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Books I Read in April 2024

As you will see from three of the four books I read last month, I chose to concentrate on my writing and historical research in April. Some of the following books might not pique your interest as a reader, but… you never know. I’ll start with the book that falls in a different category.

One Petal at a Time, by Joni Karen Caggiano

One Petal at a Time, by Joni Karen Caggiano

This is a book of poetry and prose written from the depths of pain and abuse. The writer bares her soul in her words earned from years of abuse by two alcoholic parents and further abuse from a male relative. It is difficult to read. I cannot identify with the horrors she writes about. I had a good life as a child and teen, and naively assumed everyone else lived in a calm, comfortable home with loving parents.

The silver lining in Ms. Caggiano’s book is that she eventually found love and has, as an adult, established a loving home for her own family. Others who have or are living in an abusive situation should find hope in Part 3 of this book and be inspired by her example, her statement of faith in God, and the fear that is no longer in her life. She is a retired nurse, a survivor, and an environmental advocate.

 The book cover and interior are masterfully illustrated with the exquisite art of Francisco Bravo Cabrera, who is also known as Bodo Vespaciano. Through black line art he captures the essence of Ms. Caggiano’s words.

Historic Shallow Ford in Yadkin Valley: Crossroads Between East and West, by Marcia D. Phillips

Historic Shallow Ford in Yadkin Valley: Crossroads Between East and West,
by Marcia D. Phillips

The Shallow Ford on the Yadkin River in North Carolina plays a role in the historical novel I’m writing, so imagine my excitement when I discovered this book. It was published in 2022 by The History Press.

The Shallow Ford was a natural crossing of the river and was used by thousands of pioneers traveling on the Great Wagon Road and by armies during the American Revolution and the American Civil War. It was, no doubt, used by native Americans for thousands of years before the era of European settlement.

If you are interested in how the piedmont section of North Carolina was settled, then this book is for you. It mentions the various roads and how roads sprang up from the Great Wagon Road to lead to other parts of the state and adjoining states for commerce.

I was most interested in the first sixty percent of the book for its research value for my writing; however, the entire book gives a detailed look at the settlement, cultural development, and industrial development of the Yadkin Valley, which is more of less the area of present-day Davie, Yadkin, and Rowan counties for the purposes of this book.

The Yadkin River is one of the major rivers in North Carolina. It drains the area from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern part of the state, through the lower piedmont – including where I live. At its confluence with the Uwharrie River it becomes the Pee Dee River, which is fed by the Rocky River and the Lumber River as it eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Georgetown, South Carolina.

Written by “the keeper of the treasures in the Martin-Wall History Room at the Davie County Public Library,” the book is well-documented. In her work, Marcia D. Phillips had access to a wealth of local history sources as well as having the advantages of living in the area about which she wrote.

This book was a God-send for my research of the Shallow Ford of the Yadkin River.

 In the Hollow of Your Hand: Slave Lullabies, collected and sung by Alice McGill, pictures by Michael Cummings; musical accompaniment on enclosed CD by Nancy Krebs

In the Hollow of Your Hand: Slave Lullabies,
collected by Alice McGill

This is a juvenile picture book that I happened upon at the public library in Charlotte while looking for documented American slavery songs as a part of my research for the historical novels I am writing.

Although it is classified as a Juvenile book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The fact that it includes a musical CD with the author giving some narrative and singing the songs that have been passed down through the generations of her North Carolina family is the icing on the cake!

The book and CD include thirteen lullabies endemic to the families of slaves. Each lullaby is beautifully illustrated in the African-American tradition by the artwork of Michael Cummings. The banjo having its roots in the Africans who were brought to the American colonies and states as slaves, it is fitting that Nancy Krebs accompanies Alice McGill’s singing by playing the banjo.

There is pain, sorrow, familial separation, the threat of being sold to another slaveholder, and even death in these lullabies. If not for writers like Alice McGill, these wonderful nuggets from American history would be lost forever.

Painting the Past: A Guide for Writing Historical Fiction, by Meredith Allard.

Painting the Past: A Guide for Writing Historical Fiction,
by Meredith Allard

My sister happened upon this book at the public library and brought it to my attention. It is a good book for someone beginning their journey as a writer of historical fiction and, at the same time, is a good book to remind a veteran historical fiction writer of why they do what they do.

Each chapter is introduced by a quote from a writer. I copied most of those quotes so I’ll have them as reminders when I question what I’m attempting to do as a writer.

The book talks about the joys and challenges faced by historical fiction writers, as well as our responsibilities. It addresses what constitutes historical fiction and how much leeway a writer has in sticking to the truth. A writer of historical fiction should always disclose what is fiction and what is fact.

The author talks about the importance of using trusted sources and how just because something is presented as a fact in a nonfiction book does not mean it is true. (That reminded me of something Sharyn McCrumb said in a speech I heard her make in Wilkes County, North Carolina many years ago. She said something like – and I must paraphrase here — some historical fiction is better-researched than some history books.)

The book addresses what historical fiction has in common with general fiction and how it differs. Lovers of historical fiction expect certain things in the novels they read, and it is incumbent upon the author to meet those expectations. If they don’t deliver, they lose all credibility.

I’ll close with a couple of quotes the author shared in her book. She quotes Guy Vanderhaeghe as follows: “History tells us what people do; historical fiction helps us imagine how they felt.”

And she quotes Isabel Allende as follows: “People have this nostalgic idea that the past was better, but the truth is most folks had very hard lives.”

Until my next blog post

I hope you always have a book that you can’t wait to get back to reading.

Appreciate friends and family.

Remember the people of Ukraine.

Janet

23 thoughts on “Books I Read in April 2024”

  2. Thank you so much Janet for your kind words and for the phenomenal review of Joni’s book! I donated the drawings for the cause that this book is attached to in the hope that it may alleviate the suffering of someone out there going through the aftermath of such a dysfunctional childhood. And the other books you read are amazing! I hope your weather is good and that you are still researching and writing your novel. I have begun writing my own book of poetry, perhaps illustrations in black and white as well. I have been thinking about writing for many years and have been saving and saving poetry and now comes the task of re-writing, which as we know is “good writing”, so… It has become summer here already with temperatures reaching 33 degrees in the sun! No springtime, just leaped from winter 10 degrees to 20 and now to over 30 (Centigrade)! All the best Janet and thank you again, I really appreciate it and I am sure Joni will as well.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. You’re welcome, Francis. As much as I’m drawn to the wonderful colors in most of your paintings, the black and white pieces on the cover and in the interior of Joni’s book were exquisite and perfect for the subject matter. Best wishes as you work on your own book of poetry. Now the hard work begins, right? Although nothing like they’ve had for the last week in east Texas, we’re in a string of rainy days we can’t seem to break loose from. This is Day 3 and rain is predicted off and on all this week with temperatures on a roller coaster. I am ready for summer and some dry weather, but we take what we get. I’ve planted a cherry tomato plant. Time will tell whether the deer or I get to eat any tomatoes this summer. All the best for you to have a productive and enjoyable week!

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Dearest Janet,

    What an honor for “One Petal At A Time,” to be featured on your site for your books in April. I am very fond of novels based on history and sounds like the other books you reviewed were interesting as well.  Lot of research required to write layered books with great history woven in between the pages. Particularly interesting to me was the book about the Piedmont. I lived in North Carolina and am now in Virginia too. 

    It was also gracious of you to mention the wonderfully talented artist, Francisco Bravo Cabrera. He donated this beautiful work done with graphite and Indian Ink which is very difficult to work with and requires great skill. The cover is such a perfect summary of the books content. The cross in the dancing woman/flower is my strong faith which really is what got me through my childhood. The up stretched hands the gratefulness of having survived and flourished as a young woman by getting help. and the artwork inside, well you explained that so beautifully. Thank you.

    It would be a blessing if you have the time to submit this lovely review to Amazon as it is a lovely review and I like that you reference the gorgeous artwork in your review. Sending you gratitude for writing this beautiful review and appreciation. 

    Have a blessed week Janet. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Thank you for your beautiful comment, Joni. You are welcome. And thank you for reminding me to review your book on Amazon. I intended to do that over the weekend, but time slipped away and I forgot. I will do that before this day is over — and also on Goodreads. I have noticed your name and comments all along the way on Francis’s blog, so I was eager to purchase your book. Following wonderful blogs like his and the friendships I’ve made via blogging have truly enriched my life. If not for Francis’ blog, I maybe wouldn’t have known about your book. Thank you for subscribing to my blog. I hope there will be something in it at least once-in-a-while that will be of interest to you. I wish you success with your book… that it will accomplish what you want it to do. All my best to you. I’m glad our paths have crossed.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I hope you can find a copy of In the Hollow of Your Hand that includes the CD. They copy at our public library miraculously still has the CD in it. The used copy that I ordered for myself — advertised as including the CD — did not, which was a great disappointment when it arrived this weekend. The CD is phenomenal. This book being labeled “Juvenile” has done the collection of priceless lullabies a great disservice. I hope it will be released again someday with the CD so more people can catch a glimpse at this bit of disappearing history.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. How wonderfully kind my friend. Yes, a review is like golden a writer as I am sure you know. I was blessed to get Francisco’s gorgeous works for my book. I fell in love a long time ago with his beautiful and quite spiritual work. We have a lovely collection of his work. My husband also enjoyed his work so much we had a piece commissioned which was so gorgeously done it just stop people in their tracks. You were so kind to read and review my book. I am very grateful. I have so many books I need to read and there never seems to be time. Sending you my gratitude and appreciation for what you do. I hope you do get those tomatoes as there is nothing like fresh tomatoes. Blessings and heartfelt thanks to you. 🙏❤️🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Hello Janet, I am preparing a series of articles/interviews on and about my favourite WP writers/poets and I would love to include you. If you are interested please reply via euskadi@games.com so that I can send you the questions and further information. Thank you and all the best!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I am so flattered, Francis! Wow! Our electricity was off for nearly 24 hours due to an awful thunderstorm with extremely high wind on Wednesday afternoon. Left our yard in a real mess of downed tree limbs. I will reply to the email given and will respond as soon as I can. I’m taking a little break from computer stuff for a week or so. I need a break from some of the chaos. It might be a couple of weeks before I can respond to the questions. Not to worry. Everything is fine. Just a bit overwhelmed. All the best!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I apologize for just now responding, Joni. We had a terrible storm with high winds late Wednesday afternoon. Our electricity was off for almost 24 hours. Just now getting a chance to check blog comments. You are so sweet. I was more than happy to review your book. I, too, am quite taken by Francisco’s work. I love his vibrant color choices. I have tried to make quilts, but I’m a disaster when it comes to choosing pleasing color combinations. I’m so scared I’ll choose the wrong colors or shades that I’m paralyzed. At least when I’m writing, I can delete and try something else. Take care, and thanks for your note.

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  17. I apologize. Storm on Wednesday afternoon took out our electricity for almost 24 hours. I’ve picked up some 450 downed tree limbs on our four acres… and I’m not through. Feeling a bit overwhelmed. Taking a bit of an electronics break starting tomorrow… ur… later today, since it is 1:12 am. You are correct about In the Hollow of Your Hand. I can only find used copies online and there’s no guarantee they include the CD even if they’re advertised otherwise. I found my used copy on abe.com. I hope you can locate a good copy. This book and the accompanying CD should be in every public library in the US. The Charlotte system has one copy, but the county in which I live does not.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Thank you, Liz. It was wonderful to be away from email, the blog, and Facebook for 10 days! Not to mention… away from the home phone and all those robo calls! It was a good trip, but it’s always nice to get back home.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Yes, that book of poetry written from an early life of such pain was difficult to read, but God was with the author and brought her through to a happy life now.

    Liked by 1 person

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