Growing Up Hard in Harlan County

By: G.C. Jones

Narrated by: Kirk Winkler

G.C. "Red" Jones' classic memoir of growing up in rural eastern Kentucky during the Depression is a story of courage, persistence, and eventual triumph. His priceless and detailed recollections of hardscrabble farming, of the impact of Prohibition on an individualistic people, of the community-destroying mine wars of "Bloody Harlan", and of the drastic dislocations brought by World War II are essential to understanding this seminal era in Appalachian history.

The book is published by The University Press of Kentucky. The audiobook will be published by University Press Audiobooks.

©1985 The University Press of Kentucky (P)2018 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A vivid and moving testament to G.C. 'Red' Jones' efforts to win the personal, financial, and political battles that filled his years." (Manchester Enterprise)

"An absorbing tale told." (Washington Post)

"Draws the reader into a sometimes frightening world of survival." (Lexington Herald-Leader)

American History at its Best

Jones is a wonderful story teller. Fast moving and authentic, the authors’s descriptions of farm and coal country life are riveting. My parents lived in Harlin County during the depression. The story is a gift to Americans as it captures beautifully the tough spirit of country folks during difficult times told by a decent hard working man that never gave up. I feel blessed to have heard it.

Great book

I love this book being from Kentucky take your mind to a whole different time growing up in farm country some of the old ways are still as there were then growing up hard is exactly what they done back then and there still a lot of that in Kentucky but you learn those ways you can survive Dern near anything still to the day