Belles of the South discussion

This thread is where we can discuss and post reviews about our favorite Historical Fiction books set in the South or written by a Southern author.

Let me start off by saying Gone with the Wind is my favorite book of all time. How many other Belles have read this wonderful book?

I'm not sure what my absolute favorite Southern book is, and I'd probably wreck my brain trying to think of one! The Letter Writer, by Ann Rinaldi, is definitely up there, and happens to be the only book that ever made me cry! (embarrassing, I know...)

I just read the synopsis of The Letter Writer and it sounds very tragic! I can certainly see why it would make you cry. This book has received very favorable ratings too so it definitely sounds like a great book to read.

I think that when people think of the Southern classic, Gone With the Wind is one of the first books to come to mind. It's one of my very favorite books of all time. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is another beautifully written Southern classic.

I agree Joanne, those 2 must be considered as classics and are my favorites as well. Both books captured the feel of the south in a very realistic way.

Laurie wrote: "This thread is where we can discuss and post reviews about our favorite Historical Fiction books set in the South or written by a Southern author.

Let me start off by saying [book:Gone with the ..."

The first time I read To Kill a Mockingbird was in Junior High Literature. Still one of my favorites. You have convinced me to add Gone With the Wind to my list

Oh Sandy! You don't know what a treat is in store for you when you read GWTW. It's such a long book I'm not sure if everyone would have the time to commit to this one as a group read though.

I would love to hear if others are interested in reading GWTW as a possible group read in the future.

I have never read GWTW, but I do own a copy and will get to it at some point. Having seen the movie so many times it will be interesting to see how closely it follows the book.

Laurie wrote: "Oh Sandy! You don't know what a treat is in store for you when you read GWTW. It's such a long book I'm not sure if everyone would have the time to commit to this one as a group read though.


I am in Manhatten Kansas ( surprisingly the area has alot Civil war history) for a couple of days. Spent a couple of hours in one of my favorite used Bookstores "The Dusty Bookshelf" great ambience, old shelves with books overflowing, old comfy overstuffed chairs and chaises, even has a resident kitty cat. Right in the middle of Aggieville (Kansas State University)
They didnt have GWTW darn it. I did see " Rhett Butler's People which sounded interesting but I want to read the critique first.

Two recommendations : "on the crest of a wave " and "windswept " both by Fran McNabb. (sorry I cant link on my app) They take place in Florida (not a place I read much about) around Civil War time.

Hi Sandy, I love to go to used book store, thrift shops and antique stores searching for old books. It's almost like searching for buried treasure isn't it? Hope you can find a decent copy of GWTW somewhere though. I haven't read the book Rhett Butler's People yet but I've been planning to for awhile.
It would probably be best to read GWTW first though.

Thanks Dorcas for the Fran Mcnabb recommendation. These are the type of older books that I love to read.

I was looking through the classic section at the used book store... Thinking I should read something of William Faulkner who wrote several books in the 1920's and 30's set in his home state of Mississippi.. recently read Light in August it has very complex characters with very simple language as these characters are impoverished racist's in 1930's Mississippi.. It was very different and it took a while for me to get used to Faulkner's style.

Sandy wrote: "I was looking through the classic section at the used book store... Thinking I should read something of William Faulkner who wrote several books in the 1920's and 30's set in his ho..."

Congrats Sandy on trying to read Faulkner. I gave him a try and didn't care for him at all. The book I read (can't remember the name) started off with about 20 pages of stream of consciousness rambling nonsense. I quickly decided he wasn't for me.

I certainly commend your efforts though! It's just that a book about impoverished racists in MS sounds like a very depressive read and I prefer more upbeat books.

Would love to hear more from others who are Faulkner fans (or not :D).

I can now say I've read his works but I can't say I am a fan. It was indeed an effort to finish the book. The characters were all a sad lot to say the least. I was kinda depressed the next day and I am going to blame it on Faulkner... I agree, more upbeat books.

Sandy wrote: "I can now say I've read his works but I can't say I am a fan. It was indeed an effort to finish the book. The characters were all a sad lot to say the least. I was kinda depressed the next day and..."

Poor Faulkner, the guy was a chronic alcoholic and his books certainly seem to reflect that fact. I should have stuck with it and tried harder to finish the book and I do admire you for being able to do so. I just don't understand his popularity at all and I live about 35 miles from Oxford, MS where Faulkner lived.
I much prefer the writings of another Oxford resident, Larry Brown. HIs book Fay about a young woman who struggles to overcome her early poverty stricken childhood by running away from home focuses on her adventures trying to survive in the real world was impossible to put down. Larry Brown manages to tell a great story in a more light hearted manner than Faulkner.