Byrge publishes tales of Appalachian childhood
New River resident Jimmy Byrge shows his new book about growing up in the Anderson County mountain community. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
“These stories of my youth have taken me back in time – a simpler time, if you will,” reads the note on the book’s back cover.
“Families were much larger in our rural mountain community, and times were much harder in some ways, but it has been such a blessing to put pen to paper while reflecting on these times,” he said.
He said this is Volume 1 of the book, and that he is now working on Volume 2.
The book is available to buy in paperback form on Amazon.com for $24.99. It was made available on June 1.
Byrge’s previous book, The Evergreen Christmas Tree, which he wrote in 2008, was published recently in a children’s book format, complete with colorful illustrations.
It’s also available to buy on Amazon, either as a paperback for $16.99, or as a Kindle e-book for $6.99.
The Christmas book was also destined to be made into an animated film, and perhaps even later a feature film with live actors, Byrge said earlier.
On the book’s website, EvergreenChristmasTree.com, the story line is described as such:
“Frank, Virgie Ann, and their father go on a magical adventure of one of the most fantastic Christmas celebrations ever. Going on a rollercoaster journey of their lives to find the right tree, they learn to love, be strong, and look out for others. The Evergreen Christmas Tree is a heartwarming fairytale for children of all ages.”
Amazon’s Kindle online bookstore says this about the story:
“On those snow-covered roads, the children learn the true worth of love and strength amidst their trials and tribulations,” the description continues. “This wonderful holiday tale will warm readers’ hearts through an amazing narrative with its thought-provoking themes and will remind them of what this great season of Christmas holds within: the power of family, hope, and giving.”
The description online also notes: “‘The Evergreen Christmas Tree’ will be on 16 platforms one of the platforms,” including “Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Walmart with global distribution.
“The story includes a deaf character, an older gentleman named Raymond who teaches the town sign language.”
The book was “inspired” by two of Byrge’s childhood friends, the late Frank and Virgie Ann Phillips, who were a brother and sister who grew up in the New River area.
