River of Earth

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Summary: River of Earth realistically chronicles Appalachian poverty.
Review: ............I was a fortunate one who met James Still at his cabin in Knott County, Hindman, KY. The day was a clear August one in 1998 that was so quiet you could here a train horn sounding 5-10 miles away. The coal is always moving in those hills. I was with a freelance photojournalist on assignment for Associated Press, her son Ian and our 3 month old daughter, Maya Kristianna. I was silent, keeping Maya and Ian occupied while Rhonda spoke to Still. Rhonda had known Still for over 3 years and their conversation was slow and pure. Listening to James Still speak was an event in my life that will come to mind daily. Deep, Pure, Whole...There was a doe and her spotted fawn feeding about the property. Rays of sunlight glistening through the many trees appeared as lasar beams rushing to their receptors in the grass. I was a fortunate one............

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Summary: An Old Story as New as Downsizing
Review:

A story of people when the economy changes. Who sticks to 'old ways', who accepts the 'new', and who has a choice?

Look at a changing world through the eyes of a boy coming to grips with Grandma's, Uncle Jolly's, Ma's, and Dad's desires and choices when life in 'the hills' changes from farming to mining, and the demand for coal drops.

Perfect for readers who like Steinbeck and want to understand the mountain folks in the East.

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Summary: Well writen: It made me get in touch with my mountain roots.
Review: Both my grandfathers mined coal in eastern KY. My parents and I were born there too. I have always had a longing to know more about life during my grandfathers' lifetimes. Now thanks to James Still and his Book,"River of Earth" that longing has been filled. Thank you Mr. Still.

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Summary: Simply wonderful...
Review: In my opinion, River of Earth deserves to be celebrated among the best works of 20th century fiction. James Still not only evokes the setting in depression era Kentucky, but he also captures the spirit of the people and the point of view of his young narrator. This is not a sentimental rendering of an idealized past but rather a pure slice of life cut down to the bone with a real sharp knife. The story is full of humor and hard times, and the language is akin to poetry. "Where ARE we bound on this river of earth?"

Rating:
Summary: The heart and soul of Appalachia
Review: James Still has exquisitely and intricately chronicled what it is like to be born, live, and die in the hills of eastern Kentucky. Natives of the region will read the book and feel attached to the book if by nothing else but the geography. Others will be drawn into the book by the sincerity and realism of the characters. Still, the poet laureate of Kentucky, beautifully relates the attachment of eastern Kentuckians to the mountain soil in spite of the poverty and hard living that they must endure. More than that, however, it is a story of inspiration and coming of age. I highly recommend it to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: The heart and soul of Appalachia
Review: James Still has exquisitely and intricately chronicled what it is like to be born, live, and die in the hills of eastern Kentucky. Natives of the region will read the book and feel attached to the book if by nothing else but the geography. Others will be drawn into the book by the sincerity and realism of the characters. Still, the poet laureate of Kentucky, beautifully relates the attachment of eastern Kentuckians to the mountain soil in spite of the poverty and hard living that they must endure. More than that, however, it is a story of inspiration and coming of age. I highly recommend it to anyone.