My book, The Yellow Honeysuckle is the Sweetest, has been a 20-year project. It encompasses 14 true short stories about family, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related topics dating from my boyhood in the 1960’s to now. It is not a how-to book, and it’s not a simple rendition of what transpired on certain adventures. It’s a chronicle of the traditions, emotions, natural beauty and passion enveloped in the outdoor sports.
Below is some of the feedback provided by readers. I hope you will find the book to be as enjoyable as those who have been so gracious in their comments. I thank you for being part of my journey.
Bill
From readers, including excerpt from Foreword by Will Primos:
“Bill’s gift of putting to words the sights, sounds and feelings he experienced living on the east coast of North Carolina, made me feel as if I was right there with him. No matter where you and I called home when we were in our formative years or where we call home now – the Mountains of the West, the Prairies of North and South Dakota, the Gulf, or the Rolling Hills and Delta of Mississippi like me – you find peace and renewed energy when you spend time in God’s Great Outdoors. This is the link and thread we all share. And Bill only reminds us of that with each story.
You will love this book as you become a part of the anticipation of the next day’s adventure, as you feel the love of family (especially a Grandfather), as you think of the mementos you have placed in that hunting camp or that special place that holds the memories you cherish so much …the same type of memories you hope your loved ones experience, feel, understand and cherish as well.”
Will Primos
“(The Yellow Honeysuckle Is The Sweetest) is awesome. Can’t put into words the memories it has stirred for me. Having lived so many of the same experiences has brought more than one tear. Truly hope we each have the opportunity to pass this love and appreciation of the outdoors along to our grandchildren. Thanks for the privilege of reading what I consider an eastern Carolina masterpiece.”
“I could NOT put the book down! And I would definitely see the movie if ever one was made……and I know I would say “oh but the book was so much better”. What a nostalgic journey I took while reading your book. To sum up my personal experience, I thought fondly about my Grandparents (both sides), I unlocked and remembered so many experiences with my father, and I toiled over all things I have done with my children and all the things I owe them to do! While reading your book I was wrapped up in reminiscing about the past, but then all of a sudden, I found myself entrenched in the present and the future. What have I done? What do I need to do? What experiences are my kids having with me? Their Grandparents? Their Aunts and Uncles? In closing, it is true that I don’t read many books, but one book that every Man in my family has read is “The Old Man and The Boy”. It was a rite of passage and an authentic outdoor experience for a young man. In my mind I will now put “The Yellow Honeysuckle Is The Sweetest” right up there and alongside Robert Ruark’s best work! I enjoyed your book immensely!”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It went by quickly and I found myself in some places slowing down to take in all the details, and later speeding up to find out what would happen in the next section. I found myself reflecting on what has been my life/outdoor career to this point, much as you have done in the book and realized how many of those times were special though they may have seemed like just another day at the time. I wish I could have met your Uncle Simmons. I could feel the wind cutting through my pants during your late season dove hunts and feel the winter sun warming me up as those winds always fade toward the evening.”
“I had already shared with you my love for Ruark’s books. Your writing style is similar, but your stories are filled with even more passion and spiritual footings. Reading the stories brought back so many of my own experiences…”
“I laughed, reminisced about times with my Granddaddy and Daddy, cried and absolutely thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. The stories are quintessential to eastern NC, but also will relate for anyone who loves the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and listening to the seasons.”
“I have laughed, cried, and nodded my head in agreement with your spot-on assessment of people and situations. You have eloquently expressed the emotions and feelings I have experienced in my years out of doors with my father, brother, friends, wife and children. This book has touched me deeply …”
“The appealing way this book weaves together the importance of family, an appreciation of nature, value of community, and perspective on our human situation will appeal to hunters and non-hunters alike. The value of this book, for me, is its illustration of the building of bonds and the teaching of values across generations. Whether readers have urban or rural backgrounds they will see clearly the importance and the rewards of shared interests and shared, sustained efforts with their children and their elders. These valuable life lessons are delivered through colorful, entertaining, and sometimes tear-provoking stories. You will enjoy this book! “
“Your stories read like a catalogue of blessings. Some of them are full of joy and laughter, some of them are laced with sorrow and tears…but all of them blessings, nonetheless. I’ve always thought you a particularly well blessed person; now I know that is true. “
“I agree with the comparison to The Old Man and the Boy. I read it first when I was 11, and didn’t understand half of it. Now, when re-reading it. I find much wisdom in those stories that I missed as a boy. I think that is the case with your book. Those of us who are “mature” will have had the life experiences that resonate with your stories, while younger readers will enjoy the glimpse of life the way things were in a simpler time.”
“I am honored to have been given the opportunity to read this heartfelt journal of a family, defined by love, respect, and an enduring relationship with the outdoors. As one that has never hunted, only shot a rifle once at Camp Rockmont, and never had a companion like Mack or Luke to walk in the woods with, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the language that described the blessings of nature and the intertwining of a remarkable family story. I was especially moved to see the roles (Susan and Sarah) played in the stories …ones of growth, challenge and total commitment to a father and husband they love and admire!”
“Reading your book certainly brought the love of family to life through your words and intimate description of your family and how they intertwined themselves into your outdoor life. While you and I agree that the outdoors and God’s creation is inspiring and a gift to be cherished, your words certainly remind us all that the time spent with family and friends in any worthwhile activity is the most precious time we can have. I was blessed in reading this book and appreciate the opportunity to do so… The sentence or quote that stands out to me so much touches on what I said above and how much the outdoor experiences and time with family shape us to be good citizens and stewards. “We were a long-term investment in the future of all of us, and we were treated as such.” So much in that simple sentence that can help with much that is wrong in the world….pour into others(especially the children) and watch what happens when they overflow positivity into the world!”
“I found each story fascinating, but the ones about your dogs really touched my heart. They are family. The love and respect you have for family (and friends) is so evident and a rare gift. The cover of the book is so special! It tells a story of love and family ties to home and family. It is obvious that you have a relationship with God and a deep reverence for all His Creation. From stars to beaver ponds you find wonder.”
“So I’m sitting in a box stand …in tears from reading the …first chapter!!! Dang snot running everywhere”
“Your love of the outdoors comes shining through, as does your love of your big family and your many friends. I laughed my way through some of them and cried my way through others, which is a good sign. (Books that leave me cold and disinterested quickly wind up in the recycling bin.) I loved the references to Susan and Sarah, and to other members of your family whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and/or knowing. And now I know what goes on in a dove field and on a turkey hunt! My horizons have been widened.”
“I would like to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading this. It brings up so many memories from people I’ve hunted with to being there with my children on their first hunts. You have truly done a good job making those memories come back to me. I would like to Thank You for letting me read this. I know for me personally how much I think about all the experiences I’ve had both good & bad over the last 40 years of the outdoors being such a major part of my life. I still love the outdoors as much now as I did when I was that 16 year old teenager. I’ve been truly blessed!”
“(Reading The Yellow Honeysuckle Is The Greatest)…has truly been an absolute joy. For me the greatness of a book is not really realizing you are reading, but in fact your mind is immersed in the words until you are no longer reading but living the thoughts. This is one of those very very rare reads. It has prompted so many flashbacks of my own time with my father and two brothers hunting and fishing at an early age. Congratulations on the most eloquent, heartfelt, real to earth books I have ever read. I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying it. I must say also it is very rare for a book to make me think, ponder, remember, wish and even cry.”
“I recently finished your book. First, let me tell you how much I enjoyed it. You did an outstanding job of capturing and sharing the reasons I cherish my time outdoors also: family, friends, tradition, respect, God’s beauty and bounty and memories. I find it means more to me the older I get! Your attention to detail and ability to vividly describe an experience was quite remarkable and allowed the reader to easily “relive” the event. Though difficult to pick just one, I would say Sarah’s first turkey was my favorite part. It brought back a lot of memories of similar adventures with my boys when they were that age. The excitement, pride, nervousness, etc. all came rushing back.”
“I just finished your book. It was wonderful. Congratulations on a great job. I laughed, I cried…”
“Having not grown up with hunters, I now appreciate the life of a true outdoorsman as I experienced our natural world and the joy of the hunt and life around it as you took me with you into your story. Your story is certainly a “must tell” and you do it beautifully with metaphor and simile and a “must read” for anyone who appreciates the bounty of our creation or who is interested in a personal authentic journey. Loved your book!”
“Reading your book reminded me of our responsibility to share and instill the values and experiences we learned from family, friends and mentors along the way with others and encourage them them to “pass along”.
“The appealing way this book weaves together the importance of family, an appreciation of nature, value of community, and perspective on our human situation will appeal to hunters and non-hunters alike. The value of this book, for me, is its illustration of the building of bonds and the teaching of values across generations. Whether readers have urban or rural backgrounds they will see clearly the importance and the rewards of shared interests and shared, sustained efforts with their children and their elders. These valuable life lessons are delivered through colorful, entertaining, and sometimes tear-provoking stories. You will enjoy this book!”
(Comment on line from book)
“I’m not sure any of us actually realize how important these special interactions can be. Many times, we just go about our daily hustle-bustle lives, heading over a cliff of oblivion toward a lemming wasteland of insignificant busyness. It really just takes a few minutes of quality time spent with the right person, in the right environment, at the right time in their lives—and it can make a lifetime of difference.” From the Uncle Simmons chapter Pg. 109
“Why I chose this passage …The book’s descriptions of characters, its entertaining and colorful stories, its heart-warming depiction of close family relationships, its stories of the beauties and importance of nature, and its descriptions of human and dog bonds are all outstanding. I chose my highlighted selection because it expresses so much of the essence of the book while giving guidance for our responsibilities as parents and family members.”
“I can honestly say that I did not have a favorite part of this book. It is hard to put a favorite part on something that you can relate to in its entirety! As far as my favorite quote, that’s an easy answer! ‘Get your mess right’ I’ve heard my father and grandfather tell me this for years. It may not have always meant get your hunting gear together, or get your mind together before taking a shot, or being still while a turkey is coming in, or keeping your head down while mallards are circling. We all need to ‘get our mess right’ from time to time!!!”
“I can close my eyes and picture the scenes you so eloquently describe.”
“I love it. It brings back so many memories of my grandfather, only I had the single-shot 20 gauge, not the double barrel! This is going to be a great success and touch a lot of people…”
‘This is a real pleasure as your descriptions bring back so many important and pleasant memories. There is so much of value here for the many non-hunters that will profit from your interconnection of family values, respect for elders & history, and the critical importance of understanding and being immersed in nature. “
“(I) enjoyed (the book) from cover to cover. I remember those sleepless nights before getting to go hunting the next day. At the end of some of the chapters I sat back and reflected on my own experiences. Had to wipe my eyes to finish the story on Mack.”
“I could smell the mud from the salt marsh …(and) hear the birds’ wings whistling, etc. … and what is remarkable to me is how similar my own life experiences have been to your own. It made me realize how much of a blessing that is also, and how important it is to pass our love of the outdoors on to the next generation. This book made me both laugh, smile often, and you did manage to get a tear or two.”