AUTHOR RUSSELL FERRELL

Another review....
Reviewed by: Marilyn A. Hudson, MLIS
Rating: 9 out of 10

Title:  Acrocanthosaurus The Bones of Contention by Russell Ferrell.  Subtitled  The True Story of Cephis Hall and Sid Love The Arkansas Hillbilly and the Choctaw Indian Who Outsmarted the Corporation and Saved the Dinosaur (Paperback)

Comments:   After finishing the Russell Ferrell work Acrocanthosaurus: The Bones of Contention (Historical Dimensions, 2011) there is an instinctive desire to mutter a loud, "wow!" 

In 448 pages the author has packed a story whose complexity, importance, and historical value can only be described as 'epic.' In the story of how two intelligent and capable amateurs were finally able to prevail against corporate greed,intimidation, academic short-shortsightedness, research rivalries, and worse is an important lesson for everyone. The author so completely explains the history, processes, and meaning of events that, even a reader without any knowledge of southeast Oklahoma, dinosaurs, fossil hunting, or confusions of legal and political activity- can clearly understand the struggles chronicled. 

Cephis Hall and Sid Love - co-discoverers of the rare find - have to join the ranks of 20th century folk heroes. They battled the Weyerhaeuser Corporation of McCurtain County (OK), elitist academics and false accusations and raids by armed police. It was not an easy battle and it consumed the lives and best years of the main players. It ended finally, after many years, on a positive note but also one with a strong sense of what might have been.

This is a "must have" for anyone who has a scientific bent, anyone who enjoys an exploration of the depths of human stupidity,loves a controversial topic, corporate greed, political and legal shell games, and the hint of academic snobbery. It is a well written and produced softbound work and any library will be enriched by adding this title for its paleontology, Oklahoma history, twentieth century biography, and general 'good reads' collections.

Publisher: Historical Dimensions/Malloy Incorporated, 2011.
ISBN: 978-0-615-43814-6
Cost: $ 15.00 (approx.)
Description:  Softbound, illus., 448 p. 
Available from: Amazon.com

A Review of The Mound

The Mound is an exciting tale about the renovation of an old hotel, which holds many secrets. This haunting story draws you in to each dark corridor, as the spooky building literally comes alive. There were times during my read I found myself holding my breath, fearful of what might jump out around the next corner.

The Hudsons’ have a stimulating writing style, full of thrilling energy and cleverly spun history. Though there were times I found I needed a dictionary for a few of the words, this is only a reflection of my own limited education. This book is brilliantly constructed for those who love a fast paced, chilling story, with exhilarating action.

The Mound has it all, engaging characters, goose bumps, a battle scene and the satisfying sigh that comes at the end of a long journey. The high intensity of this story was impossible to walk away from and when the voyage was over, just like a few of the main characters, I felt changed somehow; victorious and extraordinarily invigorated.

---Author Christy Elkins

'GOING HOME TO 'LITTLE DIXIE"

Another review....
Reviewed by: "REVIEW IT!"team member, Ann Brown Rating: 8 out of 10
Comments:

Tennyson once remarked, “I am a part of all that I have met.” That thought comes to mind exploring the southeast corner of Oklahoma as illustrated in Blaine Dixon’s “Going Home to “Little Dixie”: A photo Essay on Southeast Oklahoma”. In this photographic memoir, the author tells his personal journey of returning to his roots in SE Oklahoma, “of getting back together with old friends and of re-discovering a state that I actually knew little about while growing up there.” Along the way, he encounters intimate places, small towns and large communal focal points. Ranch life, rodeo, Powwows, High School sports, weather, Amish Oklahoma, hunting, seasons, and the Civil War re-enactors explored through the camera lens. The journalist has captured the essence of a small corner of one state and how in the 21st century that region continues to reflect its deep southern influences and roots. In the crisp, colorful images a slice of real American life is reflected, celebrated, and honored for its endurance, courage, and humanity.
Publisher: Blurb, www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/574431
ISBN: 978-1-60743-192-3

Cost: $83.95 +S/H; Hardcover image wrapped $89.95 + S/H; Softcover $70.95

Description: Color, illus. 352p.
Available from: see above or email blainedix@yahoo.com