The House on Riddle Hill [Paperback]

Glenn Tompkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 16, 1997

The House on Riddle Hill is an historical account of the early life of Glenn Tompkins who was born in 1927 on Crowley's Ridge in southeast Missouri. Presented in the form of short stories, the author describes life on the ridge and along the dirt roads near Campbell and Malden in the Missouri "bootheel." The stories tell of the lives of common people struggling to survive in hard times and in a harsh landscape. Mr Tompkins provides insight to a society in the midst of change, and how that change impacted upon his family. Here are moments from the life of a southeast Missouri youngster that reveals how teachers, preachers, bankers, and strangers helped bridge the gap from the old to the new economy and new society in the first half of the century. These stories give meaning to ordinary moments and are a truthful account of what it was like to live and work on Crowley's Ridge in this time period. Read as a whole these vignettes enhance our understanding of the evolutionary steps along the journey from one era to another, in the life of an individual and a family in the "House on Riddle Hill."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Glenn Tompkins was born on June 5, 1927 near Campbell, Missouri. He grew up on the family farm, working with his father in the peach orchards of Crowley's Ridge. He served in the military during the Korean War, later moving to St. Louis where he worked for the General Motors Corporation as a security officer. He and his wife, Mary are now retired and live in Florissant, Missouri, a St. Louis suburb. This is his only book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Southeast Missouri State University (May 16, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890551015
• ISBN-13: 978-1890551018
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #578,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book stands out among personal narratives, January 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The House on Riddle Hill (Paperback)

I am a librarian. In my library, I look over all the new acquisitions before they get shelved. Being around books all the time (and being in love with them) I have had to develop strong will-power to set aside interesting books, otherwise I'd never get my work done.

"The House on Riddle Hill" was powerful enough that even with my strong will-power, I was not able to set it down. There is something very honest about this book -- it is about real life, with all the seemingly simple happenings that have the ability to leave a mark in your heart. Here's a story that is a good example: Glenn got a few dollars to buy a pie at the country fair. He didn't have enough to buy the pies of the popular girls, but did get a mincemeat one (a kind he didn't like) from a girl who he hadn't thought of as pretty. But as they sat together and Glenn ate, she said to him so sincerely, "Thank you for buying my pie." They are simple stories, but they strike a heart chord.

I purchased my copy of the book at a book signing where I got to tell Mr. Tompkins how much I enjoyed it. He told me how at an earlier book signing, a woman came up surprised him by throwing her arms around him in a bear hug, and saying "After reading your book, I just feel like I know you!" I can understand this perfectly. "The House on Riddle Hill" is filled with love, so it just seems to bring it out in you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The True "Unvarnished" Truth, March 13, 2003

By 

Patti Hafner (Fennimore, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The House on Riddle Hill (Paperback)

This excellent book is every American's history. There is such an honesty without the trappings of sugar coated memories.

I am taken back to a time I will never experience. In my mind's eye I can visualize the commitment, struggle, joy and heartbreak of a family bound together in their effort to survive. Many aspects of this book reveal the hardships and pleasures of our elders' daily life that we cannot imagine on our own.

This book offers the gift of understanding that deepens our respect for where they have been and how they have come to be who they are.

I recommend it to all who want to understand the fabric and true grit of this country. What a wonderful resource for youngsters in school to read, it lends a greater appreciation for all we have and how we got to this point.

An amazing journey indeed!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like sitting on the front porch with Grandpa, July 2, 2000

By 

Jerry O'Neal (Campbell, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The House on Riddle Hill (Paperback)

Mr. Tompkins' book is a great read! It was even more special to me, though, because my Grandpa Tot was one of the "O'Neals on the next farm over". Their house is in the background of the photo on page 269. Some of the stories, like the one about the "Wild Man of Crowley's Ridge" I can remember from my childhood. Others, though, are a fresh glimpse into history. I drive by the Old Tompkins Farm every day on my way to work. Now, I can not help but to try to visualize what it was like when Mr. Tompkins was growing up, there in the house on Riddle Hill.