GA

We southern gardeners are often the envy of other gardeners in the country because of our long growing seasons and ability to grow a wide range of plants. However, we know that it sometimes not a walk in the park - dealing with heat, humidity, erratic weather, drought and insects is not that much fun.

The plants that thrive in our gardens have to be tough and tried and true. This book profiles plants that have been around a long time and have proven to perform reliably in the south. Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs and Trees, Porch Plants (Houseplants), Bulbs and Vines are covered here. Each section includes 10-20 major plants with detailed information on growing conditions, planting, etc.

The photos are great especially the whimsical "garden art" that is often seen in the rural south. The author also includes anecdotes about his family and people's attitudes towards gardening. This is a fun and useful book!

I dont have this book yet,but I have used it several times at the library.I just ordered it and cant wait to have it for my very own!!!If you are researching the Cherokee people in Georgia,and their intermarriage/involvement with the whites,this book is,in my honest opinion,the most valuable,informative and interesting publication available.Mr Don L Shadburn..my hat is off to you for compiling a fantastic piece of literature.

This book provides an eyewitness account of the events which were going on in the southeastern states, and probably over the rest of the country, during the period when the Indian people were being degraded and their culture destoyed and replaced by the European. It paints a picture, through the eyes of literate travelers, of the wonderful wilderness that was the American south as it gave way to settlement and the plow. This vivid picture cannot be told as well by any historian as it was by those who lived it and told it in their own words as they traveled through this primitive and sometimes dangerous land.

When I searched for a wildflower guide specific to the central south, I never expected to find such a thorough and helpful book. Whether you hike the hills and actively hunt for wildflowers, or simply want to know what's growing in your backyard, Wildflowers of the Central South is an indispensable field guide. I've recommended this book to garden clubs and wildflower preservation groups all over the south.

This book picks up where "The Lion of the North" left off, in the story of the Thirty Years War. As Hector Campbell answers an officer's questions about the make-believe war that he and his fellow-comrades are doing Hector never imagines it could be the great Turenne. But before long Hector is counted a part of Turenne's household, where he is involved in several dangerous escapades. First Hector, along with his boy-servant Paolo, creep through the town of Turin and send a message into the citadel, where a group of Protestants are holding out against the Catholics and their friends, something that quite a few had found impossible to do. Later, Hector, along with five friends, rescues the Baroness of Blenfiox and her daughter Norah from an attack by several hundred peasants. Hector also stumbles into a robber's den, where he and his retainer must fight for their lives. But the gallant officer does not stop there, instead he not only thwarts a plan to kill Marzarin, but also kills Monsieur de Beauvais, a very good swordsman who challenged Hector to a duel. This book is full of courage, a book that you will benefit greatly from. And for anyone who likes history, this book is a must!

After hearing several people talk about meeting Travis Hunter and reading his books, a male friend suggested that I check out his copy of "The Hearts of Men". In the back of my mind, I thought that this was going to be one of those b.s. books about sensitive men with issues. I took the book and told him I would return it in a week or two. I started reading it that night and finished the whole novel the following evening. The only time that I put it down was to use the bathroom and to get something to eat.

The Hearts of Men was one of the most sincere and astounding books that I have ever read. Mr. Hunter made his characters so close to real life that he had me wondering if he was talking about someone I knew. I could vividly and emotionally feel what was happening in their lives. What I really loved about this story was how responsible his male characters were. We hear male bashing stories everyday and at every turn. This book was refreshing and very positive.

I returned the book to my friend and went out and bought my own copy. I would and have been recommending this book to all of my friends and acquaintances. I was so moved that I ordered his second novel "Married But Still Looking". Mr. Hunter is blessed with an outstanding talent. I am glad that he is able to share it with us. Enjoy this read, as you will be thoroughly surprised. Like me, you will not want to put it down. Let's support this author. Go tell a friend or purchase a copy as a gift.

I truly enjoyed this book. I think the writing style was great, especially how the three main characters were introduced. I like reading a book that draws me into the homes and lives of the characters and this book did that for me. I laughed, cried and disliked the "boy/man" behaviors.

Prodigy thinks badly of a woman sleeping with a man she just met, but what about him. (since I can't use profanity and I must watch my words, I can't call him what he really was!!) Prodigy should have asked for a few bucks and he would be a "working man" or "man of the evening". But he does improve himself and his relationship with women (or woman).

Bernard was a character that I just didn't like and he got worse.

Poppa Doc was the love of the book!!!!

I felt so many emotions while reading this book because I have met & dated these types of men (all but Poppa Doc) and it wasn't pleasant.

I can't wait to read Travis Hunter's next book. The title alone is so intriguing. Much luv to ya Travis and may God continue to bless you.

Recently, I read the book,The Hearts Of Men. I can assure you that I feel that all men should read this book.I am convinced that this book should be a required book for boys and young men in schools and colleges across this nation. If a man want to learn how to treat a woman,he should read this book.
If a man want to know how to be a father, he should read this book. If a man want to know how to be a better son and a better husband, he should read this book. Without going into details about the characters,I can say that the characters in the book are characters you may know in real life. After I read this book, I found myself thinking about one of my favorite gospel songs, Be Grateful. There is a part in the song where the lead singer says "Be Grateful because there is someone else who is worst off than you. Be Grateful because there is someone who loves to be in your shoes". I am convinced that Travis Hunter is telling men to "Be Grateful " for what you have, not what you do not have. I am further convinced that Travis Hunter is letting all men know that we are men not because we say we are men but we are men because we act like men. I challenge all men to read this book. I challenge all women to encourage all the men(sons, brothers,husbands, fathers, uncles,etc.) in their lives to read this book. Thank you, Travis Hunter for writng this book.Your book speaks truly to "The Hearts Of Men".

I originally read Janisse Ray's memoirs and essay collection, "Ecology of a Cracker Childhood", for a class in college. To be honest, I hated it at first and told two of my classmates that if Janisse was so conscious of the environment, then why had the trees died to print this book. I ate those words before I was half way through. Janisse Ray has an immaculate voice and breathtaking experiences to share with us about her childhood, spent living with her family in a junkyard.

The book alternates each chapter between memoirs and essays on the natural forests of Georgia. My preference was on Ray's childhood - where she describes in rich detail about the family bonds that arise out of poverty. There is a certain mystical fantasy about her childhood playgrounds, as she talks about being in a family with money prolbems and numerous mouths to feed. Ray exposes the dark sides of her father's religious fanaticism and mental instability. These stories are honest and refrain from sentimentality. Ray tells talks about her life with simple facts and observations. We experience with her a full view of her introducing a college boyfriend to the wreckage that has been transformed into a home.

"Ecology of a Crack Childhood" is a powerful read that everyone should have the opportunity to experience. I, myself, have spent most of my life growing up in cities, but at least now I have a taste of what the rural world has to offer.

The Ecology of a Cracker Childhood By Janisse Ray

"The Ecology of a Cracker Childhood" is a delightful book, beautifully written and filled with wisdom. Janisse Ray made me feel like a child again. What it is like to have a soul of a poet and live in a junkyard in rural Georgia with a family of fundamentalists. Her love for South Georgia's vanishing natural beauty and history is infectious. She beautifully illustrates, through the story of the long leaf pine, that in saving our ecosystem we save ourselves.

Janisse Ray has written a wildly interesting tale of her upbringing in rural Georgia. But probably the more vital part of this book is its backdrop: the disappearing long-leaf pine forests of South Georgia. Does America really need another tale of its eroding ecology? Absolutely. The remnants of once-great natural wonders do not stand a chance of survival in the modern age of mass consumption unless its story is told, again and again, and we can only be so lucky if someone with the wit and wisdom of Ms. Ray tells it.

Shandra Hill deserves a standing ovation. In her debut novel, she has created a thoroughly entertaining and well written first novel that broaches a subject long overlooked in literary circles: the herpes virus. While many will read this book and proclaim "Not I", there are many, many more who are mirrored by the main character, Jasmine Brown, a sister who loves too hard and takes a hard fall off the romance wagon. While she plays the on-again/off-again dating game with her lovemate Daniel, Jasmine is stung by the herpes virus, an incurable sexually transmitted disease. To further complicate matters, Jasmine is undermined by a jealous co-worker and downsized on her job.

Actions Speak Louder is the struggle of a sister learning how to survive, both romantically and professionally. It's a lesson in love and a lesson in life. It's a fervent calling for sisters to take a responsible stand on sexual relations and a very necessary life lesson in today's dating game. I travelled with this book on the train, in the car and on the bus, eagerly turning pages and wondering what would happen to Jasmine and Daniel. I waited at a McDonald's drive-thru w/this book as my companion and I literally could not put it down. As the facilitator of two book clubs, I am a very avid reader. It is a hard task to find a book that immediately sparks my interest. Actions Speak Louder did just that. Shandra Hill should be proud. With beautifully crafted characters, crystal clear dialogue and a thought-provoking topic, this book is a sure bet for a stimulating book discussion and definitely a must read!

I have yet to read a book (with the exception of non-fiction) which broaches the subject of herpes. AIDS is the focal point of the '90s. But it's obvious that sexually transmitted diseases, particularly herpes, are on the rise. Prescription drug companies and advertising agencies have taken notice of the virus and use commercials to openly advertise prescriptions (Zovirax) to combat the herpes virus. However, in the wake of AIDS, many consider herpes the lesser of two evils simply because it doesn't kill.

Shandra Hill has taken notice of this wide spread virus. Shandra Hill has taken action by bringing herpes from the backdrop of the literary arena to the forefront of the publishing industry. Thank you Shandra Hill for taking notice. There are many who are in your debt.

Actions Speak Louder tells the story of a woman that we probably all have come across. How many sisters have been deceived by the same good looking man more times than she cares to remember? The character of Jazz is real -- a sister who made the mistake of falling for a man who was no good for her. Unfortunate for her, not only did she get a broken heart, but two STDs to boot. But Jazz is a fighter. And although she lets her guard down and is thrown a serious uppercut by Daniel time and time again, she finally realizes, through searching her own soul, that it's time to get things right. Now as far as a nemesis is sheeps clothing goes, the character of Jennifer is one that makes you want to rip a page out of the book! Now who hasn't had a backstabbing, conniving "I wanna be your friend but I really want what you have" person in their life? If you haven't read this book yet, do so. And be ready to roll your eyes at Jennifer, grit your teeth at Daniel, and scream at Jazz to wake up and smell the coffee, girlfriend! I really enjoyed this first effort from Shandra Hill.

The book is REALLY GOOD! I didn't mean to give it one star. It deserves more than five!

Picking Up The Pieces was a pretty good debut novel. Sungee did a good job of balancing the various character's stories, and then tying them all together. The two main characters, Senida and Maya, who are best friends, both knew how to stay in trouble with the men! Senida had some deep-rooted problems, though, and at times, I found her very unlikable because of her trifling behavior. Maya was a much more likable character. But all of the characters in the book were interesting, and even though the book moved a little too slowly for me, I stuck with it because I wanted to know how things would turn out for everyone. There were some very funny parts (like when Senida got just what she deserved at the beginning of the book, and the church scene). There were some sad scenes (like the funeral, and when Maya confronted Jelani about his past). There were some hot sex scenes and massive amounts of drama. All of these things made Picking Up The Pieces a very good book. But I couldn't give it that fifth star because there were some less-than-successful aspects of the book. For instance, I know Sungee tried to make Senida's lover a surprise that we find out about at Mandla's party, but anyone who read the book probably already knew way before they got to that scene in the book. Also, the thing with Jelani's hidden career: Maya should have known she was dealing with some type of celebrity when those boys came asking for his autograph! And with all of the negative press he had gotten in his past, how could she NOT know who he was! That made her look stupid. And Maya and Senida were supposed to be best friends, yet they didn't even contact each other when both of them had gone through some serious drama in their love lives! In fact, after all that happened to both of them, they don't even speak to each other again at the close of the book. My best friend no longer even lives in the same state that I live in, but if what happened to Senida or Maya happened to me, I'd be on the phone crying to her about it in a heartbeat! But even with those flaws, I still thought it was a pretty good first book. As several other reviewers pointed out, the ending left a little something to be desired, but that always leaves the door open for a sequel! I agree with another reviewer who said the sequel should be named Picking Up The Pieces, and this book should have another title (perhaps All The Stuff Has Hit The Fan!).

My girlfriend and I read this book at the same time, we could not put it down. We talked on the phone daily about the plot, characters and writing style. We both loved this book, however, we enjoyed some characters better than others. The writer did a great job in developing the characters. The book catches your interest in the first chapter with Senida acting crazy! The book touched on a lot of topics - love, pain, friendship, careers, and initimate relationship. There was much drama in this book, which kept you turning the pages & staying up late reading the book. Looking forward to the next book by Sungee.

I'VE ENJOYED THIS BOOK, I LAUGHED, I CRIED AND I SHARED IT WITH OTHERS. I LOOK FOREWARD TO HEARING FROM HER AGAIN,IT'S ONE OF THE BEST BOOK I'VE READ THIS YEAR. KEEP THEM COMING

I loved all the info about Savannah, plantations and of course, the food. The characters with unique and they all had their own funny quirks. BeBe's attitude and way of getting things done was admirable. The only problem I had was with Weezie's attitude with Daniel. It was obviously the guy was in love with her and she didn't treat him very well.

Other than that I enjoyed the book.

Weezie and Caroline go head to head over a crumbling plantation house. Caroline has big plans to bulldoze the historic building and put up a paper mill. Weezie wants to save the house as a historic landmark--and get her hands on the fabulous, valuable antiques within. One cupboard in particular has caught her eye. If she can score it, she'll make enough profit to open her shop.

But Weezie's overzealous interest in the house and an upcoming sale of the contents lands her squarely in the middle of a murder investigation--with the murder weapon in her possession. And in the middle of everything, she's trying to deal with a mother whose drinking problem has hit a crisis point, as well as a formerly-nerdy-boyfriend-turned-hunk who still has the hots for her.

This book was so much fun to read. It's been a long time since I could cheer for a heroine as endearing as Weezie. The characters were sharply drawn and so true to live, even as they were exaggerated. Weezie's best friend, Bebe Loudermilk, is a delight, and her uncle, an ex-priest-turned-lawyer coming to terms with his homosexuality, is a wonderful character. Much of the book is told from his point of view, in third person, while the rest is first person from Weezie's viewpoint. It's an odd set-up, but it works.

If there was any fault to find in this book, it was that the author went a little gentle with the heroine. Yes, Weezie got herself into terrible fixes, but there were times when she wiggled off the hook a bit too easily. (For example, though she was initially suspected of murder, no one really thought she did it and she was never charged.) Also, the solution to the mystery was less than satisfying. I can't say more than that without giving something away.

Still, the book was so thoroughly readable, so engaging, that I didn't really care about the mystery all that much. I just wanted to keep spending time with those delightful characters.

Put in a stock of good wine, seafood and especially chocolate before beginning this highly original culinary/antique/vintage/kitschy cozy. A deliciously wordy dip into a part of the Savannah landscape that Behrendt missed, complete with an antebellum plantation house, an outrageous ex-husband, wonderfully dysFUNctional family issues, and a bit of beefcake. Weezie is a thoroughly wronged ex-wife, with a business in picking treasure from junk piles. Living in the carriage house/garage behind the Savannah townhouse she helped buy and restore (only to be booted out of by her ex- and the home wrecking Caroline). Weezie is managing her life though, until an emergency trip to the bathroom lands her in jail. Accused of breaking and entering as well as a being a suspect for the murder of Caroline. This book rejoices the issues of family, good friends, knowing yourself, helping but not judging and keeping your sense humor - as well a glimpse into a historic city. I found it positively delightful and give it five stars in the beach read category.

The mystery does not totally conclude when you close the cover of this book, I'd suggest a dance over to the author's website, where another mystery unfolds.