book down. So for all the readers out there who love straight to the point literature that is not only hilarious to read but has a truth to it this book is for you.

Neil Simon uses comedy to it's fulist
I feel that neil simon is one of the best playwrights ever. His play Biloxi Blues shows his talent to express what he knows most about comedy. I'm not much of a reader but I give this play a thumbs up definetly!!!

Beaches, Blood, and Ballots: A Black Doctor's Civil Rights Struggle
Published in Hardcover by Univ Pr of Mississippi (Trd) (September, 2000)
Authors: Gilbert R., M.D. Mason and James Patterson Smith
Average review score:

A physician of all seasons
Dr. Gilbert Mason has written a book which not only stands as an important literary stone in the foundation of the civil rights movement, but also as a window into the humanity and "higher calling" of being a physician. As a white physician in Mississipppi, I was riveted when I read this book. The hardship which was endured by African Americans during this era is unimaginable, and it was only a generation ago. With eloquence and thouroughness Dr. Mason leads us through the origins of the civil rights movement specifically as it occurred in Biloxi MS. The racial hatred and violence which opposed his nonviolent protests and the fledgling Biloxi chapter of the NAACP is laid out for the reader with very good clarity. When I read this book, the secondary theme also jumped out at me, which was his constant pusuit of being a physician , specifically maintaing high degree of ethics, morality, and care for all patients black are white during this period of tribulation. I highly recommend this book to all.

The Biloxi Gambler
Published in Paperback by Averrie-Robbins Publishing (30 October, 2001)
Author: Wilma Knox
Average review score:

A Fun (but Deadly) Return to the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Introduced in "The Biloxi Witness", Kerry Allen a Mississippi Gulf Coast veterinarian (who happens to be dating the local sheriff) is back for her 2nd adventure in crime detecting.

The mysterious disappearance of the owner of 'The Biloxi Gambler' casino would involve Sheriff Frank Borth even if he and Kerry had not just been socializing with the man. Was it a kidnapping? Foul play? Eduardo Macias is from a weathly Columbian coffee family and soon family representatives arrive to be involved in the hunt. The suspects are numerous - could it be a casino employee? Or does it have a connection to his family?

As Kerry and Frank try to unravel the mystery, the reader learns more about the history and culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and how gambling has affected the area. We also get to know Kerry, who is in practice with the father that raised her single handly, better in this book. Does she take after the mother who left her in a love of danger and adventure (and where will that lead)? At times in the book both Kerry's safety and her relationship with Frank seem threatened.

Anyone wanting a strong sense of local color about a part of the country that is visited by many, but not often the setting for books should give this book a try.

Mississippi Mud: A True Story from a Corner of the Deep South
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster (September, 1994)
Author: Edward Humes
Average review score:

A whole lotta sewerage
After an Oprah-esque beginning focusing on the bereaved family, this is one of the best "true-crime" books that I've read - although the exposed failures of "the system" are truly frustrating.

On September 14, 1987, someone brutally murdered mayor-wannabe Margaret Sherry and her husband, Vincent the Judge, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Through intention, incompetence, obstruction, or neglect, there were investigative blunders. But the persistence of the Sherry's daughter, Lynne Sposito, eventually focused suspicion on Judge Sherry's former law partner and mayor-wannabe Peter Halat, and a cabal of convicts over in Louisiana s Angola prison.

Author Ed Humes steers this saga well - churning through the moral murkiness of Biloxi and far throughout the South - touching such folks as Senator Robert S. Kerr; Jim Garrsion; the Sherriff who walked tall - Buford Pusser; and the Bishop of Biloxi - who tried to intercede on behalf of one of those convicted in this mess.

Reviewers have likened this story to a John Grisham novel. This is not a "Grisham-like" tale. Seems to me like this is a true tale from which Grisham created fiction. The scam at the fetid heart of the 1987 Sherry murder conspiracy, the "lonely hearts" bilking and extortion from gay men, is real similar to the scam in the center of Mississippi-native Grisham's later novel, "The Brethren."

Usually in fiction, the Good Guys "get their man" or woman, or gang of bad folk. The Hardcover edition of Mississippi Mud is stuck with the "ending" that is no end. Why? Maybe because "Pete Halat had his supporters - a majority of voters had elected him mayor, after all. And apart from questions of his guilt or innocence, there was Biloxi's long history of wearing moral blinders. While shopping one day, a businesswoman she had known for years asked Lynne why she insisted on stirring up trouble, causing investigations and trials that hurt Biloxi's image. 'It's sewerage, honey, I know, but it's our sewerage,' the woman complained. 'If we want to swim in it, y'all ought to let us.'" (page 313-314)

Hume's book illuminates the cesspool. (Stay tuned for Updates contained in the Paperback.)

Fantastic and gripping... and utterly accurate
I was involved with the Sherry case in Biloxi, so I know the truth when I read it. This book tells it all. Yes, it does read like a thriller, better than Grisham, in my opinion, but that doesn't mean its not all true. This is journalism at its best. It seems clear that there is one or two people out there cramming this site with repeat bad reviews. Don't be deceived by their phony compalints. They are liars -- probably friends of the crooks who are revealed for what they are in Mississippi Mud, if not the crooks themselves. Read this book if you want the finest in true -- and I mean TRUE -- crime writing.

The Greatest Nonfiction Writer You've Never Read!
Edward Humes ranks with Joan Didion, John McPhee and Tracy Kidder as one of the finest nonfiction writers in America today, with a distinctive literary style and a knack for finding the stories -- and the subtle truths behind them - that the rest of us miss. Humes' books deserve a much wider audience than they have received; MISSISSIPPI MUD stands out as the true-crime masterpiece of the 1990s, a probingly researched page-turner about corruption, betrayal and one woman's quest to avenge her parents' murder. I can think of no other book that so evocatively -- and accurately -- portrays the soul, the heart, and the evil within a community as Humes does with Biloxi, MS, and its villainous mayor, conscienceless crime lords and citizenry content to look the other way. MISSISSIPPI MUD compares favorable to Ann Rule's "The Stanger Beside Me," Jack Olsen's "Doc," and, for that matter, the nonfiction of Wambaugh, Mailer, Capote and Wolfe. MUD is fascinating, compulsively readable and -- as anyone can tell from the author's thorough sourcing and journalist integrity (all too lacking in other works of "true crime" -- absolutely accurate. That he has touched a raw nerve among the friends of corruption, crime and the status quo is obvious from some of the reader comments that continue to emanate from Biloxi years after the book came out. Let them rant! Maybe the controversy will bring Humes and MISSISSIPPI MUD the readers it deserves!

A Passion for People: The Story of Mary Mahoney and Her Old French House Restaurant
Published in Paperback by Quail Ridge Pr (August, 1998)
Authors: Edward J. Lepoma, Mary Mahoney, Old French House Restaurant, and Ed Lepoma
Average review score:

Memory lane
This book brought back memories of my past childhood. I was very excitied to see my father mentioned in the book. I think my cousin has done a wonderful job in the research and writing of this book. I am very proud of him.

A WONDERFUL BOOK!
Edward Lepoma has written a wonderful book, well researched and beautifully written. At last we know the influences that shaped Mary Mahoney into the great person she was. It was obviously written by someone who understood Mary but who was not blind to her faults.

TRUE PICTURE OF A GREAT LADY
I am a long time friend of the author and became acquainted with Mary Mahoney and her restaurant through him. Mary was indeed larger than life and the author has captured this in his book. This is an excellent biography. It is well researched and presents a true picture of a great lady, warts and all. Mary was loyal to her heritage, friends, family, city and her religion. She is still sorely missed as hostess, friend and benefactor by everyone she touched in her joyful life. You will laugh and you will cry as you read this book.

Biloxi blues : a new comedy
Published in Unknown Binding by S. French ()
Author: Neil Simon
Average review score:
No reviews found.

Related Vacation Book Subjects: Mississippi
More Pages: Biloxi Page 1 2