[.ca] River of Earth-Pa (ISBN 0813113725)

to have met such a spirit:
............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............

Well writen: It made me get in touch with my mountain roots.:
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.

The heart and soul of Appalachia:
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.

Simply wonderful...:
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?"

River of Earth realistically chronicles Appalachian poverty.:
A book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. I read this as a college student and have recently re-read it to 7th graders who found the mother especially fascinating. River of Earth chronicles the poverty of early 20th century Appalachian coal miners and their struggle to care for their families, make ends meet, and maintain their humanity in an industry that provides only obstacles. It is a universal theme in a very unique setting. A very good read!