Review of South Of The Hill

[Judy Burr]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "South Of The Hill" by Grace Boykin.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

South of the Hill by Grace Boykin is the story of her grandfather Frank W. Boykin of Alabama. Congressman Frank W. Boykin was elected on July 30, 1935. At the expiration of the eighty-fourth Congress, he would have been in Congress for over twenty-eight years. He was well-known throughout the nation.

As a self-made man, at the age of eight, he went to work as a water boy with a railroad to support his large family. He was educated by a teacher at night.

During his life, he was known for his many careers in real estate, timber production, farming, cattle-raising, and shipbuilding. As a conservationist of game and natural resources, he reforested thousands of acres of cut-over land and planted seven million pine seedlings throughout his lifetime.

He owned a famous game preserve forty-five miles north of Mobile, Alabama. Many people, including friends of the congressman, hunted on his preserve, called McIntosh, Alabama. Another fascinating fact about the congressman is that he was a lover of animals and proved it by rescuing many dogs from dog pounds and shipping them to friends all over the U.S.

In Congress, Frank was a member of the Rivers and Harbors Committee, Public Buildings and Ground Committee, Merchant Marine, and Fisheries Committee, and was the chairman of the House Patent Committee. The Boykin Act is a bill that clarifies patent and trademark legislation that he sponsored.
Grace, a history teacher, was given the recently found files of her grandfather that were recovered by Bob Boykin, her father, and her sister Star. She wrote the book to share his letters, photos, news clippings, notes, and memoirs.

I enjoyed how Grace organized the book. Along with memorabilia, she also wrote about the history of our country during that time. Readers will join Frank on his campaign trail, encountering young representatives, senators, presidents, and future presidents. Readers can even sit in with Frank at meetings about the hard times during wartime and the good times of progress.

The book was professionally edited. There was nothing I disliked about this book. This is an educational and entertaining book for readers of all ages. Frank loved to invite his friends to his hunting preserve, and he was a generous and philanthropic man, along with being a shrewd negotiator.

Thanks to Grace for compiling the files, merging the background history, and sharing this remarkable story of her grandfather with readers of any age. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend the book to everyone who would like to enjoy spending time reading by stepping back into history and meeting the extraordinary man, Frank W. Boykin.

******
South Of The Hill
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Leslie coccia]

This book seems like a wonderful way to learn about Frank Boykin’s life and his impact on history and the way in which he was so valued by many people. Great review!

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

Frank had an extraordinary and remarkable life. This is someone who is a real entrepreneur. He wore many hats to make things happen for him: real estate, timber production, farming, cattle-raising, and shipbuilding. It seems like he never said no to an opportunity. The book is inspiring

[Louis Donald]

The life of Frank W. Boykin seems both inspiring and fascinating, especially his commitment to conservation and his diverse career. I appreciate how Grace Boykin organized the book to blend personal stories with historical context. It sounds like an engaging read, and I’m definitely interested in exploring it to learn more about his legacy.

[Pearl Flourish]

Grace Boykin’s “South of the Hill” offers an intimate glimpse into the life of her grandfather, Congressman Frank W. Boykin, showcasing his journey from a young water boy to a prominent political figure. The narrative is enriched with personal letters, photographs, and historical context, painting a vivid picture of his multifaceted career and philanthropic endeavors. The book’s organization seamlessly blends personal anecdotes with broader historical events, making it both educational and engaging. It’s a heartfelt tribute that brings history to life through the lens of a remarkable individual.

[George Bastem]

The story of Frank W. Boykin is inspiring, showcasing his hard work and dedication throughout his life. I appreciate how Grace Boykin blends personal memoirs with historical context, offering readers a deeper look into a remarkable man's life and the times he lived through. It sounds like a great read for anyone interested in history and personal triumphs.