From Publishers Weekly
In 1982, when he was 58, Georgia physician Sams published his first novel, Run with the Horsemen, to critical acclaim. Six books later, here's a collection of three long, rather philosophical stories that, although by no means flawless, exhibit the same wisdom and command of language as his earlier works. On the surface, the title story is an engaging tale about a quixotic old doctor battling the harassment of a pompous young medical bureaucrat while trying to treat the blood pressure of a simple working man too proud to ask help from anyone. A deepening relationship between doctor and patient evolves, allowing for the unfolding of a complex secondary story about injustice and racism. Ultimately, the perspectives of both men are profoundly changed. The middle story, "Harmony Ain't Easy," examines the mettle-and enduring resources-of a 40-year marriage against the background of a wildflower-hunting expedition in the remote Georgia mountains that suddenly takes a harrowing turn. In the concluding story, "Relative & Absolute," a trio of high-school seniors, for a class project, interview the town's oldest citizen about the not-so-good old days. While each tale is more than a bit preachy and burdened by long stretches of dialogue, all three are filled with warm insights and piquant questions about our inhumanity to one another. The homespun result is both satisfying and provoking-and well worth the read. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
YA?Three stories that reflect the author's skillful use of narrative to reveal how relationships make people change or grow. The title piece is told in first-person medical dictations and in the third person. Dr. Mark Goddard meets Gregry McHune, a patient who is wary of people in general and of doctors in particular. As the physician provides time, care, and insights, Gregry entrusts him with his story, and the men become friends. The second selection is autobiographical; Sams tells about his marriage in "Harmony Ain't Easy," a brief, raucous tale. Will Henry McEachern, the oldest citizen in the county, narrates the final story. Three high school seniors interview him about the changes he has seen?from the days of Reconstruction to the present?in education, economics, race relations, and integration. As he and the students exchange ideas, the interview becomes a dialogue about "Relative & Absolute" moral issues, and gradually the sense of obligation on both sides becomes respect and affection. YAs unfamiliar with Sams will appreciate his careful craftsmanship, sense of place, and keen ear for dialogue and pacing.?Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
A prolific author and physician in Fayetteville, Georgia, Sams is known for his homespun wisdom and country charm. This book has three tales. The elderly physician in "Epiphany" accepts a poor, proud patient with a frightening history, and their developing friendship provides emotional balm for both men. "Harmony Ain't Easy," the story of marital accord under stressful conditions, concerns a doctor and his wife, who avert discord when their car gets stuck along a steep mountain road. In "Relative & Absolute," the county's oldest man chats with teens about "the good old days," forging generational links and developing new understandings. Filled with charm and compassion, Sams's stories nourish the soul and uplift the spirit. Recommended for most fiction collections.Ellen R. Cohen, Rockville, Md.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
It's easy to spot the appeal of cult author Sams, whose best-known work is his first novel, Run with the Horsemen (1982). In this collection of three short stories, his signature blend of earthy humor and old-fashioned moralizing finds its truest expression in "Harmony Ain't Easy." On the surface, it's an amusing anecdote about a long-married couple's flower-picking excursion that winds up an unmitigated if hilarious disaster, but the story also works as a psychological exploration of the complex bond that sustains a marriage over 40 years. The story's tone is persistently upbeat and wry, masking the hard-won knowledge of a couple who have learned when to confront each other and when to swallow their pride. "Relative and Absolute" and the title story are, in effect, miniessays on race relations and the health-care system (Sams is a physician) that rely almost exclusively on dialogue. Unfortunately, the title story is the least successful because it is the most contrived. But there's no denying the uniqueness of Sams' voice, which is entrancing precisely because it's sometimes charming and sometimes strange. Joanne Wilkinson

ANNOTATION

From the author of the bestselling trilogy Run With the Horsemen, The Whisper of the River, and When All the World Was Young comes three new stories that confirm Sam's reputation as a master of the art of fiction. Each story renders the truth of the human heart with the humor and compassion that characterize his work.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In 1982, when he was 58, Georgia physician Sams published his first novel, Run with the Horsemen, to critical acclaim. Six books later, here's a collection of three long, rather philosophical stories that, although by no means flawless, exhibit the same wisdom and command of language as his earlier works. On the surface, the title story is an engaging tale about a quixotic old doctor battling the harassment of a pompous young medical bureaucrat while trying to treat the blood pressure of a simple working man too proud to ask help from anyone. A deepening relationship between doctor and patient evolves, allowing for the unfolding of a complex secondary story about injustice and racism. Ultimately, the perspectives of both men are profoundly changed. The middle story, ``Harmony Ain't Easy,'' examines the mettle-and enduring resources-of a 40-year marriage against the background of a wildflower-hunting expedition in the remote Georgia mountains that suddenly takes a harrowing turn. In the concluding story, ``Relative & Absolute,'' a trio of high-school seniors, for a class project, interview the town's oldest citizen about the not-so-good old days. While each tale is more than a bit preachy and burdened by long stretches of dialogue, all three are filled with warm insights and piquant questions about our inhumanity to one another. The homespun result is both satisfying and provoking-and well worth the read. (Oct.)

Library Journal

A prolific author and physician in Fayetteville, Georgia, Sams is known for his homespun wisdom and country charm. This book has three tales. The elderly physician in "Epiphany" accepts a poor, proud patient with a frightening history, and their developing friendship provides emotional balm for both men. "Harmony Ain't Easy," the story of marital accord under stressful conditions, concerns a doctor and his wife, who avert discord when their car gets stuck along a steep mountain road. In "Relative & Absolute," the county's oldest man chats with teens about "the good old days," forging generational links and developing new understandings. Filled with charm and compassion, Sams's stories nourish the soul and uplift the spirit. Recommended for most fiction collections.-Ellen R. Cohen, Rockville, Md.

School Library Journal

YA-Three stories that reflect the author's skillful use of narrative to reveal how relationships make people change or grow. The title piece is told in first-person medical dictations and in the third person. Dr. Mark Goddard meets Gregry McHune, a patient who is wary of people in general and of doctors in particular. As the physician provides time, care, and insights, Gregry entrusts him with his story, and the men become friends. The second selection is autobiographical; Sams tells about his marriage in ``Harmony Ain't Easy,'' a brief, raucous tale. Will Henry McEachern, the oldest citizen in the county, narrates the final story. Three high school seniors interview him about the changes he has seen-from the days of Reconstruction to the present-in education, economics, race relations, and integration. As he and the students exchange ideas, the interview becomes a dialogue about ``Relative & Absolute'' moral issues, and gradually the sense of obligation on both sides becomes respect and affection. YAs unfamiliar with Sams will appreciate his careful craftsmanship, sense of place, and keen ear for dialogue and pacing.-Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

BookList - Joanne Wilkinson