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Recommend this book:
The Ghost of Bud Parrott
a novel
Judson N Hout M.D.
2011 Honorable Mention
176 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
In The Ghost of Bud Parrott, author Judson Hout has created a memorable glimpse into past Southern culture. Bud Parrot is a young Black man who has always worked in the cotton fields of Jackson County, Arkansas. He fashions a better life for himself, but he cannot do that in the South in which he lives. So, Bud travels to Birmingham, Alabama to seek his fortune in either a steel mill or a mine. Along the way, he is introduced to warm and caring strangers who teach him how to survive hobo style.
When Bud reaches Birmingham at the age of 16 or 17 (he is not sure of his date of birth), he immediately obtains a job at an industrial mill and is invited to join the company Negro baseball team. Bud proves to be talented, both at work and at sports. He is soon noticed by a Northern sponsor who has already hired Satchel Paige for the newly-formed Pittsburgh team. Along with a new career and a new job, Bud befriends an elderly woman and her granddaughter who is the most beautiful woman Bud has ever met. They marry, have children and then, tragedy strikes.
Bud leaves Pittsburgh, emotionally devastated and physically unmotivated. He goes back to his boyhood home in Arkansas, only to see that everything he knew and everyone he loved is gone. But, as fortune would have it, a White family named Wood takes to Bud, and he is incorporated into the family. Bud gets an education in farm management and, also, in the changing social conditions of the South.
Judson Hout has created a memorable portrait of mid-century Southern culture. He mixes humor with poignant and painful moments in time. Those unfamiliar with life prior to Civil Rights acts will be mesmerized by the author's description of the Black experience in both Northern and Southern settings. The author probably best summarized the experiences when he concluded that, from the standpoint of the African American, Southerners disliked the race but they accepted the man, while in the North, whites accepted the race but rejected the man. Such insight is probably only available to a man who lived through the times with an open heart and insightful eyes.
In The Ghost of Bud Parrott, author Judson Hout has created a memorable glimpse into past Southern culture. Bud Parrot is a young Black man who has always worked in the cotton fields of Jackson County, Arkansas. He fashions a better life for himself, but he cannot do that in the South in which he lives. So, Bud travels to Birmingham, Alabama to seek his fortune in either a steel mill or a mine. Along the way, he is introduced to warm and caring strangers who teach him how to survive hobo style.
When Bud reaches Birmingham at the age of 16 or 17 (he is not sure of his date of birth), he immediately obtains a job at an industrial mill and is invited to join the company Negro baseball team. Bud proves to be talented, both at work and at sports. He is soon noticed by a Northern sponsor who has already hired Satchel Paige for the newly-formed Pittsburgh team. Along with a new career and a new job, Bud befriends an elderly woman and her granddaughter who is the most beautiful woman Bud has ever met. They marry, have children and then, tragedy strikes.
Bud leaves Pittsburgh, emotionally devastated and physically unmotivated. He goes back to his boyhood home in Arkansas, only to see that everything he knew and everyone he loved is gone. But, as fortune would have it, a White family named Wood takes to Bud, and he is incorporated into the family. Bud gets an education in farm management and, also, in the changing social conditions of the South.
Judson Hout has created a memorable portrait of mid-century Southern culture. He mixes humor with poignant and painful moments in time. Those unfamiliar with life prior to Civil Rights acts will be mesmerized by the author's description of the Black experience in both Northern and Southern settings. The author probably best summarized the experiences when he concluded that, from the standpoint of the African American, Southerners disliked the race but they accepted the man, while in the North, whites accepted the race but rejected the man. Such insight is probably only available to a man who lived through the times with an open heart and insightful eyes.
Recommend this book:
Clare
A Novel
Susan Peterson
2011 Finalist
418 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
The Keane children, Clare, Mick and Tom, hadn't had an easy life since their father died. Their mother did the best she could to support them, and Clare, her fourteen-year-old daughter, worked along side her to earn what money they could; but when their mother dies, Claire makes a deathbed promise to keep the family together. The only family they have left is their uncle, Ronan, who lives in America; so they send him a telegram, and when he responds with three boat tickets to America, the Keane children leave all they know in Ireland in the hopes for a new beginning in America.
You know that you have read a great story when you can't quit thinking about the characters, and that's just how it was for me. The Keane siblings wormed their way into my heart, and I found myself wanting to reach out and help them. Even though the children didn't have an easy life, they never gave up hope that things would get better for them. The author brings to life the journey the children took, and one of the most interesting aspects for me was when the children were trying to come through Ellis Island. While there were a few people that helped the children on their journey, I felt, for Clare, things really started to change when they went to live in the Catholic Children's Protectory of of New York. When they were put on the orphan train, I could just imagine the emotional turmoil they felt. While they had hopes of a family, they had the fear of being separated. Although I thought the author wrapped up the ending quite nicely, I am certainly holding out hopes that perhaps the author will write a sequel to this one. I would love to see how the Keane children fared after a few years in America.
The Keane children, Clare, Mick and Tom, hadn't had an easy life since their father died. Their mother did the best she could to support them, and Clare, her fourteen-year-old daughter, worked along side her to earn what money they could; but when their mother dies, Claire makes a deathbed promise to keep the family together. The only family they have left is their uncle, Ronan, who lives in America; so they send him a telegram, and when he responds with three boat tickets to America, the Keane children leave all they know in Ireland in the hopes for a new beginning in America.
You know that you have read a great story when you can't quit thinking about the characters, and that's just how it was for me. The Keane siblings wormed their way into my heart, and I found myself wanting to reach out and help them. Even though the children didn't have an easy life, they never gave up hope that things would get better for them. The author brings to life the journey the children took, and one of the most interesting aspects for me was when the children were trying to come through Ellis Island. While there were a few people that helped the children on their journey, I felt, for Clare, things really started to change when they went to live in the Catholic Children's Protectory of of New York. When they were put on the orphan train, I could just imagine the emotional turmoil they felt. While they had hopes of a family, they had the fear of being separated. Although I thought the author wrapped up the ending quite nicely, I am certainly holding out hopes that perhaps the author will write a sequel to this one. I would love to see how the Keane children fared after a few years in America.
Recommend this book:
Leviathan's Master
The Wreck of the World's Largest Sailing Ship
David M. Quinn
2010 Finalist
124 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
David Quinn has developed an historical accounting that grabs the reader and relates history while also conveying the human emotional elements that surely accompanied the actual event.
The story details the doomed voyage of the seven-masted sailing ship The Thomas W. Lawson on its maiden Atlantic crossing in the winter of 1907. The ship was reported as unstable but Captain George Dow, the maternal great-great uncle of the author, decides his mastery of previous ships will stand him in good stead with the Lawson. He then discovers that nature has its own agenda for the ship and its crew. The methodical research done in order to write the book serves the reader well, with historical fact interspersed with human interest.
Leviathan's Master is an easy read for sea lovers and land lovers alike. It poses interesting ethical dilemmas as well as thoughtfully presented skills essential to early ship trading.
David Quinn has developed an historical accounting that grabs the reader and relates history while also conveying the human emotional elements that surely accompanied the actual event.
The story details the doomed voyage of the seven-masted sailing ship The Thomas W. Lawson on its maiden Atlantic crossing in the winter of 1907. The ship was reported as unstable but Captain George Dow, the maternal great-great uncle of the author, decides his mastery of previous ships will stand him in good stead with the Lawson. He then discovers that nature has its own agenda for the ship and its crew. The methodical research done in order to write the book serves the reader well, with historical fact interspersed with human interest.
Leviathan's Master is an easy read for sea lovers and land lovers alike. It poses interesting ethical dilemmas as well as thoughtfully presented skills essential to early ship trading.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/shall-never-see-so-much&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-Z7KF4eRL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Shall Never See So Much" is the story of siblings a world apart. The siblings were estranged. Their lives were very different, as was their political philosophies. The setting is 1968. The US was at war in Vietnam. The times were turbulent.
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Shall Never See So Much
Gerald Gillis
2010 Bronze Medal
328 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
"Shall Never See So Much" is the story of siblings a world apart. The siblings were estranged. Their lives were very different, as was their political philosophies. The setting is 1968. The US was at war in Vietnam. The times were turbulent.
First Lieutenant Tom Flanagan was a 24 year old Marine, serving in the dark, sweltering jungles of Vietnam.
Kate Flanagan was on the staff of Robert F. Kennedy, as he makes a bid for the office of President.
Gerald Gillis draws readers into the lives of the siblings. While both are different, I came to care for each of them. He transports readers back in time. I remember watching the riots on TV, hearing the death tolls. I remember the draft lottery and the fear in the eyes of those drafted. Families were torn apart by the war.
Gillis brings the era back to life. He successfully conveys the atmosphere, the conflicting emotions and the politics. Whether you were part of the era, or not, you will feel as though the events are unfolding before you.
"Shall Never See So Much" is the story of siblings a world apart. The siblings were estranged. Their lives were very different, as was their political philosophies. The setting is 1968. The US was at war in Vietnam. The times were turbulent.
First Lieutenant Tom Flanagan was a 24 year old Marine, serving in the dark, sweltering jungles of Vietnam.
Kate Flanagan was on the staff of Robert F. Kennedy, as he makes a bid for the office of President.
Gerald Gillis draws readers into the lives of the siblings. While both are different, I came to care for each of them. He transports readers back in time. I remember watching the riots on TV, hearing the death tolls. I remember the draft lottery and the fear in the eyes of those drafted. Families were torn apart by the war.
Gillis brings the era back to life. He successfully conveys the atmosphere, the conflicting emotions and the politics. Whether you were part of the era, or not, you will feel as though the events are unfolding before you.
Recommend this book:
Fortress In The Desert
Tale Of A Female Oedipus
Sidney Dunn
2010 Finalist
450 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
The setting was Rome at its height of power. The people were ill-treated. Death sentences came swiftly. Our story begins with the birth of a child. The mother suffers great distress. She knew her child would be taken from her and given to a wealthy man. Barnabas’ wife had not borne a child so he took one for her. The male child was raised as Barnabas’ son.
Asaneth was an orphan. She accepted life as it was dealt to her. Eventually she was adopted by Abraham. He was kind to her and loved her. She looked like his deceased wife. Abraham was an accomplished cook. Asaneth was later befriended by a gladiator. The gladiator shared a story with her concerning Abraham.
The gladiator told her of a beautiful woman that caught the attention of Barnabas. She was brought to the palace and forced to become one of his many wives. The woman already had a husband, Abraham. He came to fetch his wife but Barnabas declared they were never married. The beautiful woman took her own life rather than marry Barnabas.
Years later, the gladiator shared the story with Barnabas’ brother Nicholas. Appalled at what his brother had done, Nicholas sent the gladiator to Masada to rescue Abraham. He was accompanied by Asaneth.
"Fortress In The Desert" is not an easy read. The style is almost prose. The author transports readers back in time. He successfully depicts the life of the Jewish people. He does this without a religious tone. The reader will question the relationship between Asaneth and Abraham. The relationship is one of endearing love. It does not appear to cross the boundaries of incest, yet Abraham’s love for Asaneth goes beyond the love of a father for a daughter. Asaneth at times speaks to Abraham as a father and at other times seems to speak to him as though she is his deceased wife. I kept expecting the gladiator to declare his love for Asaneth.
The setting was Rome at its height of power. The people were ill-treated. Death sentences came swiftly. Our story begins with the birth of a child. The mother suffers great distress. She knew her child would be taken from her and given to a wealthy man. Barnabas’ wife had not borne a child so he took one for her. The male child was raised as Barnabas’ son.
Asaneth was an orphan. She accepted life as it was dealt to her. Eventually she was adopted by Abraham. He was kind to her and loved her. She looked like his deceased wife. Abraham was an accomplished cook. Asaneth was later befriended by a gladiator. The gladiator shared a story with her concerning Abraham.
The gladiator told her of a beautiful woman that caught the attention of Barnabas. She was brought to the palace and forced to become one of his many wives. The woman already had a husband, Abraham. He came to fetch his wife but Barnabas declared they were never married. The beautiful woman took her own life rather than marry Barnabas.
Years later, the gladiator shared the story with Barnabas’ brother Nicholas. Appalled at what his brother had done, Nicholas sent the gladiator to Masada to rescue Abraham. He was accompanied by Asaneth.
"Fortress In The Desert" is not an easy read. The style is almost prose. The author transports readers back in time. He successfully depicts the life of the Jewish people. He does this without a religious tone. The reader will question the relationship between Asaneth and Abraham. The relationship is one of endearing love. It does not appear to cross the boundaries of incest, yet Abraham’s love for Asaneth goes beyond the love of a father for a daughter. Asaneth at times speaks to Abraham as a father and at other times seems to speak to him as though she is his deceased wife. I kept expecting the gladiator to declare his love for Asaneth.
Recommend this book:
Naomi of the Arizona Territory
Mary Katherine Arensberg
2010 Gold Medal
162 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Calvert Hart was fascinated with Naomi Atkins from the moment he heard her laughter. The red haired beauty with turquoise colored eyes captivated him. Unfortunately for him, her parents considered him worthless. His parents were not any happier but love won out and the two eloped. They had been married months before revealing their secret.
Cal and Naomi made a meager home for themselves on his family’s farm in Missouri. They were happy until the war intruded on their lives. The land was worn out, the soldier burned everything in sight and the jayhawkers stole what they could. Time had come for the couple to move on. They were going west to the Arizona Territory. The couple packed all they owned and made the long trek.
Naomi proved she was made of tough stuff. She survived and thrived despite hardship of the era and the territory.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I loved Namoi’s spunk.
Calvert Hart was fascinated with Naomi Atkins from the moment he heard her laughter. The red haired beauty with turquoise colored eyes captivated him. Unfortunately for him, her parents considered him worthless. His parents were not any happier but love won out and the two eloped. They had been married months before revealing their secret.
Cal and Naomi made a meager home for themselves on his family’s farm in Missouri. They were happy until the war intruded on their lives. The land was worn out, the soldier burned everything in sight and the jayhawkers stole what they could. Time had come for the couple to move on. They were going west to the Arizona Territory. The couple packed all they owned and made the long trek.
Naomi proved she was made of tough stuff. She survived and thrived despite hardship of the era and the territory.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I loved Namoi’s spunk.
Recommend this book:
The Sweet War Man
Paul Barcello
2010 Honorable Mention
340 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
The setting is the Vietnam era. Randy Thayer joined the military so that he could fly. He did not seek to go to war but that was the price he paid to fly a helicopter. Andrea Tremblay is Randy’s girlfriend. Randy’s being a soldier does not bother her but going to war does. She is willing to do whatever she can to keep him home including involving him in the family business. To compensate she throws herself into her career at her father’s company. Faith Beckwerth is the girl next door. She hangs on Randy’s every word. She listens closely to everything he says. She is his biggest supporter and attempts to ease his fears. Distance, dedication and differing lives challenge Andrea and Randy’s relationship. Despite Faith’s dedication Randy is still drawn to Andrea.
The characters in this book are strong and passionate. The plot reveals the hardships of military training and life in corporate America. The author is a master at characterization. The characters come to life and draw the reader into the story. I became passionate about the characters. I cheered for them and fussed at them. Randy is faced with doubts, perplexity and a sense of duty. Andrea has a strong work ethic almost to the point of being narrow focused and a workaholic. Faith is naive, blameless, and easy to love.
The setting is the Vietnam era. Randy Thayer joined the military so that he could fly. He did not seek to go to war but that was the price he paid to fly a helicopter. Andrea Tremblay is Randy’s girlfriend. Randy’s being a soldier does not bother her but going to war does. She is willing to do whatever she can to keep him home including involving him in the family business. To compensate she throws herself into her career at her father’s company. Faith Beckwerth is the girl next door. She hangs on Randy’s every word. She listens closely to everything he says. She is his biggest supporter and attempts to ease his fears. Distance, dedication and differing lives challenge Andrea and Randy’s relationship. Despite Faith’s dedication Randy is still drawn to Andrea.
The characters in this book are strong and passionate. The plot reveals the hardships of military training and life in corporate America. The author is a master at characterization. The characters come to life and draw the reader into the story. I became passionate about the characters. I cheered for them and fussed at them. Randy is faced with doubts, perplexity and a sense of duty. Andrea has a strong work ethic almost to the point of being narrow focused and a workaholic. Faith is naive, blameless, and easy to love.
Recommend this book:
White Seed
The Untold Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke
Paul Clayton
2009 Bronze Medal
486 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Seventeen year old Maggie Hagger expects the Virginia Colony to be a paradise. She was indentured to John White for four years. He paid sixteen dollars for her to care for his pregnant daughter. The land was not the paradise she expected. There were savages, harsh weather, and little food. At times it was difficult to tell who the savages were.
White Seed is a fictional story based on actual events. The plot is very realistic and I imagine it could have happened that way. The characters are well developed. I was enchanted by Maggie and Manteo. There love story was well done. I was quickly caught up in the story and could not put it down until I’d read the last word.
Seventeen year old Maggie Hagger expects the Virginia Colony to be a paradise. She was indentured to John White for four years. He paid sixteen dollars for her to care for his pregnant daughter. The land was not the paradise she expected. There were savages, harsh weather, and little food. At times it was difficult to tell who the savages were.
White Seed is a fictional story based on actual events. The plot is very realistic and I imagine it could have happened that way. The characters are well developed. I was enchanted by Maggie and Manteo. There love story was well done. I was quickly caught up in the story and could not put it down until I’d read the last word.
Recommend this book:
Why We Don't Kill Spiders
A Tale of Bannockburn
Bo Macreery
2009 Honorable Mention
392 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Sir Walter Scott was just a child sitting at the knee of his grandmother listening intently as his she and his Aunt Jenny told the tale of Robert Bruce’s efforts to win Scotland’s freedom from England in 1314. Years later Scott would retell the story of King Robert in his poem “Lord of the Isles.”
Robert’s grandfather was angered and declared his namesake Robert Bruce was unfit to rule Scotland. However, Bruce was a determined man. He was a knight with royal blood lines both Celtic and Norman. Bruce paid a high price, as did many Scotts, his family was held captive by the English, his wife imprisoned.
The English underestimated their opponent. The Scotts were outnumbered 10-1, like the old saying goes, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog.” Bruce was a brilliant strategist.
It is obvious that Bo Macreery spent much time researching his topic. The reference to spiders is fascinating. I will never look at a spider the same way. The determination one a spider to spin his web gave Bruce the renewed encouragement he needed to fight for Scotland’s independence. Macreery bring history to life on the pages of his book Why We Don’t Kill Spiders. I felt as though I was on the battlefield witnessing the battle. Macreery is a brilliant author; he has captured the essence of the Scottish people.
Sir Walter Scott was just a child sitting at the knee of his grandmother listening intently as his she and his Aunt Jenny told the tale of Robert Bruce’s efforts to win Scotland’s freedom from England in 1314. Years later Scott would retell the story of King Robert in his poem “Lord of the Isles.”
Robert’s grandfather was angered and declared his namesake Robert Bruce was unfit to rule Scotland. However, Bruce was a determined man. He was a knight with royal blood lines both Celtic and Norman. Bruce paid a high price, as did many Scotts, his family was held captive by the English, his wife imprisoned.
The English underestimated their opponent. The Scotts were outnumbered 10-1, like the old saying goes, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog.” Bruce was a brilliant strategist.
It is obvious that Bo Macreery spent much time researching his topic. The reference to spiders is fascinating. I will never look at a spider the same way. The determination one a spider to spin his web gave Bruce the renewed encouragement he needed to fight for Scotland’s independence. Macreery bring history to life on the pages of his book Why We Don’t Kill Spiders. I felt as though I was on the battlefield witnessing the battle. Macreery is a brilliant author; he has captured the essence of the Scottish people.
Recommend this book:
To Snare a Wolf
Robert Nowak
2009 Gold Medal
366 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
This novel focuses on WW I. However the tale takes place between the years of 1870 to 1914, a time when espionage was plentiful between France and Germany. The two main characters of this novel Christian Dejoux was born in Strasbourg, France and Wolfgang Loewenhardt who was born in Berlin, Germany. Christian was from a humble family and Wolfgang born into wealth. Wolfgang had the best of everything, schools and careers and Christian had to learn to survive and fend for himself. The only common thread the two shared was intense loyalty to their country. The future of their countries lay in their hands.
The reader follows the two men throughout the war. We see them agents working on foreign soils. We follow them from brothels to hospitals, to the circus. If they are caught they will face certain death. They survive by pure instinct.
The author Robert Nowak’s To Snare A Wolf is a fascinating look at the men and women who sacrificed not only their jobs and family life but also their lives for the good of their country. This would make an excellent made for TV movie documentary. It reads like a nonfiction novel. It was hard to believe the people and events were fictional. I was quickly drawn into the plot. I felt as though I was living it. This book needs proofreading and editing. To Snare A Wolf is well written, I highly recommend it.
This novel focuses on WW I. However the tale takes place between the years of 1870 to 1914, a time when espionage was plentiful between France and Germany. The two main characters of this novel Christian Dejoux was born in Strasbourg, France and Wolfgang Loewenhardt who was born in Berlin, Germany. Christian was from a humble family and Wolfgang born into wealth. Wolfgang had the best of everything, schools and careers and Christian had to learn to survive and fend for himself. The only common thread the two shared was intense loyalty to their country. The future of their countries lay in their hands.
The reader follows the two men throughout the war. We see them agents working on foreign soils. We follow them from brothels to hospitals, to the circus. If they are caught they will face certain death. They survive by pure instinct.
The author Robert Nowak’s To Snare A Wolf is a fascinating look at the men and women who sacrificed not only their jobs and family life but also their lives for the good of their country. This would make an excellent made for TV movie documentary. It reads like a nonfiction novel. It was hard to believe the people and events were fictional. I was quickly drawn into the plot. I felt as though I was living it. This book needs proofreading and editing. To Snare A Wolf is well written, I highly recommend it.
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