Understanding Apples: Understanding Apples Series Book One

by J.S. Moore, Joanne Uppendahl (Editor), Michael J. Burns (Preface)

Understanding Apples is a collection of short pieces about Northeast Tennessee, notably the Long Island community of Kingsport - once a locale known for violence and bootlegging. The Island was actually a sacred ground to the Cherokee Nation and the Yuchi who settled there hundreds of years prior. Before 1776 and the Battle of Long Island Flats it was said that no man could be killed on Long Island. But later the chiefs of all seven clans gathered and "signed" a treaty with the white man, giving up not only hundreds of thousands of their acreage, but millions - including the sacred ground known as Long Island. Because the chieftains' decision was not unanimous among the elders or their sons a powerful curse was placed upon the hallowed ground: No man would ever find peace there. A mere window of events is shared within the pages of this book that offer only a glimpse of what life was like thereafter.

276 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2006

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up while visiting Kingsport, where the author lives. This book was highlighted at Mr. Mark’s bookstore in Johnson City. All that is important for those interested in how I come to read off the beaten path. . . I seek local authors traveling as well as a round home.

Here is a funny novella sharing the people, and their antics of living in a beautiful landscape. Beware, there will be surprises, but no spoilers here.
Dare to read outside mainstream lists and top ten lists. Here is one to start with. Enjoy!

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book written by my cousin about our family

[Robert Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional writing for a first effort of stories about Appalachia. Would make a good movie.