Novels by Phil Whitley
Stories of survival and adventure
BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!!
New Book Reviews – after receiving their Spotlight
Book of the Week Award…
2006
NewBookReview’s Spotlight
Best
Book of the Year Award Winner!
Keechie by
Phil Whitley
Phil Whitley’s Keechie is a tale of kindred
spirits between young Brian and Keechie, an elderly half-breed lady. Brian and
Keechie would realize why her spirit guide has brought them together, and how
each one of them helped the other to realize their dreams that seemed
unattainable in any way. Throughly enjoyed this historical fiction, well
written and told, a tale that should make any reader smile and share the magic
between the two main characters of this book. A Must Read! Story telling at its
best! Keechie is a
great story, and author Phil Whitley has done a superb job of marrying fact
with fiction. The final twist is unexpected and powerful! Tim Donaldson
editor4(at)Newbookreviews.org
Latest Review for Keechie
From Amazon.com***** You Need to read this book, October 23, 2006
Reviewer: Redfeather "Tom" (Oklahoma)
Keechie by Phil Whitley is a remarkable book of historical fiction that will keep you turning the pages of this book. Very few fictional writers have the ability to mix Natďve American folklore, mysticism and survival skills into a very easy to read book that will definitely warm your heart and make you smile as you read this extraordinary book. Phil Whitley is a master storyteller and one that I am sure will be writing more books in the future. Keechie is one of those books that is destined to be a classic and you owe it to yourself to obtain a copy. I can promise you that you will be glad that you did. Kudos to Phil Whitley for a job well done!
Tom Ward, author
The Enemy Within
Outposts of Hell or Portals to Heaven
Both of Tom's books can be accessed *HERE*
Review by New_Book_Reviews
My latest review, as of June 22, 2006, from New Book Reviews
Even more exciting... They named it their "Spotlight Book of the Week"!
Phil Whitley’s Keechie is a tale of kindred spirits between young Brian and Keechie, an elderly half-breed lady. Brian and Keechie would realize why her spirit guide has brought them together, and how each one of them helped the other to realize their dreams that seemed unattainable in any way. Throughly enjoyed this historical fiction, well written and told, a tale that should make any reader smile and share the magic between the two main characters of this book. A Must Read! Story telling at its best!
Keechie is a great story, and author Phil Whitley has done a superb job of marrying fact with fiction. The final twist is unexpected and powerful!
Tim Donaldson editor4(at)Newbookreviews.org
Even more exciting... They named it their "Spotlight Book of the Week"!
Phil Whitley’s Keechie is a tale of kindred spirits between young Brian and Keechie, an elderly half-breed lady. Brian and Keechie would realize why her spirit guide has brought them together, and how each one of them helped the other to realize their dreams that seemed unattainable in any way. Throughly enjoyed this historical fiction, well written and told, a tale that should make any reader smile and share the magic between the two main characters of this book. A Must Read! Story telling at its best!
Keechie is a great story, and author Phil Whitley has done a superb job of marrying fact with fiction. The final twist is unexpected and powerful!
Tim Donaldson editor4(at)Newbookreviews.org
Lighthouse Literary Reviews
Lighthouse Literary Reviews Website
Go to Reviews for May, 2006 - then select "Keechie"
FOUR AND A HALF BEACON REVIEW FOR KEECHIE
Brian has always had a passion for “digging in the dirt,” then on one of his utings he discovers an Indian woman that has been living off of the land alone for nearly fifty years. Knowing that Brian is a special person immediately, the Indian woman, Keechie, takes him in as a member of her clan and of her family. She teaches him the ways of her people and in return Brian seeks out the rest of her long lost family.
I thought this story played out very well. In the beginning, it seemed to have a simple tone and would be a pleasant rainy day read, but the more I delved into the characters, the more the story line became multifaceted. I loved that Keechie became the by-chance benefactor to Brian’s formal education and truly to his foundation for growing up to be the person he was. It was a feel good story of learning about our elderly and different cultures. Thinking there would be only one way to end this plot, I was not at all prepared for the turn this book took. If you cleaned up some simple POV problems, I would recommend this book to all.
Reviewed by: C.C.
From Amazon.com
Keechie, by Phil Whitley
A refreshing view !, April 18, 2006
Reviewer: Leocadio Villarreal "Leov" (Laredo, Texas United States)
I was amazed how my 11 year old son read the book from cover to cover in just a few days.
Ethnic and racial identity has been a most important issue since first Europeans arrived into the Americas; expert adult settlers which came from a continent in constant interracial, noble vs plebeian, rich vs poor, religion, any difference vs any other difference aggression, knew of no distinct way to deal with the natives.
But, Ahhh!, the author presents here a refreshing view, one through the eyes of a young boy (Brian), who sees the world with a particular respect and attention, with no obscure contaminated interest; a view which has become an important part of the world we live today.
The author offers several lessons, on an interesting convincing, authentic way, through the narrative of a young clean soul. Such lessons are directed to essential basic values so much needed in present times, an indispensable asset price to where the world is directing to. Values such as, cleanliness of mind, friendship, interracial interaction, trust, education, an interesting meaning of money, thankfulness, loyalty; all given on an innocent distinctive style.
The novel involves, mystery, adventure, love, on a soft tender pure presentation.
The novel is a must for youngsters 8 and up, and an excellent read for adults, specially those with children.
Leo Villarreal.
A refreshing view !, April 18, 2006
Reviewer: Leocadio Villarreal "Leov" (Laredo, Texas United States)
I was amazed how my 11 year old son read the book from cover to cover in just a few days.
Ethnic and racial identity has been a most important issue since first Europeans arrived into the Americas; expert adult settlers which came from a continent in constant interracial, noble vs plebeian, rich vs poor, religion, any difference vs any other difference aggression, knew of no distinct way to deal with the natives.
But, Ahhh!, the author presents here a refreshing view, one through the eyes of a young boy (Brian), who sees the world with a particular respect and attention, with no obscure contaminated interest; a view which has become an important part of the world we live today.
The author offers several lessons, on an interesting convincing, authentic way, through the narrative of a young clean soul. Such lessons are directed to essential basic values so much needed in present times, an indispensable asset price to where the world is directing to. Values such as, cleanliness of mind, friendship, interracial interaction, trust, education, an interesting meaning of money, thankfulness, loyalty; all given on an innocent distinctive style.
The novel involves, mystery, adventure, love, on a soft tender pure presentation.
The novel is a must for youngsters 8 and up, and an excellent read for adults, specially those with children.
Leo Villarreal.
From Amazon.com
A review of Keechie
Author: Phil Whitley
Reviewed by James Elders
'Keechie' is a series of stories that tell about two cultures that come together under most extrordinary circumstances. A young boy growing up during the 1940' and 1950's meets a woman of mixed Creek Indian and Black heritage (Keechie) who had been forced, not by her own choice, into a hermit's way of life. As the stories progress, Keechie's knowledge of past cultures and practices are transferred to the young boy. This wonderful woman who had been locked in her own cell of history gains new knowledge of the present from her new young friend. Cultures merge as each one benefits from the other. And, by the way, so does the reader benefit.
'Keechie' demonstrates the author's depth of knowledge and breadth of understanding of Native American culture as he expertly intertwines his own memories, knowledge of local lore and historical fact with his outstanding ability for expository writing. Writing dialect is difficult, but Phil Whitley makes it seem simple. 'Keechie' is classified as Historical Fiction, but it is very evident that there is more truth in this book than there is fiction.
'Keechie' is a book that transcends the gap between local lore, superstition, present realities and old memories. This book is a great read for both adults and young people. Anyone who misses a chance to read 'Keechie' misses out on a truly great reading experience.
Review by Jim Elders, author of Flatwoods and Lighterknots ISBN: 1-4137-8737-1
Author: Phil Whitley
Reviewed by James Elders
'Keechie' is a series of stories that tell about two cultures that come together under most extrordinary circumstances. A young boy growing up during the 1940' and 1950's meets a woman of mixed Creek Indian and Black heritage (Keechie) who had been forced, not by her own choice, into a hermit's way of life. As the stories progress, Keechie's knowledge of past cultures and practices are transferred to the young boy. This wonderful woman who had been locked in her own cell of history gains new knowledge of the present from her new young friend. Cultures merge as each one benefits from the other. And, by the way, so does the reader benefit.
'Keechie' demonstrates the author's depth of knowledge and breadth of understanding of Native American culture as he expertly intertwines his own memories, knowledge of local lore and historical fact with his outstanding ability for expository writing. Writing dialect is difficult, but Phil Whitley makes it seem simple. 'Keechie' is classified as Historical Fiction, but it is very evident that there is more truth in this book than there is fiction.
'Keechie' is a book that transcends the gap between local lore, superstition, present realities and old memories. This book is a great read for both adults and young people. Anyone who misses a chance to read 'Keechie' misses out on a truly great reading experience.
Review by Jim Elders, author of Flatwoods and Lighterknots ISBN: 1-4137-8737-1
From Amazon.com
Keechie, By Phil Whitley
ISBN 1413795870
Publish America, Baltimore 2006,
Review by Andy Lloyd
This is a novel full of spiritual wisdom. It charts the relationship between a white American, living in the state of Georgia, and a North American Indian hermit called Keechie. Although there are some interesting parallels with the work of Carlos Casteneda, Keechie is not at all like the cantankerous Mexican shamen Don Juan. She is gentle and vulnerable, protected by a powerful spirit guide called Puma Man. Her story is initially one of loss and loneliness, yet becomes warm, even moving. Through her new friend's growing understanding of the world, and Keechie's part in it, she becomes reunited with her tribe. She sets about reinvigorating her estranged and forgotten people with the spiritual and practical knowledge of her forefathers. Phil Whitley writes with great affection about the rituals and wisdom of the indigenous peoples of North America.
The book is also allegorical, reflecting the lost wisdom and decimation of North America culture. It reflects on how the knowledge of the native American Indians was closely linked to their environment, and how that spiritual wisdom can be regained by the present populations, if only they could engage with the natural world around them. Phil Whitley prophesies that modern society stands on the precipice of catastrophe, in the form of terrorism and pandemic disease. His answer is to escape to the hills and learn the ways of the ancients by living off the land in natural harmony. Yet his writing is practical too; this is not an idealistic dream of the simple life, but a guidebook to its pitfalls and dangers. The rewards to be gained are evident, in the form of self-awareness and spiritual growth.
I can quite see why Americans, disenchanted with the current direction their nation has taken, and fearing for the future, would find succour in the ways of the ancients. Perhaps, as the world's oil stocks crash towards the floor, we shall all have to re-discover our own ability to work with nature; growing our own food, trading locally, making wider use of horses once again, that kind of thing. But I doubt the need to completely go 'survivalist'. Perhaps that difference in point of view is more to do with geographical location (the over-populated English midlands versus the expanse of the American South) than realism about the problems we face. Or it may be that Europe has survived worse disasters than this current spate of terrorist threats, and come through them. Our history is different over here, perhaps giving us greater optimism that Western civilisation can weather the current storm.
Either way, 'Keechie' teaches us about the basic things in life we don't know, have forgotten or are simply completely ignorant of. By the end of the book our alienation from nature is very much apparent. The book offers us a vision of the danger our society's collective disinterest in nature and spirituality is placing us in: It's up to each of us to re-learn the old ways for the sake of our families and children. And Phil Whitley has evidently been thinking this through for a while...This is a well-researched and delightful book which deserves to be widely read and pondered upon.
Review by Andy Lloyd – Author of The Dark Star
ISBN 1413795870
Publish America, Baltimore 2006,
Review by Andy Lloyd
This is a novel full of spiritual wisdom. It charts the relationship between a white American, living in the state of Georgia, and a North American Indian hermit called Keechie. Although there are some interesting parallels with the work of Carlos Casteneda, Keechie is not at all like the cantankerous Mexican shamen Don Juan. She is gentle and vulnerable, protected by a powerful spirit guide called Puma Man. Her story is initially one of loss and loneliness, yet becomes warm, even moving. Through her new friend's growing understanding of the world, and Keechie's part in it, she becomes reunited with her tribe. She sets about reinvigorating her estranged and forgotten people with the spiritual and practical knowledge of her forefathers. Phil Whitley writes with great affection about the rituals and wisdom of the indigenous peoples of North America.
The book is also allegorical, reflecting the lost wisdom and decimation of North America culture. It reflects on how the knowledge of the native American Indians was closely linked to their environment, and how that spiritual wisdom can be regained by the present populations, if only they could engage with the natural world around them. Phil Whitley prophesies that modern society stands on the precipice of catastrophe, in the form of terrorism and pandemic disease. His answer is to escape to the hills and learn the ways of the ancients by living off the land in natural harmony. Yet his writing is practical too; this is not an idealistic dream of the simple life, but a guidebook to its pitfalls and dangers. The rewards to be gained are evident, in the form of self-awareness and spiritual growth.
I can quite see why Americans, disenchanted with the current direction their nation has taken, and fearing for the future, would find succour in the ways of the ancients. Perhaps, as the world's oil stocks crash towards the floor, we shall all have to re-discover our own ability to work with nature; growing our own food, trading locally, making wider use of horses once again, that kind of thing. But I doubt the need to completely go 'survivalist'. Perhaps that difference in point of view is more to do with geographical location (the over-populated English midlands versus the expanse of the American South) than realism about the problems we face. Or it may be that Europe has survived worse disasters than this current spate of terrorist threats, and come through them. Our history is different over here, perhaps giving us greater optimism that Western civilisation can weather the current storm.
Either way, 'Keechie' teaches us about the basic things in life we don't know, have forgotten or are simply completely ignorant of. By the end of the book our alienation from nature is very much apparent. The book offers us a vision of the danger our society's collective disinterest in nature and spirituality is placing us in: It's up to each of us to re-learn the old ways for the sake of our families and children. And Phil Whitley has evidently been thinking this through for a while...This is a well-researched and delightful book which deserves to be widely read and pondered upon.
Review by Andy Lloyd – Author of The Dark Star
From Amazon.com
Keechie, by Phil Whitley is wonderful!! February 23, 2006
Reviewer: Leah M. Cook
How refreshing ! The characters in this book are interesting, and well rounded, and so real to me. It has been a long time since I have been so pleased with such a great story. Keechie leaves you wanting more. I am looking forward to seeing the development of this aspiring new author, Phil Whitley.
Review by: Leah Marie (Quill)
Reviewer: Leah M. Cook
How refreshing ! The characters in this book are interesting, and well rounded, and so real to me. It has been a long time since I have been so pleased with such a great story. Keechie leaves you wanting more. I am looking forward to seeing the development of this aspiring new author, Phil Whitley.
Review by: Leah Marie (Quill)
REVIEW for Keechie
(From Amazon.com)
P.S. Billman, January 29, 2006
Reviewer: P. Billman
"Keechie," by Phil Whitley, is absolutely a wonderful story, and I can't help but feel that it is, in a sense, a true story. I sense that the characters are based on the author's own family, not just his wife and daughter, but even his parents and grandparents. The author is obviously "young Brian," and he really brings the characters to life with the story. The reader comes to really care about them all. The book is full of important yet touching scenes. In fact, at the point where Brian and Keechie watched the sunset and Brian put his arm around Keechie, and she laid her head on Brian's shoulder, my eyes misted over. That type of human interaction is what makes this story so darn good! Its not about Herculean effort (though you get some of that too), it is about the nuances of the daily life of people who really care about each other, all perfectly captured.
With this story, you get a history lesson in regard to the migration of the ancient Americans, as well as how the US government treated the indigenous peoples. You also learn about the culture and mysticism of the Creek Indians of northern Georgia.
There is a great and wonderful innocence that permeates this story. The story is told with a passion for the way people ought to be treating each other (not how we do sometimes in real life). People in this story rise above their ingrained and societal prejudices to see the humanity of each individual.
And, of course, that is one of the many lessons to take away from this story.
This is a story that can be fully enjoyed by anyone from about age 8 or 9, and I highly recommend it.
Review for Keechie, by J.R. Martens
(From Amazon.com)
A great book, January 23, 2006 <5 stars>
Reviewer: J. R. Martens
Keechie is a very well written book exploring human relationships in an unusual style. An older Indian woman living a life of relative isolation meets a modern times young boy and develops the type of friendship that will last a lifetime.
Keechie explores survival and gives the reader an opportunity to explore their own thinking about humanity. It is also a fun read with a very interesting story line.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting quality literature in their home library. JR
A great book, January 23, 2006 <5 stars>
Reviewer: J. R. Martens
Keechie is a very well written book exploring human relationships in an unusual style. An older Indian woman living a life of relative isolation meets a modern times young boy and develops the type of friendship that will last a lifetime.
Keechie explores survival and gives the reader an opportunity to explore their own thinking about humanity. It is also a fun read with a very interesting story line.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting quality literature in their home library. JR
Review by Joanne S. Bishop
It won't be long now and "KEECHIE" will be out in print.
I have included a link to the summary of this captivating book by Philip Whitley, (affectionately known as 'Brew' by his friends.) When one is available, I don't think a treatise on the story can be done as well by anyone as by the author.
I am sure, however, that once you read this excellently researched and laboriously written novel about the little lady called Keechie, and the world in which she exists, you will want to have a copy of the book for your library of 'special readings'.
I have been fortunate enough to communicate and commiserate with 'Brew' during the birthing of this, his first published endeavor, and I am happy to say that all of the work, love and talent that was poured into it shows in the excellence of this endeavor.
Read it--I know you will enjoy it as much as I have.
Joanne S. Bishop
A Friend and Fellow Writer
The Writers Place
The Readers Couch
I have included a link to the summary of this captivating book by Philip Whitley, (affectionately known as 'Brew' by his friends.) When one is available, I don't think a treatise on the story can be done as well by anyone as by the author.
I am sure, however, that once you read this excellently researched and laboriously written novel about the little lady called Keechie, and the world in which she exists, you will want to have a copy of the book for your library of 'special readings'.
I have been fortunate enough to communicate and commiserate with 'Brew' during the birthing of this, his first published endeavor, and I am happy to say that all of the work, love and talent that was poured into it shows in the excellence of this endeavor.
Read it--I know you will enjoy it as much as I have.
Joanne S. Bishop
A Friend and Fellow Writer
The Writers Place
The Readers Couch
Review by Author, B. Davis Greer
Keechie
By Phil Whitley
Phil Whitley has woven an exciting tale of Americana, with an ending that will really give you food for thought. In Keechie, the author takes you on an inspirational journey through time. It is the portrait of a young man coming of age in rural Georgia. It is also the historical account of our native American ancestors who preceded us. It beautifully mixes the old and the current societies and reveals that no matter how things change, they also stay much the same. The account is historically accurate and as a bonus it’s characters will entertain and inspire the reader. It is one that parents and grandparents will want to share with their children. It is a great alternative to the likes of H. Potter. Read it with your family. It will provide valuable insight, entertainment, and begs for opening lines of communication between generations and cultures. You don't want to miss this one!
B. Davis Greer,
Author of "The Pegasus Affair"
_________________
"The Pegasus Affair" ISBN: 1-4137-8817-3
(A Christian Thriller) With hundreds of lives at stake and the FBI's reputation on the line..... the clock is ticking!
http://www.publishedauthors.net/b.d.greer
By Phil Whitley
Phil Whitley has woven an exciting tale of Americana, with an ending that will really give you food for thought. In Keechie, the author takes you on an inspirational journey through time. It is the portrait of a young man coming of age in rural Georgia. It is also the historical account of our native American ancestors who preceded us. It beautifully mixes the old and the current societies and reveals that no matter how things change, they also stay much the same. The account is historically accurate and as a bonus it’s characters will entertain and inspire the reader. It is one that parents and grandparents will want to share with their children. It is a great alternative to the likes of H. Potter. Read it with your family. It will provide valuable insight, entertainment, and begs for opening lines of communication between generations and cultures. You don't want to miss this one!
B. Davis Greer,
Author of "The Pegasus Affair"
_________________
"The Pegasus Affair" ISBN: 1-4137-8817-3
(A Christian Thriller) With hundreds of lives at stake and the FBI's reputation on the line..... the clock is ticking!
http://www.publishedauthors.net/b.d.greer
Review by Author, David S. Rosenburg
Keechie, by
Phil Whitley
A
teenager hunts for arrowheads and artifacts in the Georgian foothills of the
Later, the young man attends college and helps Keechie
find distant relatives who left their homeland due to broken treaties and
often by force several generations ago. Keechie's husbandry of the original
strain of maize brings delight to her relatives who remember and treasure the
higher quality and better tasting fruit of the original
plants.
In the second part of Keechie, time advances and the reader
learns that the young man is grown, married, and has children. Terrorists
attack the
Phil Whitley's brilliantly written novel, Keechie, blends ancient lore and
mysticism with basic survival skills. The author's major character, a simple
yet enchanting Native American woman, warms the heart, but also reminds us of
our potential vulnerability. He provides a stern warning to a society whose
over-dependence on technology endangers an entire population. Analyzing the
consequences of natural disasters in recent history validates his concern that
so many people know nothing of surviving in emergency
conditions.
Review by: David S. Rosenberg, author of No Shortage of Evil
Review by author, Mary Ellen Preece
Review: "Keechie" by Phil Whitley
Phil Whitley has created a unique, yet genuine character in Keechie, who is the main character in the book by the same name. He has written much of the book in the dialect of an almost forgotten people, the mountainous descendents of Native and Black Americans. It is a heartwarming and revealing story of a young man, in the 1950's named Brian and his love for the heritage of Native America, that leads him into exploring the mountainous regions of Georgia, in search of relics of the past. In his quest to connect the past to his present, he finds much more than tangible artifacts, that effect him for the rest of his life. This is a well-written book and colorful book that would make a great animated movie for children and young adults.
Mary Ellen Goble Preece, author of In This Valley I Grew
Phil Whitley has created a unique, yet genuine character in Keechie, who is the main character in the book by the same name. He has written much of the book in the dialect of an almost forgotten people, the mountainous descendents of Native and Black Americans. It is a heartwarming and revealing story of a young man, in the 1950's named Brian and his love for the heritage of Native America, that leads him into exploring the mountainous regions of Georgia, in search of relics of the past. In his quest to connect the past to his present, he finds much more than tangible artifacts, that effect him for the rest of his life. This is a well-written book and colorful book that would make a great animated movie for children and young adults.
Mary Ellen Goble Preece, author of In This Valley I Grew