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Past, Present, and Promises
Our first story is called White Shine of Appalachia. Take a journey, with our nameless narrator, through the towns of Baconton, Georgia to Rabun Gap, Georgia. Our narrator struggles with domestic violence, moonshining, and a somewhat voluptuous school teacher accused of sleeping with her husband. The ATF and DEA are hot on her husband's trail for attempted murder. She now must a make a decision in order to survive her husband's rampage, which ends in the mountains of Appalachia.Our second story is called Small Town Girl. A young divorcee, Gwen, is trying to make a new life for herself. Gwen leaves the only life she has ever known to take a job in another state. Unforeseen events bring about some twists and turns, and Gwen has to face her past once again.
- GenresFiction
140 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2012
5 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Patricia H. Graham
6 books101 followersPatricia Graham is a Southern Fiction writer, and she has published 4 books,all of which can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Patricia currently is residing in Kingston Tenn with her husband. As you note in the logo below, Patricia is an Indie Bound author and a member of the Authors Social Media Support Group League (ASMSG). She has also been recognized by the Sigma Tau Delta Literary Journal of Literature for her work and contributions on hillbilly folklore, which is featured in her first book entitled "Hillbilly Tales From the Smoky Mountains."
Her 4th book is called, "Reflections on Nature," which was released in December of 2014. Reflections on Nature is a new style of writing for Ms. Graham, because the emphasis is not on the people of Appalachia, but about nature that can be found all around us in North Carolina. She has coined this new wave of writing Descriptive Transcendentalism. This is just a fancy way of saying, that through her writings, supplying additional descriptive imagery, that a person can become more enlightened and spiritual and grow as a person.
Southern Mystical Moments
Southern Mystical Moments is a book that informs the reader about the traditions and local myths of Fontana Lake’s man-eating monster, the Boojum of Swain County, or the Healer of Tuckasegee, and much more.
Discover the mystery behind the Brown Mountain Lights, the Clurichaun,and the birthing of the Smoky Mountains. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for an eye-opening experience.
Patricia has two B.A.s with one in English Literature and the other in Spanish Languages and Literature with two Summa Cum Laude honors.
She also has a Masters in Linguistics. She is bilingual (Spanish and English),and she is currently working on her Doctorates in Educational Leadership and Management with Capella University.
Publications
Graham, P. and Humphrey,V. (2012, Oct.)Tales from the South: Southern Mystical Moments. E-Booktime Publications.
Blake, C., Graham, P. (2009). English language learners in Appalachia: Meeting the need. Journal for Civic Commitment. Vol 13, 1, September 2009. Retrieved from
http://www.mesacc.edu/other/engagemen...
Graham, P. (2011). Tall Tales of mountain folks. Sigma Tau Delta -Rectangle: National Journal of Creative Writing.
Graham, P. ( 2005). The Violin, Dance of the Fireflies. Milestone Publications.
Graham, P. (2005). The Smokies. Reflections. The American Poet’s Society.
Graham, P. (2006). The Mountain Turkey. The Best Poems of 2005. The International Library of Poetry.
Graham, P. (2005). The Thrown Away Child. Touch of Tomorrow. The American’s Poet's Society. The International Library of Poetry.
Graham, P. (2011, April). Hillbilly Tales of the Smoky Mountains. E-Booktime Publications.
Graham, P. (2012). Appalachia White Shine. Past, Present and Promises. E-Booktime Publications.
Her 4th book is called, "Reflections on Nature," which was released in December of 2014. Reflections on Nature is a new style of writing for Ms. Graham, because the emphasis is not on the people of Appalachia, but about nature that can be found all around us in North Carolina. She has coined this new wave of writing Descriptive Transcendentalism. This is just a fancy way of saying, that through her writings, supplying additional descriptive imagery, that a person can become more enlightened and spiritual and grow as a person.
Southern Mystical Moments
Southern Mystical Moments is a book that informs the reader about the traditions and local myths of Fontana Lake’s man-eating monster, the Boojum of Swain County, or the Healer of Tuckasegee, and much more.
Discover the mystery behind the Brown Mountain Lights, the Clurichaun,and the birthing of the Smoky Mountains. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for an eye-opening experience.
Patricia has two B.A.s with one in English Literature and the other in Spanish Languages and Literature with two Summa Cum Laude honors.
She also has a Masters in Linguistics. She is bilingual (Spanish and English),and she is currently working on her Doctorates in Educational Leadership and Management with Capella University.
Publications
Graham, P. and Humphrey,V. (2012, Oct.)Tales from the South: Southern Mystical Moments. E-Booktime Publications.
Blake, C., Graham, P. (2009). English language learners in Appalachia: Meeting the need. Journal for Civic Commitment. Vol 13, 1, September 2009. Retrieved from
http://www.mesacc.edu/other/engagemen...
Graham, P. (2011). Tall Tales of mountain folks. Sigma Tau Delta -Rectangle: National Journal of Creative Writing.
Graham, P. ( 2005). The Violin, Dance of the Fireflies. Milestone Publications.
Graham, P. (2005). The Smokies. Reflections. The American Poet’s Society.
Graham, P. (2006). The Mountain Turkey. The Best Poems of 2005. The International Library of Poetry.
Graham, P. (2005). The Thrown Away Child. Touch of Tomorrow. The American’s Poet's Society. The International Library of Poetry.
Graham, P. (2011, April). Hillbilly Tales of the Smoky Mountains. E-Booktime Publications.
Graham, P. (2012). Appalachia White Shine. Past, Present and Promises. E-Booktime Publications.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 6, 2012
Past Present and Promises is not a book for the faint hearted. It is not a book for readers that want a romanticized ideology of Appalachian Moonshiners or poverty.
Dialect plays a significant role in this book. Standarized English is not the rule, but how the language is utilized. The authors demonstrate the various dialects throughout their stories. e.g the word 'going' is used as 'gonna,' and 'nothing' is shown as 'nuthin.' In other words, dialoques in this book portray accurate portrayals of rural Appalachian people and their culture. Appalachian English and Black Vernacular English are part of the peoples' and it is essential that these languages are preserved. These languages are so rich and full of culture, and these authors to do this with eloquence. Readers that are not familiar with the language, may believe that there are grammar/spelling errors in the book, but on the contrary this reflects the actual authencity of the language.
This book presents accurate portrayals of women trapped in domestic violence situations while poverty exacerbates their present relationship statuses. However, this book is about hope, perservance, and womens' issues. These stories are filled with suspense and takes various turns and twists leaving you guessing until the final end--wondering -what is going to happen next? A real nail biter.
Dialect plays a significant role in this book. Standarized English is not the rule, but how the language is utilized. The authors demonstrate the various dialects throughout their stories. e.g the word 'going' is used as 'gonna,' and 'nothing' is shown as 'nuthin.' In other words, dialoques in this book portray accurate portrayals of rural Appalachian people and their culture. Appalachian English and Black Vernacular English are part of the peoples' and it is essential that these languages are preserved. These languages are so rich and full of culture, and these authors to do this with eloquence. Readers that are not familiar with the language, may believe that there are grammar/spelling errors in the book, but on the contrary this reflects the actual authencity of the language.
This book presents accurate portrayals of women trapped in domestic violence situations while poverty exacerbates their present relationship statuses. However, this book is about hope, perservance, and womens' issues. These stories are filled with suspense and takes various turns and twists leaving you guessing until the final end--wondering -what is going to happen next? A real nail biter.
August 2, 2012
At first I didn't think I would like this book because of the violence portrayed against women. But in reality, there are women abused and domestic violence cannot be sugar-coated. Patricia and Verna provide and accurate account of women trapped in these vicious cycles. What I found intriquing was the underlying theme of hope and how women dug out from these situations.
I appreciate how the authors remained true to the regional dialects of this area. I even admire how the author of White SHine of Appalachia switches between the educated and uneducated voice. She demonstrates that there is a signifigance of why this would occurr with the un-named narrator at the end of the story.
Verna Humphrey, also demonstrates how the African Vernacular English is utilized as a device to support and authenticate some of her characters.
Both characters present such tenacity that it makes me want to applaud the female race and say, "So there!"
The underlying current of culture and tradition are portrayed through out both stories, which represents the true Appalachian spirit.
I would recommend this book to any adult reader.
I appreciate how the authors remained true to the regional dialects of this area. I even admire how the author of White SHine of Appalachia switches between the educated and uneducated voice. She demonstrates that there is a signifigance of why this would occurr with the un-named narrator at the end of the story.
Verna Humphrey, also demonstrates how the African Vernacular English is utilized as a device to support and authenticate some of her characters.
Both characters present such tenacity that it makes me want to applaud the female race and say, "So there!"
The underlying current of culture and tradition are portrayed through out both stories, which represents the true Appalachian spirit.
I would recommend this book to any adult reader.
August 3, 2012
"Past Present and Promises" is a book which portrays women not necessarily as the victim but as the survivors. It offers so much hope and demonstrates tenacity. IT presents a very powerful image of what if...?
The dialect of Black English, is a rich language that should be preserved, and not ridiculed. "Small Town Girl" does that just that. It respects a language and culture, which is utilized in this story. The standard grammar rules of Americanized English of course does not fit with this dialect, nor should it. The Appalachian people have their own code of English and should not be expected or labeled because of dialects. This book honors these cultures.
There is an old addage that states, " Do not judge a man until you walk a mile in his shoes." This book is exactly that. Understanding issues that might not be otherwise acknowledged.
The dialect of Black English, is a rich language that should be preserved, and not ridiculed. "Small Town Girl" does that just that. It respects a language and culture, which is utilized in this story. The standard grammar rules of Americanized English of course does not fit with this dialect, nor should it. The Appalachian people have their own code of English and should not be expected or labeled because of dialects. This book honors these cultures.
There is an old addage that states, " Do not judge a man until you walk a mile in his shoes." This book is exactly that. Understanding issues that might not be otherwise acknowledged.
June 26, 2012
If you are a true Southerner or just a Southern wannbe, you will enjoy this collection of stories! The book is short, great for an afternoon or evening relaxing this summer. You will find that the stories touch a chord, bring back a memory, and can teach a lesson or two about life.
I liked it, I think you will too!
I liked it, I think you will too!
July 20, 2012
this is a very wonderful book. both stories hit home for me. it was full of twists and turns and very well written. was one of the best reads ive had in a very long while.
August 29, 2012
This was definitely an interesting read in more ways than one.
Everyone talks a certain way - some with perfect English - some with not so good English. I like the way the authors skillfully uses dialect in the novel.
Too often domestic violence of women is sugar-coated. It is taken more seriously now than it was in the past - and for that I am so glad as I was a woman who was abused, both physically and mentally by my spouse. I know how a woman can go to the authorities after being beaten up with bruises everywhere and have the cops say they can't really believe or know if it was my husband who beat me.
Even though my abusive husband tried to rob me of hope and self-dignity- he could not, and he wound up being murdered by his next wife.
I found the women in this novel to be particularly fascinating and rooted for them throughout the book. Without giving away spoilers- I hope you read this diamond in the rough novel to see if the women found hope and were able to dig out from under the tyranny. Or did they just fall by the wayside?
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
Everyone talks a certain way - some with perfect English - some with not so good English. I like the way the authors skillfully uses dialect in the novel.
Too often domestic violence of women is sugar-coated. It is taken more seriously now than it was in the past - and for that I am so glad as I was a woman who was abused, both physically and mentally by my spouse. I know how a woman can go to the authorities after being beaten up with bruises everywhere and have the cops say they can't really believe or know if it was my husband who beat me.
Even though my abusive husband tried to rob me of hope and self-dignity- he could not, and he wound up being murdered by his next wife.
I found the women in this novel to be particularly fascinating and rooted for them throughout the book. Without giving away spoilers- I hope you read this diamond in the rough novel to see if the women found hope and were able to dig out from under the tyranny. Or did they just fall by the wayside?
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
June 29, 2012
This book was definitely better than the first book. I love how different this book was from the first one.
August 3, 2012
As a true southerner, I think both stories were fantasic! Loved them both & the use of the southern drawl makes them even better. I am looking forward to the next one!!
August 2, 2012
**Past, present, and promises was provided to me for an honest review.**
OVERALL RATING EXPLANATION: I rated this book 3 stars as it represents that "I liked it" although I didn't "really like it", which will translate to 4 stars on Amazon. In its current state, this is what I would rate it. If the delivery of the story was improved, it would definitely rate higher.
INTRO
This is not usually a genre that I read, but I do like to read books of all genres and read this with an open mind and a hunger for a good story and great writing.
Was I provided that? In some ways, absolutely... but this book is rather unusual in that it contains two stories by two different authors. It is difficult to review as a whole, so bear with me as I do my best :)
I will focus mostly on "White Shine of Appalachia", which was written by Patricia H. Graham... as I enjoyed reading it more than "Small Town Girl"
PLOT
I admit, I was not prepared for what I read in the opening chapters of White Shine of Appalachia. To say that it was hard hitting is an understatement... and every thread of my being wanted to find this guy, "Bill", with an angry mob to deal with him. In some essences, the violence and charactarisation did seem a little "over the top" and made me wonder what year this whole story took place. Maybe I was confused, but I had no idea when this story was set. From the speech, the farm, and the other characters... I am guessing this was back in the 50's? but as this is not fantasy in another world... it is a crucial point to the story that is missing.
The rest of the story had its sections that I found most enjoyable... and notably, it wasn't the senseless beatings. Although this book focuses on women dealing with issues... it is a point to note here that there are men out there who equally suffer from abuse. Ignorance and abuse are not gender specific, even if there probably will be far more men like this than women.
The stories in this book did feel dated, and that may be the way it was intended. I have no idea what the culture of Appalachia is, as I have never been there and I am pretty far removed in Australia.
In White Shine of Appalachia, it sort of turns from a family drama into a thriller-style manhunt. What bothered me about that, is that the violent drama segments in the story were told in great, disturbing, details. But the manhunt and "action" piece was surprisingly expository and brushed over in many sections. As an author myself, I do the same things at times and am improving that in my own writing... but there were story-critical situations that happened that as a climax to the story, that should have been played out... not told in a few sentences and paragraphs as to what happened.
There was something in WSOA that bothered me as it's biologically impossible, even with the explanation... but the resulting scene with the children was very well done. Without spoiling anything for readers... it all comes down to time elapsed and the situation that someone is in. For this particular character to have survived it... would have been more than a miracle, I can't fathom it as believable.
Was it a good story? It was... but it could have been *great*, even to the point of exceptional and unforgettable... if it was delivered better to the reader and issues with the book were resolved.
I am somewhat of a reading and movie/tv show fanatic, so it is very difficult to surprise me. I did find the story somewhat predictable, but still enjoyable to read as a whole.
CHARACTERISATION
The characters in the book (both stories) were mostly well-defined, although I did find myself having trouble in picturing many of them.
In WSOA, bill presented as a somewhat stupid psychopath wife-beater (I had many names for this guy, and none of them can be safely repeated here)... but later in the book, he read as a really clever and cunning criminal with a more calculated thought process. I had issues with that. Consistency is key.
The best characters were the women, and they were very well written as characters.
I didn't honestly particular like most of the characters much... even with my sympathy to the women in the book. The children were, however, powerfully written, and made for some great scenes.
I really didn't like that when she went to the sherrif's house with her kids and had been obviously beaten... the sherrif basically hits on her. Even if the character said "it's not the best time"... really? If a woman and her children come to my house bleeding and beaten and needing help... who in their right mind would hit on her?
I could have really liked the Sherrif, but that blew it for me.
Dialect in speech can be good, but make it readable. Dialect is best done subtly, not brutally. Second story was very difficult to read as a result.
WRITING STYLE
Ths is a mixed bag for me. The manuscript presents with some problems that I also suffered from in the first edition of my first book, and others that are common in early writer's careers.
Let's start with some great positives:
* There were some incredibly well written scenes
* I liked that the authors played with dialect. That is something that I have not yet played with in my writing and this had some good examples of how to do it well.
* Descriptors and adjectives were generally used well, and I found myself being able to easily visualise what was going on in the majority of chapters, especially in the violent scenes. Bravo to their raw writing talent.
* There are many sections of the book that are incredibly clean and well written, and breathed of polish
* Some dialog flowed well
The constructive comments:
(I have a lot of detailed feedback for the author, that is not really fair to put the details in here... I will sum it up with one liners as to what could have been improved)
* The point of view was mixed up.
* There are many sections of the book that had grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
* Dialect can be and was taken too far
* The characters names were repetitiously used in dialog and narrative
* Writers must be careful about what they write that a character knows
* It would be better not to include brackets (like this) in fictional writing
* A reader only needs to be told a fact once.
OVERALL OPINION
I did enjoy the read in general, and the authors *do* have raw talent. I look forward to what they bring out in the future and would describe this book as a rough diamond that is not going to be everyone's cup of tea.
OVERALL RATING EXPLANATION: I rated this book 3 stars as it represents that "I liked it" although I didn't "really like it", which will translate to 4 stars on Amazon. In its current state, this is what I would rate it. If the delivery of the story was improved, it would definitely rate higher.
INTRO
This is not usually a genre that I read, but I do like to read books of all genres and read this with an open mind and a hunger for a good story and great writing.
Was I provided that? In some ways, absolutely... but this book is rather unusual in that it contains two stories by two different authors. It is difficult to review as a whole, so bear with me as I do my best :)
I will focus mostly on "White Shine of Appalachia", which was written by Patricia H. Graham... as I enjoyed reading it more than "Small Town Girl"
PLOT
I admit, I was not prepared for what I read in the opening chapters of White Shine of Appalachia. To say that it was hard hitting is an understatement... and every thread of my being wanted to find this guy, "Bill", with an angry mob to deal with him. In some essences, the violence and charactarisation did seem a little "over the top" and made me wonder what year this whole story took place. Maybe I was confused, but I had no idea when this story was set. From the speech, the farm, and the other characters... I am guessing this was back in the 50's? but as this is not fantasy in another world... it is a crucial point to the story that is missing.
The rest of the story had its sections that I found most enjoyable... and notably, it wasn't the senseless beatings. Although this book focuses on women dealing with issues... it is a point to note here that there are men out there who equally suffer from abuse. Ignorance and abuse are not gender specific, even if there probably will be far more men like this than women.
The stories in this book did feel dated, and that may be the way it was intended. I have no idea what the culture of Appalachia is, as I have never been there and I am pretty far removed in Australia.
In White Shine of Appalachia, it sort of turns from a family drama into a thriller-style manhunt. What bothered me about that, is that the violent drama segments in the story were told in great, disturbing, details. But the manhunt and "action" piece was surprisingly expository and brushed over in many sections. As an author myself, I do the same things at times and am improving that in my own writing... but there were story-critical situations that happened that as a climax to the story, that should have been played out... not told in a few sentences and paragraphs as to what happened.
There was something in WSOA that bothered me as it's biologically impossible, even with the explanation... but the resulting scene with the children was very well done. Without spoiling anything for readers... it all comes down to time elapsed and the situation that someone is in. For this particular character to have survived it... would have been more than a miracle, I can't fathom it as believable.
Was it a good story? It was... but it could have been *great*, even to the point of exceptional and unforgettable... if it was delivered better to the reader and issues with the book were resolved.
I am somewhat of a reading and movie/tv show fanatic, so it is very difficult to surprise me. I did find the story somewhat predictable, but still enjoyable to read as a whole.
CHARACTERISATION
The characters in the book (both stories) were mostly well-defined, although I did find myself having trouble in picturing many of them.
In WSOA, bill presented as a somewhat stupid psychopath wife-beater (I had many names for this guy, and none of them can be safely repeated here)... but later in the book, he read as a really clever and cunning criminal with a more calculated thought process. I had issues with that. Consistency is key.
The best characters were the women, and they were very well written as characters.
I didn't honestly particular like most of the characters much... even with my sympathy to the women in the book. The children were, however, powerfully written, and made for some great scenes.
I really didn't like that when she went to the sherrif's house with her kids and had been obviously beaten... the sherrif basically hits on her. Even if the character said "it's not the best time"... really? If a woman and her children come to my house bleeding and beaten and needing help... who in their right mind would hit on her?
I could have really liked the Sherrif, but that blew it for me.
Dialect in speech can be good, but make it readable. Dialect is best done subtly, not brutally. Second story was very difficult to read as a result.
WRITING STYLE
Ths is a mixed bag for me. The manuscript presents with some problems that I also suffered from in the first edition of my first book, and others that are common in early writer's careers.
Let's start with some great positives:
* There were some incredibly well written scenes
* I liked that the authors played with dialect. That is something that I have not yet played with in my writing and this had some good examples of how to do it well.
* Descriptors and adjectives were generally used well, and I found myself being able to easily visualise what was going on in the majority of chapters, especially in the violent scenes. Bravo to their raw writing talent.
* There are many sections of the book that are incredibly clean and well written, and breathed of polish
* Some dialog flowed well
The constructive comments:
(I have a lot of detailed feedback for the author, that is not really fair to put the details in here... I will sum it up with one liners as to what could have been improved)
* The point of view was mixed up.
* There are many sections of the book that had grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
* Dialect can be and was taken too far
* The characters names were repetitiously used in dialog and narrative
* Writers must be careful about what they write that a character knows
* It would be better not to include brackets (like this) in fictional writing
* A reader only needs to be told a fact once.
OVERALL OPINION
I did enjoy the read in general, and the authors *do* have raw talent. I look forward to what they bring out in the future and would describe this book as a rough diamond that is not going to be everyone's cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews