Holiday Book Ideas With gift-giving on people's minds this time of year, you may still be looking for something to give a special someone. A book is always a welcome gift, and there are several books out that feature Indiana. We’ve put together some ideas of books to give that will reflect the Hoosier heritage - either for those who live here and already appreciate our state, or for those who may live elsewhere and want a closer look at Indiana life. Two new handsome books that are suitable for display are "Trees of Indiana" and "Destination Indiana". "Trees of Indiana" features the original paintings of Indiana artist Maryrose Wampler with text by Fred Wampler. Maryrose's work is known by Indiana nature lovers, and "Wildflowers of Indiana" was a previously-released book produced by the Wamplers. "Trees of Indiana" features 72 color paintings, each depicting an Indiana tree species in its natural setting. “Destination Indiana: Travels Through Hoosier History" features text by Ray E. Boomhower and the photography of Darryl Jones. This book offers a close up look at 25 historical sites, with each page full of beautiful color photographs from each site. Author Boomhower introduced a segment called "Destination Indiana" in 1990 for the Indiana Historical Society's magazine. This feature became one of the magazine's most popular features. A few of the sites are the Levi Coffin State Historic Site, Corydon Capital State Historic Site, the Culbertson Mansion, the Hillforest Mansion, the town of New Harmony, and the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. Another book that has graced my own coffee table since I discovered it is “Spirit Of The Place: Indiana Hill Country” with text by James Alexander Thom and photographs by Darryl Jones. This book beautifully captures the spirit of southern Indiana, perhaps better than any other. Both Thom and Jones have a profound respect for this area they both call home, and it is reflected in the book's pages. “Spirit of the Place” was published in 1995, but is still available in most book stores. If you're looking for "coffee table" books that are pretty to browse through, consider some other previously released favorites: "Barns of Indiana" by Donald H. Scott pays tribute to some of Indiana's most eye-catching barns. His beautiful photography features barns from all 92 different counties, and is full of color pictures and descriptions of the different styles and purposes of barns. "Painting Indiana" is another recently-published book which features beautiful, color paintings of all 92 Indiana counties, by Indiana artists. "The Birds of Indiana" is a magnificent book that features original paintings by renowned Indiana wildlife artist William Zimmerman, and text by Russell Mumford and Charles E. Keller. This includes 165 original paintings, with information on each species. "Indiana II" is another joint effort by native hoosiers James Alexander Thom (text) and Darryl Jones (photography). This includes 127 color photographs that beautifully capture the people, places and character of Indiana. The People of Indiana Dr. Otis R. Bowen was one of Indiana's most loved governors, who went on to serve as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Still living in the small town of Bremen, Indiana, Dr. Bowen just released his memoirs in the book "Doc: Memories from a Life in Public Service". Dr. Bowen was the first person to serve eight consecutive years as Indiana's governor. The book looks at his life growing up in Fulton County, the struggles of dealing with the deaths of his first two wives, and the challenges of public service. Amazon.com's review says, "Doc will be welcomed by all Hoosiers, no matter their political stripe." The book was written with the help of Hoosier author William DuBois, Jr. Another Hoosier of Indiana University fame to share his memoirs is Herman B. Wells, in "Being Lucky: Reminiscenses and Reflections" by Herman B. Wells. Wells was president of IU for twenty-five years, ending in 1962. It is said that "the University achieved its growth together with its greatness during the Wells presidency" (from the book cover). Written in a congenial, witty style, Wells recalls his boyhood life in a small southern Indiana town and shares some of the life lessons he has learned. IU enthusiasts will enjoy this book. Mr. Wells passed away last year. For basketball enthusiasts, consider "Hoosier Hysteria: Indiana High School Basketball" by Bob Williams, or "Larry Legend" by Mark Shaw about French Lick, Indiana native Larry Bird. Novels by Indiana Authors James AlexanderThom, who was born and now lives in Owen County, Indiana, is one of Indiana's best writers. His latest novel, "Sign Talker" tells the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition from the perspective of Drouillard, a French-Shawnee half-breed hired by Lewis and Clark as an interpreter and guide. Thom brings his novels to life by literally following the paths many of his subjects took and in a sense reenacting what his characters would have gone through. Other novels by Thom include "The Red Heart", "From Sea to Shining Sea", "Long Knife", "The Children of First Man", and "Follow the River". For Outdoor Lovers "Hiking Indiana" is a new book by Sally McKinney. This is a guide to 100 of the best day hiking rails in Indiana. It offers guided tours of 45 featured areas with detailed descriptions of 100 trails with lengths, times and difficulties. A map of each point of interest is included, as well as practical information on getting there, and nearby points of interest as well as contact phone numbers. "Paddle Indiana: An Access Guide to Canoeing and Kayaking Indiana Lakes and Streams", by Alan McPherson, features 70 lakes and reservoirs, and 35 creeks and rivers. It also gives practical information on difficulty, maps, distances, area outfitters, and what to take along. "Roadside Geology of Indiana" by Mark J. Camp and Graham T. Richardson includes photos, maps and guides, and is a very informative guide to Indiana's geology. Dining Indiana People who travel Indiana are always looking for a good place to eat. "Indiana's Favorite Hometown Restaurants: Where the Local Folks Like to Eat" is in its second edition, and was published by Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. It includes a Top 10 list, as well as nominations by local people. Cooks will enjoy "Cooks & Company: A Collection of Recipes from Main Street, Indiana" by Marie Huntington of Columbus, Indiana. Marie is well-known for her cooking, and teaches classes in Columbus. She shares some of her recipes with readers. Most large book stores have an "Indiana" section, and whether you're looking for a gift book, or something new for you to read, we're sure you'll enjoy some of these Indiana favorites.

All Feature Articles, artwork and photographs ©2000 by Southernin.com. Some information on the 'County Info' pages is taken directly from brochures published by Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce.