⋙ [PDF] The Gamecocks Stephanie M Sellers 9781482681185 Books

The Gamecocks Stephanie M Sellers 9781482681185 Books

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Literary Fiction. Historical theories braid North Carolina's Lumbee Indians and America's largest ongoing mystery, The Lost Colony, with a friendship that will never leave you. Jake Wilkes has ownership of his best friend’s bank account and winery and is engaged to the woman of their dreams. But he doesn’t have the highly coveted proof of North Carolina’s Lumbee Indians’ true origins. It was stolen it from his best friend, Bruce Black. His death made headlines. So Jake bravely directs his first presentation, ‘Lumbee Indians and America’s First Christians,’ which seems like a fiasco, and receives death threats and a proposition by an unassuming wordsmith. When Jake shares his true life tale of growing up with a Lum as his best friend he reveals a secret subculture and life on the swamp becomes a jubious ride to live to tell the tale. While a world away a second chance at love rides in on a turbulent tide. Set in rural North Carolina where moonshine, conjuring, church and fifty five thousand Lumbee Indians truly are as much a part of the beloved culture as America’s largest ongoing mystery, The Lost Colony. Includes references and guide to Lumbees' endangered language. (Full Color Edition with vintage art available.)

The Gamecocks Stephanie M Sellers 9781482681185 Books

I really had high hopes for this book. That being said, I found it quite hard to follow. I feel like there are portions that just run on and are lacking explanation a bit in more plain language to describe the setting. I do like that the conversation portions are written in the dialect of the area of the country in which it takes place but being that it is hard enough to follow the conversations perhaps the rest should be not plainly written. I felt like it was jumpy... like the part where the dog is killed, I had to read it several times just to figure out what happened... like "what just happened? why is Miss Scarlet bleeding??????" My hubby is Lumbee and has family still in that area of NC and in truth, some of the folks I have met while visiting the area are incredibly hard to follow if you aren't familiar with the way they speak. I really want interested to read some of the history and background, I just wish that it was written a bit more plainly as I find it hard for the book to hold my attention.

Product details Paperback 260 pages Publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 3, 2013) Language English ISBN-10 1482681188

Tags : The Gamecocks [Stephanie M Sellers] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Literary Fiction. Historical theories braid North Carolina's Lumbee Indians and America's largest ongoing mystery,Stephanie M Sellers,The Gamecocks,CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,1482681188,Alternative History,Fiction,Fiction - General,Fiction Alternative History,Science fiction
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The Gamecocks Stephanie M Sellers 9781482681185 Books Reviews

The Gamecocks Stephanie M. Sellers

Jake Wilkes has a duel role in this novel about the Lumbee Indians, its heritage and history. We meet Jake as he takes the podium and relates his feelings about these Indians, why he feels their heritage needs to be protected and their story told. Meeting this prim lady while others shunned his thoughts and words, he enters her home, she sits at her desk and he relates his story. Chapter I is titled in this book he is writing with her Tenacity and Providence Hook Up at Forks in the Road as he begins his story with his friend Bruce and an incident that would change both of their lives. Young teens often get into trouble and sometimes things happen that affect not just people but things dear to them too. As you hear their voices and learn what happens you will understand why one dog loses her life and how they say goodbye to Miss Scarlet. But, we now revert to the present as Jake thinks out loud about the past and begins to dictate Chapter 2 Lumbees Undone.

But, first I think I would like to include some history about these people for readers to understand Jake's passion and the importance of honoring their heritage. These Indians lived in Virginia, North and South Carolina and their Indian culture before they came in contact with Europeans is unknown. Lumbees as you will learn from reading The Gamecocks by Stephanie M. Sellers, do not need facts or written records to tell their story of their early contact with Europeans or where they came from. They are often called Croatan, Cheraw Indians. They originally came from North Carolina according to my research and most still live there today. They own their own land and have a strong community and but are not federally recognized. They do not have a reservation or sovereignty rights because of this. They do have a tribal council and chairman. This government is not recognized by our government and is considered unofficial. Chapter Two of Jake's book begins with Bruce and how things changed for both of them that summer. Learning more about their past takes us back to when Bruce's father, a preacher dies and the unique way his life is celebrated at his funeral. Many stand up and praise this man who was anything but a good father, good husband and definitely was not a saint as Preacher Lilly depicts him during the service. Throughout the novel the author takes the reader back in time so that we understand the history between Jake and Bruce, their strong friendship, their secrets, tales and lies that they told to survive and finally why his book was going to honor the Lumbee Indians. Added in we learn through the prim lady and Jake that these Indians might be a part of the Lost Colony and questions are asked as to whether the Lost Colony of Roanoke joined the Croatoan Indians. Reading further you learn that the Roanoke colony disappeared after a hard winter. As a result they left behind the word Croatoan that was carved into a tree. Found some Englishmen, recognizing the Croatoan as the homeland of friendly Indians. The lack of a distress symbol carved on this particular tree caused them to assume the Roanoke colony went to the Croatans for help. There is much more but you will learn the history of the Lost Colony as we continue with the story itself.

As Bruce and Jake continue to tell their story within the main story itself we learn about Jake's situation with his father, the secret he is hiding and his hope to some day escape. Wanting to become a Veterinarian and Bruce wanting to open a winery these two young men had high aspirations. But, events happened that the author shares and we learn more about the Lumbee Indians, their hope to get federal funding and their link to the Lost Colony.

In one chapter titled I am not supposed to Tell I am Not Supposed to Tell we learn about John White the governor of the new colony who would sail back to England in order to bring a fresh load of supplies. We learn more about the origins of one of America's most unsolved mysteries, which leads back to 1587, when 115 English settlers landed on Roanoke Island. John White became the governor of this new colony as related by both Bruce and our author through her extensive research. He sailed back to England in order to get supplies. But, not every journey turns out the way one would like it to and a major war erupted. John White arrived there in 1590 and returned to find his wife, daughter and believe it or not a granddaughter. Finding no trace as the author relates of what happened to the colony or those living there except a sign as Bruce relates on a carved wooden post Croatoan.
As the story continues we learn what happens as a result of one night when Bruce is arrested, serves time in prison and finds Jake right there for him when released. We also learn more about why they are so close and the abuse each took at the hand of a parent and why. The history of the family is revealed the speculation of what happened to some and the reason why he would never give up on finding out more about his heritage, the Lost Colony and what happened to the inhabitants. Thinking they asked for help from the Croatans for food and shelter is one thought that is strongly believed by some yet there is no mention of for over 50 years as to whether they were found.
While Jake and Bruce reunite, discuss their pasts, their future and present we learn more about Bruce's link to the Lumbee Indians and their history. Bruce is welcomed back into the fold of his friends and family. Reminding Jake that he was an ex-con, caught selling shine, served time and was trying to find himself he learns that his money is in tact, his winery just might take off but what we learn next is quite compelling as author Stephanie M. Sellers shares the history of the Lumbee in order to give Bruce the authenticity that he was looking for. Getting together one woman named Miss Ginger relates the history in such vivid detail that you understand their heritage, where they came from, their vocabulary, and about the Underground Railroad. Understanding the true events as to just how important the Underground Railroad was, how they managed to get so many children to safety and the definition of Onacona and who was named that, you learn about why the Indians in their tribe had gray eyes. Read pages 146- 154 to learn more. From Miss Lilly, to Miss Ginger, Scarecrow, Jake, Ken, Exilee and Robin and everyone in his family and friends we learn that this is a tightly knit group, they will protect their own and that Bruce's life will change as a result of finding the proof he needed about the Lost Colony. Added in the author shares the history behind their family, their connection to the Cherokee Indians and the fact that their mom had many different links to many different people as told by Exilee. Then Bruce asks if ther were any blacks in their family. The answer is in the Black Purse Papers and you can read that on pages 159-160. Taking the tour with everyone through the Underground Railroad and learning its history really brings the time period and the importance of it to life as you will learn when reading Chapter 9. But, something happens that would remind them of the past and just what some were really after as someone enters the basement and they now have to be more on the alert for intruders. Why? You need to learn for yourself. But, Bruce saves the day and what happens next will surprise the reader in more ways than one.

As Jake takes the podium and we learn of the death of his best friend, 50 Lums came together to hear his speech, learn the history and understand the rationale behind the Lost Colony, their heritage and much more. Jake took over the Lucretia Winery, The link between the North Carolina Lumbee people and America's pilgrims. The book is replete with historical events an history that most people would not know. Added in we learn more about the South's mix of White and Black. Jake's presentation brings about many different feelings and viewpoints from the audience. The title of his presentation "North Carolina's Royal Lumbee Indian Heritage," the title of his book. Added in we learn about the connection to Queen Elizabeth I, her half sister Mary and even the Ten Commandments. The final chapters bring it all together as we once again go back in time as author Stephanie M. Sellers and Jake link history to the Knights Templar and finally Jake ask the final question on page 212 "Can anyone tell me the link of Lumbees to the Holy Grail? Then the past comes to life. When you read Chapter 12 you will understand the connections as one picture says more than just a thousand words and the finding the jeweled cross in a sketch and giving it to them would be prove perfect of the Lost Colony's contact with the Lumbee. Just what happens next and a letter would change it all. Gamecocks a rooster of a fighting breed or one bred for fighting. Just what this means and how fierce would these people fight for what they believe and the truth read The Gamecocks and find out what happens when lies, betrayals, truths and deceits unfold with one major secret. An ending that is so powerful you will never forget it.
I am always a fan of history, and this book certainly met that need. Whenever I pick up a Stephanie Sellers book, I know I will learn something historical, and it will be accurate. How do I know? She always lists the references she uses in the back of her books. And the history she enlightens us about is not your normal, average, every-day history. It is often little-known and incredibly interesting. I have to say that I wish she would write a history book! She makes the study of history entertaining and involving.

Since this is a review, I do have a few minor criticisms. I love the fact that she mentions the Bible and Christianity in a positive light, but I could have done without the profanity. This is not a Christian book per se, so I can overlook that. I am grateful there are no sex scenes. She was very smart to put a glossary of terms in the front of the book, but sometimes the vernacular still got in the way of my connecting with the story and the characters. And that was my most major complaint--connection. I yearn to become emotionally involved with the characters and the story I am reading. I'm not certain why I don't relate to the characters, but that is just my opinion. For me, her books are worth the read just for the unusual history!

While this may not be the time nor the place to mention this, but I feel I have to. This author is one of the sweetest, kindest, and truly supportive authors I have ever worked with. Don't get me wrong. Authors are amazing, for the most part, and I love to work with them. But Stephanie is one of those people who will drop what she is doing and come to the aid of anyone who needs help and/or asks for it. To be perfectly honest, that is what keeps me coming back for more from her books. Her personality does shine though even when I don't find the connection with her story that I desire.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I really had high hopes for this book. That being said, I found it quite hard to follow. I feel like there are portions that just run on and are lacking explanation a bit in more plain language to describe the setting. I do like that the conversation portions are written in the dialect of the area of the country in which it takes place but being that it is hard enough to follow the conversations perhaps the rest should be not plainly written. I felt like it was jumpy... like the part where the dog is killed, I had to read it several times just to figure out what happened... like "what just happened? why is Miss Scarlet bleeding??????" My hubby is Lumbee and has family still in that area of NC and in truth, some of the folks I have met while visiting the area are incredibly hard to follow if you aren't familiar with the way they speak. I really want interested to read some of the history and background, I just wish that it was written a bit more plainly as I find it hard for the book to hold my attention.