Jack and the Bear Scarin' Socks and Other Tales Does not disappoint. This collection of tales highlights the life, adventures, and lessons learned by Jack, a resident of Brooks Cover, somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southern Appalachia. Follow Jack on a dozen escapades as he learns lessons of resourcefulness, resilience, faith, family, and virtue. And be on the lookout for some colorful language and the wisdom of the Cove. If your literary diet has been mostly squirrel chatter lately and you're hoping for something that's better'n pie on Tuesday , take this book home and dive right in. Between these covers there's always " More t' the story !" Doug Jones, a master storyteller, captures audiences with his delightful Jack Tales. The adventures he weaves catapult the reader, keeping them curious and laughing out loud. Mischief greets you on every page. Each Jack Tale sweeps the reader along on a cultural heritage journey through hollers where critters' voices surprise you with hilarity when least expected. The warmth Jones exudes makes me eager to introduce Jack Tales to new generations in my family whom I trust will beg me to repeat them each time we gather. Having the good fortune to hear Jones spin his Jack Tales in person, I highly recommend you invite him to reunions or any time you want to transport and treat your guests. -Evelyn Asher, Author, What She Carries: A poetic memoir. Readers of all ages-prepare to be carried away to an Appalachian community, a place where young Jack encounters stitch-u-ayshuns that evolve into life lessons. You will be captivated by the colorful characters, authentic dialog and the wisdom of the local folk. These short stories are masterfully told! You will learn about what makes the cove the cove, and much, much more. Reading through these fables your eyes will open to a part of Americana that most people never experience. There's a lesson cleverly woven into each tale that gives pause to ponder. This collection never fails to delight with its colorful images, lively characters, and life lessons. A clever, entertaining, one-of-a-kind book. -Charlene DeWitt, Author & Editor, Past VP - NE Georgia Writers Doug Jones spins a series of heartwarming tales about young Jack and his adventures in the Appalachian Mountains. These exploits take Jack all over the hills and vales of Brooks Cove where he encounters all sorts of characters and critters-most benevolent, but others not so much. The backdrop of the Appalachians shapes these adventures and provides the context for Jack's life lessons. Come along with Jack to visit a simpler time and place, and to gain a richer appreciation of deeper values. -Jim Brown, Emeritus Professor One of the tales in this collection, Jack and the Piebald Ridge Deer, touched me like no other. The tale is like the Piebald deer herself-a rare and beautiful treasure. The story is obviously written with deep love and respect for the Appalachian culture and its place in the history of this land. The language is rich, colorful and evocative. In the written dialect, I can hear the people speaking and though it's different from the way I speak, it sings of place and relationship. This Jack tale teaches us about the importance of place and all that entails to our sense of self; in essence we belong to our ancient lands and all the creatures thereon. The interweaving of place, history and relationships shows us the Cove as Beloved Community. -Rev. Christine Jones-Leavy Doug Jones has been an educator, family man, woodworker, musician, and storyteller for long enough to have observed some interesting things. While on faculty at Appalachian State University in the High Country of North Carolina, Dr. jones and his family were introduced to Appalachian Jack Tales and got hooked. Reflecting on varied experiences over his life, he began to sketch out ideas for his own original Jack Tales. A passion is connecting with others through storytelling so that they might appreciate and experience the wisdom and richness of Southern Appalachian culture. Dr. J, as he is called, lives with his wife Oam (also a Dr. jones) and their dog Poseidon in the foothills of the Blue ridge in Gainesville, Ga.