On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

The Southern Literary Trail is now no longer accepting nominations for books that the group will be reading in December 2023.

(*Forgive me for putting this up early but I will be out of the country for a bit next week and I'd like to get this taken care of before I go.)

We will consider books with a southern literary theme that have not been read by the group in the last 24 months. The two categories are books originally published in or before 1990 or those published after 1990. You may make one nomination in each category. Authors may not nominate their own works. Please post your nominations below and specify which category you are nominating it for.

Nominations will stay open for one week or until we receive six nominations in each category. Voting will take place in the first ten days of next month.

The eligible nominations received will be listed below:

Books originally published in or before 1990
1. A Foxfire Christmas: Appalachian Memories and Traditions, by Eliot Wigginton
2. Nathan Coulter, by Wendell Berry
3. Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, by James Agee
4. Cross Creek, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
5. Norwood, by Charles Portis
6. Of Love and Dust, by Ernest J. Gaines
Books originally published after 1990
1. Chenneville, by Paulette Jiles
2. Stories from the Attic, by William Gay
3. Veil of Doubt, by Sharon Virts
4. Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo
5. Light to the Hills, by Bonnie Blaylock
6. Boone's Lick, by Larry McMurtry

Post Chenneville by Paulette Jiles

For Post, Stories from the Attic by William Gay. These were found after his death in 2012 and published ten years later. Since I could not find a date when each were written, I guess the best place for this is Post-1990.

Post Veil of Doubt by Sharon Virts

Pre Nathan Coulter by Wendell Berry

Those nominations are so great, this is going to be a tough poll!

For Post 1990 -- The The Unquiet Grave has me interested in soaking up more of Appalachia, plus it will be the holidays, so I'm nominating (1990). It's free on Hoopla! 🛑💲!

by Eliot Wigginton, Bobby Ann Starnes
Appalachian Memories and Traditions

This captivating book of recollections celebrates the holiday traditions of Appalachian families as passed from one generation to the next. Based on Foxfire students' interviews with neighbors and family members, the memories shared here are from a simpler time, when gifts were fewer but perhaps more precious, and holiday tables were laden with traditional favorites. More than just reminiscences, however, A Foxfire Christmas includes instructions for recreating many of the ornaments, toys, and recipes that make up so many family traditions, from Chicken and Dumplings to Black Walnut Cake, and from candy pulls to corn husk dolls and hand-whittled toy cars.

https://www.hoopladigital.com/ebook/a...

♥ Sandi ❣ wrote: "Post Veil of Doubt by Sharon Virts

Pre Nathan Coulter by [author:Wendell Berr..."

Oh, this is going to be such a hard decision!

"Let Us Now Praise Famous Men" by James Agee for Pre-1990.

Pre 1990 Cross Creek Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Post 1990. Because of Winn-Dixie Kate DiCamillo

Sam wrote: "Pre 1990 Cross Creek Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings"

I've wanted to read this one for a long time.

So many good books already; it will be hard to choose!

Terry wrote: "So many good books already; it will be hard to choose!"

Agreed... I might not even end up voting for my own nomination! 😄

I agree, they all look good. Two more needed in each category.

Pre 1990 :Of Love and Dust by Ernest J. Gaines
Post 1990: Light to the Hills by Bonnie Blaylock

Thanks Dave. Both excellent choices. Surely we can get one more for each category to finish up.

Pre 1990 - Norwood by Charles Portis
Post 1990 - Boone's Lick by Larry McMurtry

That should lock up the nominations. I'll add them to the list and then start packing for Mexico.

Have fun Tom! Be careful.

Tom wrote: "That should lock up the nominations. I'll add them to the list and then start packing for Mexico."

Mexico! Stay safe and have fun! But not too much fun! :D