BOOK REPORTS--


Then and Now: Mansfield by Jeff Sprang and Tim McKee

This book takes a look at old photos from Mansfield's beginning in 1808 and features current photos done by Jeff from the same vantage point.  The comparisons are remarkable--a sometimes jolting peek as history marches along.  It was a nice dose of nostalgia for me as my memory easily spans the last 60 years or so of that history and I have fond memories of working with Jeff at the Mansfield newspaper back in the 1960s and early 70s.  Thanks for both Jeff.  This nice addition for your library is available at Main St. Books in Mansfield.


Ford Country (short stories) by John Grisham

All stories set in a rural Mississippi town:  A mother and two sons take a road trip to visit a third son who is on death row.  A low-life divorce lawyer makes drastic plans to escape his life-style.  A life-long dull, data collector hones newly discovered blackjack skills and adds substantial ambition to his sedentary life.  ...and four more dandies just like these.  Perfect bedtime stories from a favorite author.   


The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

I was amazed recently when I picked up a paperback copy of Anson's book at the local library and discovered it was non-fiction.  It is about a house on Long Island, NY where a family was murdered in 1973 and 13 months later it was bought by at a bargain price by the Lutzs' with full knowledge of the house's history.  They moved in and were driven out within 28 days by a series of haunting experiences.  Or were they.  Many critics dispute the legitimacy of the facts upon which the book is based.  I believe them and am compelled to wonder why this book continues to pose as non-fiction.


The Mansfield Riots of 1900 by Robert Carter

This 90 plus page 8 1/2 x 11 published, paperback by my friend and local historian Carter reveals a shocking chunk of Mansfield history rarely told.  The riots surround a Chicago church described as being in the "faith cure racket".  Traveling apostles of that church were becoming established in Mansfield and interfered with the medical treatment of a deathly-sick 2 year old local boy, a child of their parishioners.  The riots that followed made national and international news.

The book is lavishly illustrated with photos and illustrations of the time.  Much authenticity for the story also came from a scrapbook-heirloom of Carter's family whose mother was the oldest daughter of the sheriff involved.  This is another nice addition for your library of local history, also available at Main St. Books in Mansfield.  My copy is autographed.  < Smile >