An Intriguing True Account of Life in a Southern Appalachian Mining Town in the Early to Mid 1900s

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Sept. 17, 2014 - PRLog -- Dr. Michael Ruth, author of Memory of a Miner, is delighted to share this memoir of his father, Carl Ruth, an old-school coal miner – and natural-born storyteller – who mined in Harlan County, Kentucky, between 1931 and 1959.

In Memory of a Miner, Carl recounts first-hand his experiences of the most volatile period in “bloody Harlan’s” history – when miners put their lives on the line for workers’ rights and won against the powerful coal magnates of that day. Carl survived, but not without price…he lost his closest brother when their picket was triangulated and ambushed by murderous gun thugs at one of those infamous battles.

What makes this particular account unique is the fact that it is first and foremost a recorded oral history, told through the miner’s eyes, in his own words and endearing dialect, with the same energy and vigor as when he first lived it. As such, it is an invitation for the reader to share intimately in the life of a man full of courage, strength and wit who only knew one way to live – all in.

Memory of a Miner successfully highlights the fact that despite the coal wars at home and the World War abroad, the fun times shared and friendships formed among the miners and their families made this the most treasured time of life for many.

For that reason there are stories of fun and good times as well as stories of intense grief and pain.  But they come together to tell the tale of a time and place that only remains in the memories of those who lived it and in recorded histories such as this.

A reader comments:

“Memory of a Miner weaves first-hand accounts with historical facts to tell a story of bygone days, the way a grandfather does on the back porch on a lazy Sunday afternoon.  If you come from mining roots, or you simply want to sit back and enjoy a truly captivating story about life in a southern Appalachian mining town, then you should read this book.”

About the Author:  In addition to his 25-year writing career, Dr. Ruth is a counselor/psychotherapist in private practice for more than 23 years.  He is a history buff to boot, so the extensive research required for this project was right up his alley!

Visit www.MemoryofaMiner.com to access the media kit, read an excerpt, listen to a rare audio clip of the miner tell a story from his childhood, hear an interview with the author, and to purchase a copy of the book.

The ebook is also available on Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, and Barnes&Noble.