Hickory's Journey,
Lost Pig Finds a New Home
by Marlys J. Waters

Copyright 2010, Paperback, 145 pages, illustrated with colored photos throughout. Book Condition: New. 5.5 x 8.5 inch.

SYNOPSIS: "This novel is based on a true story of a pig from the time he was rescued walking down an interstate highway in Minnesota until he was full grown. The truck driver who rescued the tiny pig gave him to an aunt who had a small pig operation in Iowa.

     The story is told from the pig's point of view to give the reader true insight into the thoughts and feelings that a pig might have. His life was not without difficulties including being raised with pigs much larger than himself, a near-tragedy, surviving an Iowa winter, and overcoming illness.

     His pen-mates play an important role by showing differences in personality, growth, ailments, and friendships. Hickory was raised in a pen with no more than 3 pigs at a time from being raised by a foster mother until he became the foster father to 3 younger pigs who needed guidance.

     Much humor is disbursed throughout the story with references to pigs with different lifestyles such as those who are raised as house pets, those who do tricks, and those who just act silly. Ample photos are included to build on the story line. The ending is Christian based.

     It is hoped this story will introduce the reader to the gentle, friendly, smart side of this pig and to all swine in general."

Price: $12.50

Surrounded by Tragedy
by Marlys J. Waters

Copyright 2008, Paperback, 196 pages, illustrated with b/w photos throughout. Book Condition: New. 6 x 9 inch.

SYNOPSIS: "A biographical novel set in Carroll and Sac County, Iowa at the start of the 1900s. The story follows the life of Harold Launspach who spent the first half of his life striving for happiness only to repeatedly have the hand of fate invervene with recurring devastation.

Events occur in Lanesboro, Glidden, Lidderdale, Davenport, Hamburg, Early, and Nemaha in IA; Hinton, OK; Marshall, MN; Vicksburg, MS; and Biloxi, MS. Civil War, Roaring Twenties, Prohibition, Great Depression, epidemics, early 1900s farm life, Victorian customs, and severe weather patterns are described.

Actual genealogy tables are included for the Launspach, Peters, Gerdes, and Constien families."

Price: $9.75

More. . .

Wetter - Miller - Schneider - Riedesel Families

Copyright 2010, Paperback, 187 pages, illustrated with 3 b/w photos. Book Condition: New. 6 x 9 inch.

SUBJECT: Genealogy of the Wetter, Miller, Schneider, and Riedesel families who came to Iowa in the early to mid 1800s from Wunderthausen and Gersweiler areas of Germany. Many family listings start in the 1700s and continue to 1947 when this book was originally written. The Launspach families plus many others are also listed as they married into the families listed above. Biographical sketches are also included for many individuals and families.

Most of the families settled in Dubuque County in the Sherrill area and Wheatland in Clinton County of Iowa. Some also resided in Buchanan County for a time. This book follows those who came from Germany and later migrated to Lanesboro and Glidden in Carroll County in the late 1800s. An alphabetical index is included.

Cover photo is a scene of modern Wunderthausen, Germany.

Price: $8.75

There Must Be An Easier Way to Die

Book Condition: New paperback. 6 x 9 inch, 80 pages. Printed in 2008.

SUBJECT: Death is not always a quick, painless event. Often the sufferers have spent months or even years living in a body that is deteriorating before their eyes. Some have a lot of pain, others not so much.

True narratives are given on two deaths from Pancreatic Cancer, one of heart failure, and one of an asthma attack. Articles are included on dying with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), and conditions of several persons living in nursing homes.

Author hopes Iowa will allow assisted suicides someday for those suffering from terminal illnesses.

Price: $4.50