Coburn has written a dense first novel about time and memory and the disjunction between past and present, between reality and memory. At its heart, Remembering Jody is a tale of a lost Eden before the eruption of guilt. Dr. Thrailkill, the psychiatrist who treats Jody in Seattle implies the loss of innocence when he remarks to Marsha: "If you mean will he [Jody] ever be who he was before he became ill...." The Diaspora and assimilation form two of the subtextual threads binding this novel together. Almost Biblical in its examination of human weakness, Coburn's work tackles the hard questions of family, duty, love, sex, and belonging. Marsha Rose, the narrator, wants desperately for Jody, her childhood friend and onetime lover to belong, to be home, but the powerful split between past and present can't be overcome so she creates her own Jody in her head: "I told him anyway, in my head, where I could address a grown-up Jody of my own invention: I've lived there a long time, but it's not really home, either..." As with all Odysseys, Remembering Jody, tells two stories. The narrator's inner journey of discovery is wrapped within the physical journey of a road story. The near-fusion of the protagonist, Marsha, and her catalyst, Jody, could not be clearer: "I'm holding his hand because at this moment, he hardly seems separate from me at all." Because Jody doesn't know where he belongs, Marsha escorts him home. In an allegorical passage that speaks to the inner and the outer journeys, Jody tells Marsha the story of the boy, Richard, who stowed away on a plane in Australia so that he might get to Paris: "The coolest thing is that he'd never been to Paris before in his life, but he knew that was where he belonged." Here the author's technique at blending the inner and the outer tales is unmatched. At the conclusion of the novel, Jody returns to his safe haven, but not without having an effect on those around him: "...his reentry into our lives over the next few days made us all seem kind of inside-out, seams showing and threads unraveling in ways that were, for a change, fairly obvious."

A reminiscence about a Jewish girl's coming of age in America's Deep South narrated by witty wordsmith Marsha Rose: "I work part-time in a bookstore. I still don't have a Jewish boyfriend, but while this seems to bother Aunt Eileen, my mother takes the tack of treating Jimbo [the unapproved boyfriend] as if he's a style I will eventually outgrow." The narrator is called "Mashie" by her childhood chum Jody Lurrey, a paranoid schizophrenic who invades Marsha's adult life in Seattle, re-surfacing from semi-happy childhood days to heap heavy guilt upon the narrator's writerly shoulders thereby launching two trips that form the zigzag double helix spine of the book: Trip One is the real-time airplane return to mythical Sparta, the Deep South landscape which triggers Trip Two -- a series of memory dives into the narrator's past, where Marsha/Mashie relives indelible moments of personal history with her eccentric childhood buddy: horseback riding, swimming, smoking marijuana, climbing into bed, having sex, flipping out. Remembering Jody is a solid first-novel debut for Coburn, a free-lance journalist and screenwriter.

Coburn has produced a heartfelt, tightly paced first novel in which two childhood friends must confront their past after a decade apart. Shifting back-and-forth in time and locales (the South, Seattle), "Remembering Jody" examines such powerful plot themes as love and friendship, guilt and responsibility, madness and family.

Wow! This mesmerizing tale of South Carolina - flashing between 1966 and now is taut and disturbing and compelled me to make a new List: SLEEP? Who Needs SLEEP? Page turners - all night long.
It's a "Who Dunnit" and a "Why Dunnit" and yet a well-crafted cousin to both "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "A Time to Kill." Don't waste any more time reading these reviews. Rush your little cursor right up there to that "Add to ShoppingCart" button and get it now, ya hear?! Reviewed by TundraVision

I regularly blast through 3-4 mystery's a week [traveling salesman ; )] and most of them do what I ask of them: Keep me mildly entertained on the several flights I take a week. Once in a while tho I am pleasently surprised to find a book that isn't thoroughly predictable OR has wild, tortured plot resolutions OR carboard characters or some combination of the bunch. This is such a book. From the opening page you are drawn into a world that is credible and suspenseful. If you like a good mystery as much as I do you will love Sacrificed Lives. My only regret is that I have apparently discovered this author at the start of her career. How long til the next book Ms. Brackett!!??

I read Sacrificed Lives on a recent trip to England and was thrilled to find a new, fresh, mystery author. I am a serious mystery buff and so when someone new and good comes along it is always a great day. This is a well written book, with a solid plot, and a topical subject. If you like mysteries you will love Sacrificed Lives. Don't miss it!

Mr. Williams' story is filled with rollicking humor, wit, and wisdom. Vividly written, the reader is drawn into 18th century Charleston, and into the lives of two families, the Dorsets and the Symthes. Each and every character is memorable. You will laugh and cry reading this book. It has a permament place in my personal library. I loved it so much, I rushed out and bought several copies to give to friends and family. Mr. Williams deserves far more credit for his writing genius!

Williams' ambitious novel The True & Authentic History of Jenny Dorset is a refreshing medley of life in Charleston's 18th century, seasoned tastily with charming wit and intriguing characters. A truly enjoyable read, the tale is written with a sincere flare and comes alive to the reader.

More notably is the method in which Williams characterizes each member of the families involved in the story's plot - from the dueling heads, Mr. Dorset and Mr. Smythe, to Old Bob in his amusing stages of senility, and the ostentatious Jenny Dorset herself.

The reader will undoubtedly find the rich story line is highly entertaining, and written in a very lively manner. The tale is penned from the perspective of Henry Hawthorne, the Dorset's discerning and subdued family man servant. Hawthorne patiently abides by the family's somewhat eccentric and unruly lifestyle, and writes about his experiences first-hand, in memoir-like style.

Indeed, this novel is a great story-tellers' delight! The True & Authentic History of Jenny Dorset manifests very engaging humour with every flip of a page - more than once have I been in the throws of violent chuckles over it's whimsical comments and situations. It has quickly grown to be one of my favorites. I highly recommend it.

This book is funny and I loved it.

The national forest's trails and wonders are revealed by authors who've hiked the trails most of their lives. 100 of the most scenic, strenuous hikes are described in a guide which requires strong walking skills and access to North Carolina wilderness region.

This is an execellent book that provides helpful descriptions of each trail and how to find them. Especially helpful that it uses USGS maps instead of printing their own. I highly recommend this book.

This book details some wonderful hikes in the North Carolina mountains. Experienced hikers and casual strollers alike will find ample adventures mapped out in this excellent book. The authors, all natives of NC, have certainly put much time and energy into creating a book that would reflect their love of the outdoors and their special fondness for the western section of NC. I highly recommend this guide. Enjoy!

Great book to own especially if you own a Boykin or are interested in the breed!

Explains the history and genetics of the breed in detail.

This book is a "must read" for anyone seriously considering adopting a Boykin. It is comprehensive, describing in great detail the history and characteristics of the breed. The authors' love for these dogs is apparent, and one can not help but develop an affinity for these dogs as one becomes more familiar with them. Appendices provide helpful resources for finding breeders and additional information, and numerous pictures are provided. ( My only complaint is the occasional grammatical/spelling error that could've been omitted with better proofreading.) When a reader finishes this book, he/she will clearly understand the strengths and weaknesses of the breed and be able to make a well-informed decision whether to pursue purchasig this dog.

This book is the current center of the Boykin Spaniel's literary universe. Mr. Creel and Mr. Kelley have done a fabulous job of writing a book that covers every facet of the Boykin Spaniel breed. The story of how the breed came to exist, the trials of survival and how the current place in Carolina society are all part of the time line and stories unfolded by these gentlemen. The history and myth of the dog is in here along with lots of wonderful stories of these little brown dogs' antics that make them such wonderful hunting partners and family pets. The political battles fought in the South Carolina State Capitol and among Boykin fanciers everywhere are all brought to life and recorded for the intrested reader. This is the singularly most helpful book for the family or individual debating if the Boykin Spaniel breed is the right breed for them. A must read for every Boykin owner, breeder,or hunter who loves these dogs.

We have just chosen The Calling for our book club.
I would highly reecomend the book for an intermediate reader.
The author's use of methaphor's is very entertaining and helps to get the point across.
Esta Lea, the main character, has a very interesting lesson to share.
Overall the book is very thought provoking and makes for an excellent discussion.

The Calling was a great book written by Cathryn Clinton. I would give this book five stars. My favorite character was Esther Leah Ridley(Esta Lea)because she went around and healed people. My favorite part of the story was when Esta Lea healed her nana because that is when Esta Lea first realized that she had the power to heal people. I would recommed this book to a friend who enjoys stories that have sad,happy, and some scary parts in it.

This is the first book I read by Cathryn Clinton and I look forward to more from her!

I found myself drawn into the lives of the characters, especially "Esta Lea," who tells the story from her perspective. The book touched the full range of emotions - from laughter, to anger, to tears. At several points, I had to remind myself it was "only a story" because I began to care for Esta Lea as I would my own teenage daughter.

This is a poignant story of the very personal, yet at times very public, struggle we all face in matters of faith and religious convictions. Even those with no exposure to the culture of Esta Lea's world will be able to relate to some of the basic questions of life and faith she wrestled with.

My only disappointment with the book was a desire for more. I hope the author provides a sequel.

I've already selected this book to share as a gift with many friends and acquaintances. Those who have read it share my enjoyment - and I hope you do too!

I think that this was one of the best books I've ever read. My favorite part is the biography of West Fraser. The author Phillips is truly a talented author. I recommend this book to anybody who loves art or landscape views

The oil paintings of artist Fraser are unique: they focus on the landmarks, scenery, and life of Charleston and its area. Charleston In My Time blends full-page color reproductions of his paintings with his own reflections on Charleston life and views of his work. Art collections with either an interest in Charleston or regional painting will find this beautiful.

Charleston is the most beautiful city in America, and Fraser's paintings capture its unique charms better than any photo book or travel video. The text by Ted Phillips provides a witty and comprehensive overview to Fraser's work--don't miss it!

A landmark book, Coastal Waters reflects the creative genius of a natural photographer in complete harmony with his world. Not since Ansel Adams's indepth studies of the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the West has another artist been so in touch with the life and images in his daily world. Please give us more of this talented young man's work.

His best work since "Seashells of North Carolina." A talented photographic tribute to a treasured coastal area.

A "picture book" of the highest calibre. This is one of the most calming and beautiful books I've ever purchased. Mr. Taylor's hauntingly insightful photographs portray the true nature of Coastal Carolina and give the reader/viewer a true insight into the ways of life "Downeast." The Introduction and Forward are as comforting and peaceful as the photos. A book to dream through after a harried day. I'd move there in a minte if it weren't for the fact that (I'm proud to say) I already have. Heaven is truly closer here by North Carolina's "Coastal Waters."

James Kilgro's electifing southern antique story, of a house
maid's intensifing relatioship with her white cousin in 1918.
It tells us that they suffered socially as well as privately
in the quest to explore love and intimacy in a era when it
was forbidden. Moving away to escape the discust and terroism
of the community only to find that when she returns married,
the affair would only emerge to confront them both and their
families of both races. It's hard to put down!

Jim Kilgo did well with his poetry, but this novel surpasses all that he has done before. The vividly descriptive prose brings the story to life and evokes images that only someone totally familiar with the landscape and the people could manage. Readers are transported to that distant time when the memories of a brutal war were still fresh on the minds of many Southerners. A time when all the roads were filled with chokeing dust in dry weather, and life sucking mud in wet weather. The intense conflict between whites and blacks is eloquently portrayed by Kilgo, and the reader is forced to feel the anguish of a man torn between his duty to kith an kin, and the feelings of his heart. Bravo to Kilgo for tackling this difficult subject, but even more accolades are deserved for the eloquent way that it was done.

This is a gorgeously told story about possibly real people - simple people whose only complexity is their love, which defies properness. Kilgo's setting is so rich (and dear to me because it is my home and the home of "my people") I can actually see the shabbiness of the postwar southern landscape, and feel the invincible pride of the otherwise defeated southerners. Call me a sap, but I swooned over Hart's "poor man's Shakespeare" description of Jennie on page 159, and clutched my heart (and my Kleenex) when he said it was an honor to die for the woman he loved. This is a simple sweet tale, and was a complete joy to read. I suspect this book will be a great hit with southern women - we don't see many heroes like Hart Bonner around here anymore.

I met Tony Earley yesterday during the Festival of Southern Cultures at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Our group had the unique opportunity to sit with him once yesterday and once today and pick his brain about this book. It is a very amazing piece of literature, with metaphors hidden just below the rocky surface. His short stories include very insightful mantras...especially the ones about shooting the cat (not for cruelty, but out of pity) and hunting deer. I don't really know how else to describe this book, so all I can say is that you should buy it and read it as soon as possible! Also, he teaches at Vanderbilt University in Nashville if any of you go/are thinking of going there.

Tony Earley's book drew me in immediately...from the first page, the writing is captivating. As he walks the reader through his life from a prepubescent age until he becomes much of the man he is today, it is hard not to see his family, hear their laughter and their tears. His writing is easy to identify with...we all remember having emotions like those that he goes through. There is a face the reader can visualize for every character that appears. There is a voice for every person. This book is amazing.

In the first essay in this amazing book, Somehow Form a Family, Tony Early writes; "I wanted to tell her that no one in my family ever raised their voice while the television was on, that late at night even a bad television show could keep me from hearing the silence in my own heart." That sentence caused my own heart to stop for a second. I put the book down and returned to it the next day. Tony Early writes in simple, concise English. There are no glossy, shiny adjectives. Each word is exact and to the point and utterly perfect. Jim the Boy was one of my most favorite books last year. Somehow Form A Family will I think, become a fixture in my home. One to be read and re-read for years to come. I better get another copy!