Gumbo YA-YA: Folk Tales of Louisiana

I read this book first years ago. Fascinating Book. However, when reading the first chapter about the Black Mardi Gras one must understand that this was written many, many years ago and no longer reflects the Black Louisianian. As for the rest of the book: Most enjoyable! If you have any interest in Louisiana folklore, you'll cherish it. I do. It's why I ordered another when mine went missing.

Gumbo Ya-Ya is an excellent read. Learn more about the Cajun and Creole cultures by reading the stories contained within this treasure. An excellent reference to hand down to your children.

If you enjoy reading about Louisiana history- this book is great. The stories lead you through a Louisiana that you might never know if you didn't read this book.

When I was a child, a trip to the local library always meant a romp through the "Local Interest" section. I have always been enamored of the area that I grew up in. From hearing the stories of "loup garous" (werewolves) in the swamp to the tales of Jean Lafitte's pirate bands running amok in the swamps from my grandparents and great-grandparents, I came to appreciate the rich and diverse cultural history of the area. Gumbo Ya-Ya was always the book that fascinated me the most. The copy in our local Carnegie library was a first printing, replete with photos and art enough that you could simply look at the pictures and appreciate it (which is actually what I did the first few times). Once I started reading, however, the stories that unfolded before me only made my fascination and appreciation go thru the roof. To be able to walk the streets of New Orleans with my many friends not from the area and enlighten them on the various landmarks and stories is a delight in itself. Although I now reside in Mobile, Al, a trip to the city of my birth always brings a childish gleem to my eye. I love nothing more than to pass on the historical facts and fictions (or are they?) of what I consider to be the most unique city in the US (and I've been to MANY). Even if you've never been to New Orleans, this book makes for entertaining and fascinating reading.