I first encountered this book at the Detroit Public Library. I quickly determined to have my own copy, and obtained one through Amazon.com. Mr. Smith and his dulcimer friends have come through with the goods! Many historical photos round out the fascinating text and interesting anecdotes from those who brought us the mountain dulcimer as we know it today. Read how the dulcimer shapes came to be, and who the early builders were. I highly recommend this book to any true mountain dulcimer enthusiast. Congratulations, Mr. Smith!

A great book! It is a good reference work on the mountain dulcimer. Mr. Smith has performed a great service to everyone interested in it. It is a trememdous history lesson on the development of the mountain dulcimer and is loaded with photographs documenting how it has changed from its roots to what it is today. It also identifies those people who were important in its development. A real historical learning experience for the novice player and, I would assume, the experienced, too. If you're interested in the dulcimer or just an Appalacian history buff, you will like this book.

Ralph Lee Smith teaches a course in dulcimer history at the annual Dulcimer Playing Workshop at Appalachian State University, of which I am the director. His presentations are invariably among the high points of the Workshop. Through him, we all keep in touch with the dulcimer's beautiful heritage in the mountains, and the people of the mountains who have handed the dulcimer down to us. This charming book contains much of the exciting information and many of the tales that he brings to us each year. For people who love the dulcimer, and people who love the mountain world even if they aren't familiar with the dulcimer, this book is a treasure. Don't miss it!

What a heartwarming and inspiring book. Page after page you feel of the wonderful example of love and compassion that this wonderful mother had for her children and of the great courage and strength that both she and Lee had as they faced this illness together. On January 16, 2000, Karma Smith Belnap passed away from ALS. Now she and Lee are together again and what a grand and glorious reunion it must be!

As I read the condensed version of this book in Reader's Digest, I was positive that the ending would reveal that Lee was currently happy and healthy and living with his loving family. Lee's mother relayed THAT much hope through her words, that I believed he was still with her on this earth. Apparantly, her pride and love for him transcends the boundaries of life.

Amazing story of a boy which provides proof that there is not an obstacle we cannot overcome. Lee's courage was endless.

My grandmother wrote this book about my uncle! He was the best guy ever! Male, female, kid, adult, anybody will be touched by this fabulous book. It showed me what I should value in life and also showed me what a great guy Lee grew up to be. Lee had a disease that you will learn about and relize what he went through throughout his lifetime. You will be truly glad you read this book and will be touched in so many different ways. It could change the way you look at life! This book also appeared in the Dec. 1998 Reader's Digest. Please take the time to read this heart warming book. You will be so glad you did!

I chose this book for my final project in geology class because I was interested in Yellowstone National parks though I have never been to, and this book was very good not only to read but also to review my studying in the class. Yellowstone and Grand Teton ground systems such as ground movements and heating systems are covered and also advanced my studying. Actually, I had totally no knowledge about geologic activities before I studied in the class, so this book was also really good to review my studying. In addition, this book introduces these parks view points with beautiful and colored pictures, so this book also can be used for a tourbook. It is no doubt that I will go to these parks with this book!

A friend loaned me this book two months ago. I haven't returned it yet. It is simply the best book on these two parks that I have ever read. The authors accurately portray the very considerable geological power present in each park, and yet do not manage to make either park a fearful place to be avoided. Instead, their writing is a persuasive invitation to visit these wonderful manifestations of nature for an extended period. I was particularly impressed by the visitor's tour set out near the end of the book. I took a part of that tour in 1994, and the narrative is very accurate. I will certainly use my OWN copy of the book when I go back again this autumn. (I don't want anyone to think I don't return borrowed books!) This book is an absolute musthave-mustread for anyone going to the parks or interested in the geological processes that have made the West. Enjoy.

This treasure will turn "topography" into a household word. Dedicated to a fellow geologist recently killed by an avalance while conducting fieldwork, "Windows" is a slick and dramatic feature presentation of volcanism, earthquakes, and geysers. Superb maps and graphs colorfully illustrate variable stratae formed through the eons. An informal and friendly text is scholarly without being stuffy. The writers establish a tone of substance and humor as they discuss multiple upheavals that created Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. This is the kind of book that will impress early rock-ologists and even be hoarded by their more secretive, sedimental parents. The writing never "dumbs down" but is lucid with factual attention to landscape formation without snubbing the human astonishment that continually witnesses it. Thanks to geologist Smith and naturalist journalist Seigel, the book is threaded with lively accounts from park rangers, tourists, and waitresses at the Old Faithful Inn. Appeals to romantics and literalists alike. Studded with beautiful, full-color photographs. Every page is hefty and sleek to the touch, a feast for the eye as well as the brain. Kind of a wonder-book for anyone who seeks the phenomenal in terra firma.

This is a collection of stories, all true, about Sheila Kay Adams' childhood in the kind of North Carolina mountain community that is fading fast, if it hasn't already disappeared. Her warm voice, fine sense of comic writing, sharply-drawn characters, and lovely descriptions all contribute to a collection that is simply but elegantly conceived. The snapshots of life presented here--tragic, hilarious, wondrous--are engaging and moving. It's the kind of book you'll return to. Highly, highly recommended.

Loved this book. Ms. Adams writes just like she talks. The stories she tells are wonderful. The story of Bertha and the snake handlers is priceless. If you are looking for a good book to share with ever member of the family, as I have, this is the book.

I love this book and have used it to read to nursing home folks. They have enjoyed these often outlandish tales as much as I. True life is often better than fiction they say, and I would agree. All short but entertaining tales.

Parrish impresses her reader with not only the grasp and knowledge of her material, but with also a certain spice that is often missing in non-fiction. Through her vivid descriptions, the reader is immersed in the Hollins culture. This is most definitely a must for the Dillard and Smith fan, but even more so a must for the reader who enjoys exquisite writing.

The author provides an historical overview of the development of private Southern women's schools from finishing schools to respected institutions of higher learning. Primary in this change at Hollins is the influence of Louis Rubin on both the writing program and the writers that program produced, with many quotes from the students about their mentor. Parrish also gives many humorous and interesting anecdotes about Lee Smith, Annie Dillard and the other subjects of the book during their formative years at Hollins. She shows how their college experiences carried over to their writing both then and through the years since graduation. For Lee Smith and Annie Dillard fans, this book is a must-read.

Written from the view of the combat infantryman this book is a griping account of the US 36th. Division's disasterous battle at the Rapido River in the winter of 1944. The author spent two years researching and editing 140 accounts from the soldiers in the line companies to the officers in division headquarters. The result is an epic account of a brave but futile effort "where victory was less likely than death." This book has both the documentation the serious student of World WarII desires combined with the easy style of one of grandad's tales. Best if read in one sitting (Just over 100 pages of text) for maximum effect. This is a verbal "Saving Private Ryan."

The book is based on the stories given by WWII veterans of "Texas" 36th Division who were at the Rapido River. The Rapido River was a slaying of brave Texas National Guard Soldiers. The Nazi's had an advantage over the 36th, killing a large number of the brave Americans who were following the orders of General Mark Clark. Clark's action were investagated by congress, and to this day, the information about the battle is top-secret. The Autor, Lee Carraway Smith started this book as a report in a college history report, but she got so involved in the story, she wanted the people to hear the veterans side of the story. The books contains a special section of Pictures, Goverment Documents, and historical images of this bloody battle. This book will inform the public about this "unknown" but true World War II battle.

I think this book is very interesting because it has a good plot, fun characters, and a neat teacher!

This book takes you through the research behind CI and the practical steps in getting started with your own group. I recommend that you read it so that you can benefit from their research. This book is joining a growing body of research in how CI can help adults take leadership and develop learning communities.

There is no way I can write a review good enought for this novel. It is, hands WAY down, the best fantasy ever written. It is the biggest shame that it should be out of print, and that the only place to find it anymore is on the internet. There is no way that you can not fall in love with every single character, especially Jareth, the seductive, and evil, yet good Goblin King. It is the essence of magic, and everyone should read it. It is a definite yes for those who saw the movie and loved it, because it holds true to the script. I'm begging the publishers, on my hands and knees, no, lower, to please please please put this book back into print. No one should miss it!

This is a wonderful tale of love, infatuation, and family laced with adventure, friendship, hardship, and triumph. I first read this book in Junior High and later saw the movie. The book in my opinion was much better than the movie, but I found both exceptional.

Sarah made a wish she should have never made, and found out the had way that some wishes do come true. Her baby brother Toby is now missing and she is struggling to find him. She embarkes of a journey where she meets and makes friends who accompany her on her journeys. Just when she thinks she might just win the game, Jereth, King of the Goblins and Toby's captor, throws another wrench into the works.

Since I was only nine, I adored the movie. I read the book a little while later, and I love that even more. Things aren't identical to the movie, exactly, making it a whole new experience. I wish I had a copy of my own, but they're hard to find. So, if you find it, you won't regret purchasing. It's wonderful for all ages, and each time you read, you'll find something you missed the time before.

This wonderful novel, and author, was introduced to me when I attended a conference on Appalachia in Berea, KY. I asked the speaker, "What is the definitive book about the Appalachians?" The answer was, "Fair and Tender Ladies," without hesitation. Now I have read all of Lee Smith's books. This remains my favorite. Ivy Rowe is so real and warm, and could be loved in any setting, but she belongs in these pages. Lee Smith's voice is so true. How interesting that she was a good friend of Annie Dillard in college. Two wonderful and different authors.

This is the story of Ivy, told through letters she's written to family and friends throughout her lifetime. After reading only a few pages, I found myself forgetting that this was a fictional character. I became emotionally caught up in the ebb and flow of her life in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia, beginning at the turn of the century. Lee Smith, by writing the story of an "everyday woman", has proven the point that every living person has a story, no matter what their circumastances, if only there was someone to bring it to light. Ivy is a rich and vital character, a true survivor, who lives fully, loves deeply, works hard, and values all that is good in life and people. Ivy isn't perfect. She's flawed, like all the rest of us. The real beauty of this book is that Lee Smith has seen fit to shine a light on a character who is poor but proud, uneducated but intelligent, unsophisticated but filled with quiet dignity, and manages to get through the tough times with a delightful sense of humor and emotional clarity. This book touched me deeply. It sparked my every emotion. I'll be thinking about it for some time to come...and I STILL have a hard time believing that Ivy isn't real!

Lee Smith is a fantastic writer with a real feel for what being an Appalachian woman is all about. She makes the reader feel the importance of place and family and shows us the strength, endurance, and creative soul of the people. This book makes you feel as thought Ivy were a friend or sister. It is well-written, intimate, and mysterious. A super read.