Through Old Ground

by Randy Cross

Through Old Ground is a collection of stories from the life of Dr. Randy Cross, a small-town Southerner turned English professor and author, most notable for his work with T. S. Stribling’s autobiography, The Laughing Stock. Dr. Cross grew up in St. Joseph, Tennessee, where he gained the strong foundation upon which he relied throughout his adventures as a two-time Fulbright Scholar and beyond.

With his down-to-earth narrative style, Dr. Cross describes various memories and events in his life, infusing each chapter with his incredible wit and humor. Beginning in his childhood, the book progresses through Dr. Cross’s adulthood, reflecting on lessons he has learned and significant people who have been a part of his life.

Through Old Ground transports listeners into a world full of nostalgia and heart, reminding us that no matter how far away from our roots we may find ourselves, they will always remain with us and call us back home.

Audible Audio

Published February 15, 2024

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Old Ground by Randy Cross is a wholesome anecdotal short story collection about growing up in small town Tennessee. As a young boy in the 1950s and 60s, Cross didn't realize at the time how his boyhood adventures would later shape his life.as he became a teacher. We never do. His charming and witty writing quickly captured my spirit in its simplicity and felt like home. Though not American, I felt beautiful waves of nostalgia whilst reflecting on my own childhood memories. One needn't be American to appreciate the rural deep south way of life. Not only does Cross describe boyhood antics but also school, church, his passion for good grammar and travels, most of which I can relate to and chuckled at knowingly. My lineage is deeply rooted in educators so this book feels like it was created for my family!

The story which struck me most is that of the wonderful teacher gathering her spellbound students together and spinning the forbidden globe to see where her finger would land. What a beautiful memory and life lesson! Two of my teachers filled me with inspiration which later contributed to the trajectory of my life as well, something I will always treasure. Pure joy to read about boyhood play in snowstorms and the "it's" label. My only wish would be double or even treble the number of stories.

My sincere thank you to Bluewater Publications and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this charming book which filled me with nostalgia,

[Glenda Toews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through Old Ground
Randy Cross
Randy Cross & Bluewater Publications
Biography


And there hung a Cross, telling me stories in a slow Tennesse drawl.

I have to admit, it took me a few stories before I could finally hear the boy from Tennesee, The words at first seem content to tell me what he saw as a child in his family it read like a journal, Quick stories preserved for family members to enjoy after Randy was gone. The boy grew up and became a man and a husband. It was brief. The stories were nice to read, there were moments when Mr. Cross captured the spirit of the moment well, and other times the words sat on the surface, ice, begging to melt deeper.
The cover picture depicted the simple honesty of the memoir, but the font selected didn’t seem to echo the same. It seems to miss impact.
While I yearned for more of a Southern storyteller to come out, the stories were sweet and I’m happy to have taken the time to read little vignettes of Mr. Cross’ life.
I rate the book 3 out of 5 because it was good, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes American Memoirs or is exploring the history of Tennesee in this era, it does give a good first-hand account of the time in the life of.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading this short memoir. We meet the author in two time periods - his upbringing and his later life as a teaching professor. His easygoing dad taught him kindness and charity, his indomitable mother taught him respect.
I was quite shocked to read that kids didn't go to school before the age of six, not get taught any reading at home during the most intensely formative and teachable years of their lives, when the brain soaks up learning like a sponge.
With insights into rural life, and a town so small it consisted of a church and a general store, there's plenty of entertainment in the short tales. Then we are whisked off to Rio where the author was sent to teach English. There's a brief diversion to Wales. We finish back in town, reminiscing about the days before the stop sign got rusted.
Plenty of life lessons and not too much drama, rich characters, and one of them is a mule. Small drawings illustrate each chapter head.
This story would suit any age group above ten, and will be good for grandparents to read with grandchildren.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

[Kristyn Hasanof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Dr. Cross is my Ms. Maribel. I was lucky enough to stumble into Dr. Cross’s college classroom as a 17 year old high school senior. That class changed my life and how I viewed education, and this book is a perfect representation in print of all the stories and life lessons Dr. Cross bestowed upon me through the classes I took with him. This book is heartfelt and inspiring, and I will recommend it for everyone to add to their reading list.
Prepare to be transported all around the world from rural Tennessee to the beautiful, sunny beaches of Brazil while learning along the way about enjoying every moment of life and always striving to learn and open your eyes to the world around you. These stories dive deep into the life lessons that occur even when you don’t realize them in the moment, and how seemingly small decisions or moments can change your life in major ways.
On the surface, this may seem like a memoir of short stories that are simply charming and entertaining to read, but the feeling found within the pages go so much deeper than that and will stay with you long after you put the book back on the shelf.

[Brenda Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Randy Cross was a beloved English professor for many years at the college where I am a librarian. I was thrilled to get my hands on this book, a little late, just before he passed away. His stories from his life brought me tears as well as laughter as I was amazed at how similar our upbringing in small town South had been. I heard Dr. Cross speak a few times, and this book is him through and through, telling both heartwarming and funny stories. Dr. Cross himself was the reader on the audiobook, and I can imagine myself listening to it again and again.

[Patricia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about the author's memories which brought tears to my eyes as his characters were actually my family members. I laughed and cried as the author masterfully told his stories to his readers. I definitely recommend this book because if you're a certain age, you will remember some of the things he mentions and describes in this book.

[Bridgette Pylant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special because I know him. I have heard his stories, and I am so happy that the world can now hear them too.