March / 2002
Your Favorite Books

Companions for the madness
by:  

If you ask sports fans in Kentucky what is exciting about March, they will tell you that it is NCAA Tournament time. It can also mean a time to dig into a good book with televised games in the background. Here are new reads to complement March Madness.
Photography buffs will certainly enjoy Steve Talbott's collection of photos titled A Lot of Bull About Kentucky (Turner Publishing, $34.95). Talbott is a Winchester native who spent nine years completing this pictorial overview of Kentucky. Each page contains a color photograph of a Kentucky subject as well as tidbits and trivia about our state. Talbott has covered all 120 counties in a range of all four seasons. Even the oldest Kentuckian will discover new places or facts. This book would make a great coffee table conversation piece.
Paul Brett Johnson has written yet another children's book that is entertaining to adults as well. The Goose Who Went Off in a Huff (Orchard Books, $15.95) continues the series of Miss Rosemary's farm. In this adventure, Miss Rosemary's goose, Magnolia, is ready to be a mom. She tries to teach chicks to swim, a rubber duck to walk, and Easter eggs to hatch. After a good scolding by Miss Rosemary for her silliness, Magnolia waddles off in a huff. When Magnolia doesn't show up for dinner, Miss Rosemary begins to worry that Magnolia has joined the circus. Read with your children to find out what happens to Magnolia, the silly goose.
If Kentucky comfort food makes your tummy rumble, check out Greta Hipp Burkhart's cookbook, Kentucky-Always In Season (McClanahan Publishing House, $19.95). Recipes for good old down-home favorites are included, with some being updated with a modern flair. Learn to make Kentucky Hot Browns, Autumn Apple Chicken, Great Aunt Helen's Meatloaf, even Bourbon Chocolate Cheesecake, among many other tasty dishes and desserts. A few vegetarian recipes are included as well. Burkhart's tastebud-tempting concoctions are sure to become some of your favorites.
Whether you are a sports fan or not, Tony Franklin's Fourth Down and Life to Go (BadCoaches Inc., $19.95) makes for very interesting reading. Franklin was the Offensive Coordinator for the University of Kentucky football program under Hal Mumme. After much criticism and even threats, Franklin details here the wrongdoings of the UK football program, including those of Coach Mumme. He has correlated each scenario with a lesson he has learned and hopes to convey to others for use in the workplace, in relationships, and everyday life. Franklin also highlights some of the "shining stars" of the program and recalls several happy memories as well.
A tale of mystery and intrigue awaits the reader in the fourth installment of Marilyn Dungan's Laney McVey series. In Accidental Intent (Arcane Books, $12.95), Laney's friend, Shar Hamilton, is getting married. The joy of a bride-to-be, however, seems to be missing. When Laney discovers why, she finds her own life in jeopardy and Shar in danger of being arrested for murder. This series, set among familiar Kentucky places, will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.