A Wonderful review of Southern Winds by syndicated columnist Jimmy Hall (article) by Everett Beal on AuthorsDen

A touch of Southern American history. Super good review of Southern Winds. Integration, before, during and after. What segregation was all about. ___________ Book Review: Southern Winds Author: W. Everett Beal/ WEBeal(at)aol.com Reviewer: Jimmy W. Hall/ HJimmy577(at)aol.com ISBN: 0-595-10081-3 $10.95 retail Southern Winds I recently enjoyed reading Southern Winds by Georgia author W. Everett Beal. For the most part, the book is a trip back in time to southern living in the mid to latter part of the 20th century. In a simple, episodical manner, Mr. Beal describes life predominantly in south and middle Georgia, as he came of age and later became a pharmacist, securing his own business in more ways than one. Amid the down-home family tales of hunting, fishing, and schooling, the prevailing attitude and culture of the south is thoroughly presented and honestly explained. Although the Beal family employed numerous African-Americans and Everett was very friendly with blacks, like most whites at the time he was subjected to particular customs and mores deeply imbedded in the populace. Everett is blunt and completely up-front about the biases then held against African-Americans and vice-versa. For instance, the titles "Mr.," "Mrs.," and "Miss" were never placed on prescription labels for minority members. In addition, a black woman was never to be referred to as a "lady." All of this seems horrific and unthinkable now, but dramatic changes occurred not that many decades ago. The author lived-through these cultural conflicts, and describes the shifting norms from his point of view. The final quarter of the book deals directly with the racial issue, and Mr. Beal gives detailed opinions on the matter. He does so sincerely, in a bold fashion that can be appreciated by blacks and whites alike. Like a ten pound bass from a Georgia farm pond, this book is a keeper. It has been endorsed by numerous famous Georgians. Now, I want to join their ranks by adding my whole-hearted stamp of approval..... Good reading. author Everett Beal's comments; Jimmy Hall ranks right up there as a Georgian. He is syndicated in most all of the newspapers in most of the Northern part of the state.An excellent writer and he is very sincere in his coverage.He doesn't mind telling it like it is and will step on a few toes when he feels it's necessary.I deeply appreciate his taking the time to read Southern Winds and write me a review. While reading, Jimmy's the only reviewer I ever had that continuously questioned my feelings about certain rules my parents had laid down for me and my brother to heed. Since my newfound friend had lost his father this year, he shared much of his feelings with me. Having been so close to mine, I can share my compassion with him. We seem to discuss most anything that pops up. Well, almost every thing.. Keep writing my friend, you're doing well. Everett Beal Rph.

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