West Virginia Tough Boys: Vote Buying, Fist Fighting and a President Named JFK

Rating:
Summary: Tough -- absolutely tough!
Review: Perhaps the discouraged reviewer David C. Klinger doesn't fully understand the concept behind this literary piece. This is a work much larger than another boring look at JFK. Instead, it is the story of several uneducated Appalachians who effected history and influenced many of the icons of our vanishing generation. It is also a work that contains stories of the politics of yesteryear. Besides my own feelings about the book, I have even seen a photograph of President Jimmy Carter reading this profound work. It is recognized by many as a great literary triumph. Is it only for West Virginia residents? I don't think so. It should be in every library. It is not a high-powered politicial expose' -- it's an interesting investigation of a time gone by. It also chases the antics of three "TOUGH BOYS" who commit a variety of political crimes.

I had no trouble following the text. Apparantly Klinger was expecting something different. I think it's ...uh ... profound in its sensitivity to the subject. I will never look at the Kennedys, or mountain politics, the same way. A GREAT BOOK! ----- BUY IT! ENJOY IT! One of the best books of the year. -- Chuck Taggert

Rating:
Summary: I read it again
Review: Seldom do I find a literary work that I personally re-read do to the detail or color; however, this is a work that was worthy of a second look due to its subject matter and slant toward humor .

I am packing things up -- including my 10 year old cat and litterbox -- and moving to southern West Virginia where all the action is!

-- Conley

Rating:
Summary: Tough Boys Rule!
Review: This is a book like no other I have ever read. I never dreamed that we, the people of the United States, dealt with things like vote-buying and curruption that was out-in-the-open. This author writes with great color and paints a vivid story with a bright pallet. He describes a time and place that no longer exists as it once was -- a bustling coal town called Logan, in West Virginia. And these "Tough Boys" are ornery mountain politicians who get away with everything as slick-as-a-ribbon. It's fun to read, especially because it's all true. Plus, here's the kicker: John Kennedy was even involved in the underhanded world of half-pints of liquor for votes, and cash palmed for favors. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!

Rating:
Summary: Really awesome
Review: This is one heck of a book. I never dreamed about what went on in West Virginia in 1960. This book tells the down and disgusting details of politics the way the Mountaineers and the Kennedys liked it. RAW! I really liked this book. Who is this guy that wrote this book? Why isn't this book on the New York Times Top 10 list? It sure should be!

Rating:
Summary: A GREAT BOOK about mountain politics!
Review: You must read this book. It's about down-and-dirty politics, as told by those who participated in it. Several old timers -- "political kingpins" from the past -- reminisce about their one-on-one dealings with the Kennedy family in the 1960 primary campaign. It's absolutely amazing what the faction politicians got away with back in 1959-1960; and so it seems, John Kennedy and his family totally understood this unlawful style of politics that was prevalent in southwestern West Virginia. The Kennedys got down and dirty in the campaign muck of Logan County. And by doing so, they swept the West Virginia primary. Wow! This book is exciting and different than anything I've ever read! You must give it a try -- PS -- It also tells a lot about southern history from the turn of the 20th century up to the 1970s.