Far Appalachia : Following the New River North

Rating:
Summary: Major Disappointment
Review: This book was a surprising disappointment to me. I've enjoyed Noah Adams' work on NPR and expected a work of some substance, wit, and scholarship. Instead, "Far Appalachia" is a lightweight and superficial treatment of a subject with considerable human and ecological depth. Over a skimpy 235 pages, in type large enough for the visually challenged, Adams skips down this formidible and fascinating river with no eye for detail and little historical insight. For a "river" book of substance, I'd recommend William Least Heat Moon's outstanding "River Horse," or Richard Slotkin's "Abe," an excellent novel about Lincoln's early years and adventurous trips down the Mississippi.

Rating:
Summary: Great trip told by a great storyteller
Review: This book wonderfully caputres what the New River is today. Part rural, part tourist, and part developers dream. The book lacks some historical perspective on the river, but still offers a great journy in the tradition of "On the Road" and "Blue Highways".

Rating:
Summary: Great trip told by a great storyteller
Review: This book wonderfully caputres what the New River is today. Part rural, part tourist, and part developers dream. The book lacks some historical perspective on the river, but still offers a great journy in the tradition of "On the Road" and "Blue Highways".

Rating:
Summary: Adventure and more!
Review: This rather thin book is chock full of things I never knew and was interested to learn! I grew up in Va. but had no previous knowlwdge of Mary Ingles--a fascinating true story. The book is far ranging ,from pioneer stories to a thrilling account of white water rafting (I'm wondering if a 56 year old couch potato dares try it!)Travel writing at it's best!