Rennie's Way

by Verna Mae Slone

"This first work of fiction by Verna Mae Slone, firmly grounded in her own background, is set in the 1920s and 1930s in a closeknit community in eastern Kentucky, where family roots run deep. At its center stands as strong and resilient a heroine as any in American literature. Verna Mae Slone, a native of Knott County, Kentucky, is the author of several books, including the bestselling memoir, What My Heart Wants to Tell.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 1994

About the author

Verna Mae Slone was an Appalachian author from Knott County, Kentucky. In the 1970s, she wrote what she felt was an honest account of her forefathers for her grandchildren. She had only a few copies of these accounts printed, never intending for anything to become of it. But after her grandchildren read the works, they enjoyed it so much they passed it around, and the writings built up so much popularity they gave Slone a chance to publish her stories. In 1979, her first book, What My Heart Wants to Tell was published by New Republic. Slone had always been a strong advocate for preserving the Appalachian way of life, disproving many of the myths and stereotypes that follow the culture.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only an interesting story but also lots of information about how things were done years ago. I really enjoyed it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters are rich and easy to love. I couldn't stop reading this book. The author did a great job researching the culture and history. I highly recommend this to anyone.

[Kathy Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical books about the domestic life of women during hard times, and this one did not disappoint. Rennie's mama dies in childbirth at the beginning of the book, and young Rennie has to take on her mama's role in taking care of the household and the baby. Her father is a pastor and is gone a lot. I felt like I was there with Rennie as she went about her daily chores. It took me back to stories my grandmother told me of how hard things were for her. I couldn't put this book down once I started it, and read it in one day. Then I ordered two more copies for friends as I didn't want to part with mine. I highly recommend.

[Jessi Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reads like nonfiction, which I like. I love the details in the day-to-day challenges of living off the land, the kind and giving people, and the author's direct method of story-telling. She can be a little self-congratulatory, but it's a minor fault. Very enjoyable.

[Lynda E.H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up in mountain of Kentucky.

[Becky]

Almost done. Great book. Brought back memories.

[Denise Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of simpler and hard times in the Appalachian's.

[Jessica Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've ever read.