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Way Back in the Hills
The story of the author's colorful childhood in the Ozarks. Reflective reading for those who like a nostalgic journey into the past.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1984
1 person is currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
James C. Hefley
96 books8 followersJames C. "Jim" Hefley is the author of more than 50 books including the popular Way Back series, of which this book is one. For many years prior to retirement, Hefley was a popular author and well-known inspirational speaker. He lives in Hannibal, Missouri, where he founded Hannibal Books in the early 1980s. In 1999 he sold the book publishing company to KLMK Communications, Inc., which is based in Garland, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 19, 2014
My grandmother gave me this book because it was my grandfather’s. He passed away recently and our greatest bond was books. Whenever we would see each other, which wasn’t as often as I would have liked, we talked about books. I grew up as a military brat and then married into the military so I didn’t get “home” very often. Even our letters and postcards to each other contained notes about what we were reading. He was a church librarian for a while and he would put books aside for me to read before they would go on the bookshelves. We both love(d) books.
Way Back in the Hills is a childhood memoir about growing up in the back country of the Ozarks.
James C. Hefley was called James Carl most of his life. He lived in the back hills of the Ozarks – at first in a log cabin out in the country and then behind the general store that his mother ran. His father made money hunting for animal skins. His mother always kept extras on hand that people would come to buy from her since it was closer than the store. That eventually grew to her having a store in town, which was also closer to the school. James Carl was the oldest and the smartest – going to college at the age of 13. In this book he shares stories of his growing up years – fishing with the boys, antics at school, the religion of the people and the role alcohol played in some lives. Each chapter picks a time or theme and reads like a short story.
This book gave a real glimpse into Hefley’s childhood and what a lot of childhoods were probably like in America out in the country in the early 1900s. Children spent time outside and helped their parents with household chores. School was optional, but church often wasn’t. Radio shows were a highlight of the evening if the batteries weren’t dead and the signal came through. People-watching was an art and strangers were welcomed (or interrogated) when they came to small towns.
This book is a good read for any adult who wants to wander back in time. The writing style is easy to read and there are life lessons that are shared.
The author passed away in 2004 and wrote several other books.
http://www.bpnews.net/17899/james-c-h...
Way Back in the Hills is a childhood memoir about growing up in the back country of the Ozarks.
James C. Hefley was called James Carl most of his life. He lived in the back hills of the Ozarks – at first in a log cabin out in the country and then behind the general store that his mother ran. His father made money hunting for animal skins. His mother always kept extras on hand that people would come to buy from her since it was closer than the store. That eventually grew to her having a store in town, which was also closer to the school. James Carl was the oldest and the smartest – going to college at the age of 13. In this book he shares stories of his growing up years – fishing with the boys, antics at school, the religion of the people and the role alcohol played in some lives. Each chapter picks a time or theme and reads like a short story.
This book gave a real glimpse into Hefley’s childhood and what a lot of childhoods were probably like in America out in the country in the early 1900s. Children spent time outside and helped their parents with household chores. School was optional, but church often wasn’t. Radio shows were a highlight of the evening if the batteries weren’t dead and the signal came through. People-watching was an art and strangers were welcomed (or interrogated) when they came to small towns.
This book is a good read for any adult who wants to wander back in time. The writing style is easy to read and there are life lessons that are shared.
The author passed away in 2004 and wrote several other books.
http://www.bpnews.net/17899/james-c-h...
December 19, 2023
Was going back through books and adding old ones and came across this one again.
One of my favorite books growing up following the adventures of Jim Hefley way back in the Ozarks. Going to have to read it again :)
One of my favorite books growing up following the adventures of Jim Hefley way back in the Ozarks. Going to have to read it again :)
August 7, 2011
The book is enjoyable as it takes the reader back to a simpler life and has humor in it.
September 2, 2020
Not a bad read. Very entertaining and funny. I love the fact that this is a true story from a different period in American history, it really paints a vivid picture of life in the early 20th century Ozarks.
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October 8, 2007Hefley, James C. PB
July 7, 2009
Growing up in the Boone/Newton county area, this book was very exciting to read and follow the lives of the Big Creek Valley boys. Takes you on an adventure even if you aren't from the Ozarks.
April 1, 2010
Read these books as a teenager and loved them. I need to read them again!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews