Books can help ease holiday gift-buying frenzy
I am still reeling from the massive overload of political coverage from the last two weeks.
I’ve decided to keep eating the leftovers of Arkansas politics for another week before dishing out a new dose. Enjoy these suggestions for Arkansas books as holiday gifts.
This started out as a list of the top 10 Arkansas books for Christmas gifts, but it turned into more — much more.
The top 10 Arkansas history books or books on an Arkansas subject or books by an Arkansas author in 2016 just might be right for someone on your Christmas list.
The numbering of this list only for reading convenience.
No. 1: A surprising little autobiographical trip back in time comes from Eureka Springs artist Zeek Taylor. His touching “Out of the Delta,” harkens back to the late 1950s and 1960s in Marmaduke, a town of 700 or so souls living in a simpler time in Arkansas. It is published by Keezart Press in Eureka Springs.
No. 2: One of the most beautiful books published by the UA Press is “Champion Trees of is Arkansas: An Artist’s Journey,” by Linda Williams Palmer. It is breathtaking and informative.
No. 3: Another eye-catching book, this the second by the UA Press of the watercolor works of George Dombrek. Simply titled: “Barns and Portrait Paintings,” this is a truly unique look at Dombrek’s public and private art commissions.
No. 4: A tasty book, “Southern Fried: Going Whole Hog in a State of Wonder,” by Rex Nelson, is a great book out by the Butler Center Books in Little Rock. This is about food, travel, people and the Great State of Arkansas, all rolled into one.
No. 5: Another locally produced book from the prodigious writer J.B. Hogan caught my eye. This is the first in a series of murder mysteries. “Tin Hollow” is set in the 1930s and 1940s corruption in Northwest Arkansas. It is by Shannon Press an imprint of Oghma Creative Media of Fayetteville.
No. 6: The third Jack Patterson trilogy of former Little Rock jurist and politician, Webb Hubbell, is out. “A Game of Inches,” is a power-packed thriller of murder and deceit. It is published by Beaufort Books.
No. 7: Another UA Press Book for historians is “Anti-Catholicism In Arkansas,” by Kenneth C. Barnes. A look back at how religious persecution existed against Catholics in Arkansas.
No. 8: For the outdoorsman the UA Press has a new travel/ guide book in the Natural State, “Exploring The Big Woods,” by Matthew D. Moran. This is a great guide to the last great forest in the Arkansas Delta.
No. 9: For those who know the name, “A Man of Vision,” about the life of Arch Ford, long-time commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education, is a great read. This notable book is from the Butler Center Books.
No. 10: Another local author’s book, “A Lovely Murder,” is the second in the Danni Deadline Thriller Series by Lori Stone Ericson. The first book was a smash hit featuring Northwest Arkansas characters and settings.
Still needing better hints, here are two suggestions remaining.
History lovers, especially those in Northwest Arkansas, must have a membership to the Washington County Historical Society for $25 per year. The basic membership level includes all four issue of the Flashback, the historical quarterly. Check it out at info@ washcohistoricalsociety.org
For lovers of the state’s history, no better organization to join would be the Arkansas Historical Association, which publishes the Arkansas Historical Quarterly and has other programs. The basic membership is $20 per year. Information can be found at www.arkansashistoricalassociation.org
And next week, if I can put these must-read books down, back to politics.
— Maylon Rice is a former journalist who worked for several northwest Arkansas publications. He can be reached via email at maylontrice@yahoo.com. The opinions expressed are those of the author.