Customer Reviews

Muddy Branch: Memories of an Eastern Kentucky Coal Camp

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Having grown up in Paintsville, Kentucky, I took all the history for granted. Then, I moved and I began to miss my roots. Going "home" for Apple Day, I bought Mr. Pack's book and was not dissapointed. Having always looked forward to reading his articles in the Paintsville Hearld, I knew that this book would be everything I expected. What I didn't expect was to be able to talk to my parents, aunts, and uncles about things that Mr. Pack talked about. Not only did I get to learn things about my ancestory, I learned about my family, and spent many nights learning about my mom's family through her and my aunts.

Clyde Roy Pack's tale of days gone by shows life in a coal camp through the eyes of a young boy. This book sheds light on the positive effects of the people around him. It is very well written and entertaining. Muddy Branch will be impossible to read without laughing out loud a few times.

Well, I have to start by saying that Mr. Pack was my grade school art teacher, my high school English teacher and one of my best friend's dad. All that aside, it is a gosh darn good book. Clyde is a skilled writer and his imagery is wonderful. The book gives a good picture of the period in Eastern Kentucky (based on what I've heard about that time from others) without being campy or stark. Ready for the pop quiz now, Mr. Pack.

A wonderful book that reminded me of my own childhood, growning up in a Coal Camp in Virginia called Seaboard in the fifties and sixties. Much of the same things that Mr. Pack did as a child I have done also. It's so good to relive the memories.

Having grown up in a neighboring community and being acquainted with Clyde Roy Pack, I find it a great pleasure to read this account of his experiences. He is truly a nice person from another era (but younger than I).