Various Southern Books that I'm Recommending
Aug 17, 2005
Today I wanted to let you know about some of my favorite books with the Southern theme.
None of these are new books, but they're books I own and have read. Some I've read once or twice and a couple I re-read on a regular basis. These are not really reviews, just short rundowns of the books' premises.
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Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier, Publication Date 1997
Set during the Civil War in North Carolina, this is the story of a soldier deserting the army and heading home to a woman left alone by the death of her father. Inman feels he's given the war enough of his time and energy and wants to return to Ada, who's feeling for himself he's unsure of. Ada's father has died and left her alone on a farm that she has no clue how to run, manage, or even survive on. There are several important side characters also, that really flesh out the story. Most of this story is told in two parts, his and hers. Only near the end of the story do they occupy the same place and time.
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, by Fannie Flagg, Publication Date 1987
Yes, I know, small wonder that this is a favorite book of mine, right? But it's truly a good tale of friendship, love and living your life as you see fit. This book encompasses 4 main characters, Idgie and Ruth in the 1930's, and Evelyn and Mrs. Threadgoode in the 1980s. Evelyn is an unhappy housewife desperately trying to "find herself". She meets Mrs. Threadgoode at an elderly care home while waiting for her husband to visit his mother, who just happens to hate Evelyn. Mrs. Threadgoode misses her old hometown and the people she knew there desperately. She starts to tell stories about the past. The main characters of these stories are Idgie and Ruth, owners of the Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama. Idgie and Ruth, for the times, have an "exceptional" relationship and the story there is the growing of that friendship and the trouble that was endured to get there. During the telling of the Idgie and Ruth tale, it's also the story of Evelyn and Mrs. Threadgoode growing ever closer too.
A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson, Publication Date 1998
I adore Bill Bryson. He writes travelogues of a sort. I happen to find him informative, while being hysterically funny. This books is about his attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. All 2,100 miles of it. The story details the trials, tribulations and truly odd people he meets along the trail. But it also gives an excellent account of the trail itself, it's history, and the many, many fascinating areas, sites and rumors along the way. I have read this book numerous times and learn something new every reading.
Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell, Publication Date 1936
Really, need I say more here? If you only ever watched the movie, go get this book immediately. It is 100% better than the movie, which was great. Scarlett is much more scheming in this book - they really cleaned up her act for the movie! Rhett is still the same lovable Rhett.
Mother of Pearl, by Melinda Haynes, Publication Date 1999
Set in 1956 in Hattiesburg and Petal, Mississippi, this is the telling of life from a young girl who comes of age during this time and deals with abandonment, racial strife, sexual issues and finally, pregnancy at way too young an age. Several other characters flit in and out of this book and her life. It's an excellent representation of the time and place and shows how people can come together, overcoming differences, to share in the caring of things dear to the heart. I might also add that I lived in that area for a while way back when and therefore it is a little more meaningful to me.
Jewel, by Bret Lott, Publication Date 1992
Another Mississippi book, centered around a town I lived near, Purvis. The one dissapointment I had was that the town was quite larger in the book than I'm pretty sure it ever was in real life, unless it took a sharp downturn. But I'm assuming authors are allowed to do this! :) This one was really interested to me as it touched on so many different issues. Jewel and her family lived in Purvis, making a minor living. At the age of 40 or so she becomes pregnant again. The girl is born with Down's Syndrome. The story then revolves around Jewel doing all for her child, Brenda Kay, and rather ignoring the needs of the rest of the family for a period of time. She informs the family they are moving to California where she claims Brenda Kay can have better care and education. Because of my life, moving from that exact area to California, I found it very interesting to read about others doing the same and their experiences.
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You might want to check a few of these out.
