Reading recommendations:

American Lion, Andrew Jackson in the White House, Jon Meacham

Andrew Jackson created the modern American presidency as we know it today. A backwoods orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, Jackson ushered in a new era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad. With his powerful persona and mystical connection to the people, Jackson moved the White House from the periphery of government to the center of national action, where it has remained ever since. Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, he was also the most contradictory of men, forcing the Indians from their native lands yet risking everything to give more power to ordinary citizens. He was, in short, a lot like his country: alternately kind and vicious, brilliant and blind. Jon Meacham has delivered the definite human portrait of a pivotal president who forever changed the American presidency, and America itself.

The Jewel of His Heart, a novel, Maggie Brendan

Juliana Brady is alone in an 1890's Montana mining town, with few prospects of making a living but she is determined not to be dependent on the charity of others.

Josh McBride is trying to scrape up a living from his sheep herd while he builds his ranch. But when he discovers rare stones on his property, he's tempted by the prospect of fast money.

When their paths cross, Juliana and Josh must make a choice, the world's riches and promises or the eternal value of love.

Ford County - Stories, John Grisham

In his first collection of short stories, John Grisham takes us back to Ford County, Mississippi, the setting of his first novel, A Time to Kill.

Wheelchair bound Inez Graney and her two older sons, Leon and Butch, take a bizarre road trip through the Mississippi Delta to visit the youngest Graney brother, Raymond, who's been locked away on death row for eleven years. It could well be their last visit.

Mack Stafford, a hard drinking and low grossing run-of-the-mill divorce lawyer, gets a miracle phone call with a completely unexpected offer to settle some old forgotten cases for more money than he has ever seen. Mack is suddenly bored with the law, fed up with his wife and his life, and makes drastic plans to finally escape.

Quiet, dull Sidney, a data collector for an insurance company, perfects his blackjack skills in hopes of bringing down the casino empire of Clanton's most ambitious hustler, Bobby Carl Leach, who, among other crimes, has stolen Sidney's wife.

Three good old boys from Rural Ford County begin a journey to the big city of Memphis to give blood to a grievously injured friend. However, they are unable to drive past a beer store as the trip takes longer and longer. The journey comes to an abrupt end when they make a fateful stop.

These are samples of the stores, more to follow. Featuring a cast of characters you'll never forget, these stories bring Ford County to vivid and colorful life. Often hilarious, frequently moving and always entertaining, this collection makes it abundantly clear why John Grisham is one of our most popular storytellers.

See you at Rylander!