The saddest pages of this book are a tribute in the preface to the author who died before it was published. I was sad to learn of the death of a talented young black academic. But then, as I read this charming highly readable book, I was sad that I'd never have the opportunity to meet the author. Dr. Jones-Jackson was a linguist who specialized in the people who live in the Sea Islands off South Carolina and Georgia. Although this is an academic book, it is full of delightful surprises about an interesting people. I particularly enjoyed the prayers and sermons from New Jerusalem Church.