Rennie's Way

I can't believe I have this book. I was raised in Cumberland Gap and I just have *never read such a book that is so true to life in the Appalachians. Rennie does it all. She's just ashard of a worker as Julie is in Robert Morgan "Gap Creek".However Ms.Sloan adds the perfect touch of the hills by writingin dialect only a true southerner would appreciate. She explainsthe "thinking" of mountain folk, which I hope breaks down somebarriers. She has a gift of description that is SO true to life.I was raised in the 60's and 70's, but not very much has changedsince Rennie's day.I has touched my heart and taken me back home so closely, thatI started rereading it just as soon as I finished it the firsttime. My Mom (who is a Gapper)will read it next, and I knowit will thrill her to death to 'remember' her days growing upin the hollers also. I luckily ran upon this book in Kentuckyat a Tourist Information Bldg located in Pine Mtn. ... and it'sbeen one of the best investments I have made. I love thestrength, courage, wisdom, humanitarianism and devotion thatMountain Women had/have. True pioneers and true survivors.I will definately be seeking out more books by Ms.Sloan. Shestates the life better than anyone has attempted yet in myopinion. "Rennie" has not only brought back some of my fondestmemories, but she has also helped teach me things that I tookforgranted and bypassed as a child. Thank you, Ms.Sloan.You've portrayed Mountain People as the symbol of strength andsimplicity that we are. I believe this will also help the following generationsof Mountain People truly "understand" ...with extreme pride and dignity in their heritage. One definately to be proud of. "We've" been stereotyped in such a negative way so often, for so long ... this book is a breath of fresh, country air. I could smell the cornbread, shucky beans and fried 'taters, literally. This book is held dear to my heart because it is my heritagethat I can hold in my arms, pulled in tightly.