Visit the Written Word bookstore in Ripley for a great selection of Ripley books, including:

Slaves' path to freedom retraced
The book "In Their Path" is available through local libraries, bookstores and www.intheirpath.org

Joan Southgate, a 75 year old African-American grandmother walked 519 miles along the Underground Railroad paths taken by an estimated 3,000 slaves in the 1800s on their quest for freedom. See http://www.intheirpath.org/ejournal.html for her diary.

Across the Wide River, by Stephanie Reed

Jill Eisnaugle www.bookreviewscafe.com : "A must-read novel for readers in any generation, this reviewer, having been raised in the region where the novel is set, can attest to the author's accurate portrayal of this novel. A magnificently flowing story, based on the actual history of the Rankin family, Across the Wide River enlightens the reader about an important time in our nation's history, while capturing the spirit that resides within rural culture."
Jill Eisnaugle www.bookreviewscafe.com : "A must-read novel for readers in any generation, this reviewer, having been raised in the region where the novel is set, can attest to the author's accurate portrayal of this novel. A magnificently flowing story, based on the actual history of the Rankin family, Across the Wide River enlightens the reader about an important time in our nation's history, while capturing the spirit that resides within rural culture."
WIN-Informer : Lowry Rankin knows that slavery is wrong. Ever since he was young he's always done what he could to help runaway slaves further north to freedom. But he's grown tired of trying so hard to fix a problem that won't go away and brings him nothing but trouble. . . . so now he's on the run. Will Lowry stop running from slavery--and God's call--and take a courageous stand for freedom?
Carolyn Sheidies Author's Choice Review Newsletter : "Though this is considered fiction, it is more like truth wrapped fiction elements. The story is true and told in a way that draws the reader into the struggle for freedom, the role of the Underground Railroad and one family on that journey. The story follows the early life of a very real historical person, Lowry Rankin, his growth into becoming a part of his parents' mission to rescue slaves and send them north. It is a story of incredible courage and endurance, of struggle and conscience. This is a story, a real story that we must not forget, told with compassion and a feel for the time and the people. This should be in every school and library."
J.L.L. Church Libraries : "This captivating book uses accurate historical facts to develop realistic fiction about an actual family living in 1787 - 1865. The story and plot are intriguing and will keep readers on the edges of their seats. Following Christian values, no matter the cost, is a central theme. Transitions between scenes and characters are hard to follow at times, but re-reading scenes is worth the time."

Book Description
The red brick home of Rev. John Rankin was a beacon--the first stop on the Underground Railroad in the North. Across the Wide River tells the true story of the sacrifices one family made to help runaway slaves.

Amazon.com Across the Wide River Books Stephanie Reed

Beyond the River, Ann Hagedorn

From Booklist
The town of Ripley, located on the Ohio River between the slave state of Kentucky and the free state of Ohio, was the site of clashes between abolitionists and slave hunters long before the start of the Civil War. Hagedorn brings to life lesser-known activists in the abolitionist movement who led double lives in a small town torn up over the issue of slavery. She focuses on the Reverend John Rankin, spurred by religious fervor to become a leading abolitionist, helping escaped slaves travel on to Canada during the early 1820s. Using historical documents, newspapers, and letters, Hagedorn captures a fervent era, when the Missouri Compromise, the invention of the cotton gin, and growing slave revolts all set the stage for roiling debate on slavery. Rankin and his family were part of a network of abolitionists that included Harriet Beecher Stowe and John Parker, a free black man who ventured south to guide slaves to freedom. Readers interested in the history of the abolitionist movement in the U.S. will appreciate this look at unsung heroes of the era. Vanessa Bush

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