Our History Project Book Review: “I Called Him Grand Dad” by Thomas T. Fields, Jr.

“I Called Him Grand Dad” by Thomas T. Fields, Jr.

“I Called Him Grand Dad” is a Biography of Harvey Goodwin Fields written by his grandson Thomas T. Fields. The book itself is an exploration in not only Field’s life but also about America. It explores the behind the scenes politics at the levels of both state and federal levels. It delves into the everyday life, setting the stage for industry, work conditions, laws and ethics while giving us a rich insight about a man who was convicted by his own standards and who by his actions did what he thought was right. An advocate of the Law, Fields would rise to fame and notoriety of one of the greatest legal minds and Public Servants in American History.

This book covers our history from the late 1800’s until the mid 1900’s and is truly a chronicle of our America. Through two World Wars, the great depression, prohibition, unionizing, high profile court cases such as the Scopes Trail and his runs on State and Federal positions including the White House, Harvey G. Fields had a remarkable life that you can now be a part of too. This book, unlike many that draw conclusions by theory to what was thought and what was said is supported with dozens upon dozens of actual letters, memo’s and notes written by fields himself.

Fields himself was a Progressive Democrat and will appeal to the party of today in his thoughts, actions and legislation. For the opposition to the Democratic Party of today it will give you insights to the workings of, and the history of that party. However, no matter which side you fall on, pro or con in the political arena this is a book about our country and it is rich with our history as a nation and a biography of a great man.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project
www.ourhistoryproject.com

OHP BOOK REVIEW - THE EDUCATION OF CHAUNCEY DOOLITTLE by James Everett Kibler

by James Everett Kibler
Pelican Publishers, 282 pages

This is not a rip roaring tale of intrigue and suspense, there are no cliff hangers waiting at the end of the chapters that leave you foaming at the mouth in anticipation. However, this book will grip you and invite you to the next chapters. Which, by the way, you will gladly go without pause.

The Education of Chauncey Doolittle is a wonderful nostalgic read that blends the world of today and the world of the past together. You are invited into the inner circle of Chauncey and his friends as they debate, explore and help each other to survive in an ever changing world. This is a book as I said before not to be blown through in a hurried read, but on to actually sit back and enjoy at a pace that the book takes you.

The story centers around a way of life threatened by urban sprawl. A way of life like most of us folks who do not want to see their routine changed and forced away. It is a story of knowing your neighbor and yourself. A story of the important things in life, and no, it is not the tangibles, but it is about friends, family, fun and helping one another.

I for one have always liked those fast paced novels and usually loath the slow, but not this one. I enjoyed the pace of the book; it made me feel a part of the story. This is the third novel in the Clay Bank County Series and the first one that I have read or reviewed and this one after reading compels me in wanting to read the others.

James Everett Kibler has done a wonderful job in bringing the characters of this community to life and knits together not only the personalities but also the new and old world views of life in the fast lane or the slow lane.

A great book worthy of the read.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project
ourhistoryproject.com

OHP BOOK REVIEW: NEVER MACE A SKUNK BY BUTCH HOLCOMBE

Published by Greybird Publishers, 196 pages


Butch Holcombe the owner of “American Digger Magazine” and Co-Host of In “The Dirt with American Digger” every Saturday online, has not missed with this gem of a book. It is fast passed and full of information that every metal detectorist needs to know. It covers every aspect of the hobby from choosing the right machine for you use to choosing the right spot in the woods for other reasons.

So, in one since it is a how to book, on the other side of the coin, you don’t know that you’re learning anything. The information is so masterfully entwined with humor that the knowledge seeps in without you even knowing about it. Kind of like sleeping on a book, you wake up and there it is – “Instant knowledge.”

Butch Holcombe is the only one to date that has brought humor to this side of recovering the past. It is a must read, even if you don’t metal detect you will find yourself laughing just because it’s funny. This is a book for the library (either one), the rocking chair, the sharing with the kids. It truly is a no miss book. If you have someone that is hard to by for and they have a sense of humor at all you will not go wrong with this one.

The book is available online at www.americandigger.com, Amazon or a host of other retailers.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project
Ourhistoryproject.com