How We Talked and Common Folks

by Verna Mae Slone, Len Slone (Illustrator)

Two of Verna Mae Slone's most beloved books―How We Talked and Common Folks―are now available in a single edition. How We Talked is a timeless piece of literature, a free-form combination of glossary and memoir that uses native expressions to depict everyday life in Caney Creek, Kentucky. In addition to phrases and their meanings, the book contains sections on the customs and wisdom of Slone's community, a collection of children's rhymes, and stories and superstitions unique to Appalachia. More than just a dictionary, How We Talked is a rich compendium of life "on Caney," offering an understanding of the culture through the distinctive speech of its people. Originally published in 1979, Common Folks documents Slone's way of life in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, and expands on such diverse topics as family pets, coal mining, education, and marriage. Slone's firsthand account of this unique heritage draws readers into her hill-circled community and allows them to experience a lifestyle that is nearly forgotten. Whether she is writing about traditional Appalachian customs like folk medicine or about universal aspects of life such as a mother's yearning for the little girl she never had, Slone's instinctive sense of what matters most makes Common Folks a compelling meditation on a legacy worth remembering. Published together for the first time, How We Talked and Common Folks celebrate the spirit of an acclaimed Appalachian writer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

328 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

Verna Mae Slone was an Appalachian author from Knott County, Kentucky. In the 1970s, she wrote what she felt was an honest account of her forefathers for her grandchildren. She had only a few copies of these accounts printed, never intending for anything to become of it. But after her grandchildren read the works, they enjoyed it so much they passed it around, and the writings built up so much popularity they gave Slone a chance to publish her stories. In 1979, her first book, What My Heart Wants to Tell was published by New Republic. Slone had always been a strong advocate for preserving the Appalachian way of life, disproving many of the myths and stereotypes that follow the culture.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

True tales of Mountain Folk

I’ve seen many stories over the years that put down the mountain way of life and made us out to be stupid or lazy and that is miles away from the truth. Verna Mae gives a true picture of the hard working people I remember. I was surprised by how much mountain characteristics and language I have retained over the years. It makes my heart happy.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially because it gave me so many answers to the words and expressions used in my area. I discussed parts of the book with relatives, who also got a kick out of the pronunciation and definitions of words they'd heard in their past or words they used today. Beyond my original fascination of the words, I also deeply appreciated Mrs. Slone's explanation of the pride and hard work of mountain people from her home. I can identify with so much of their thinking, as I realize that I was raised that way too. Even with a college education, you sometimes find out that you are still "common folks" at heart, and that's okay.