Mr Steele and Mr waterman: Have neither of you ever read TRUSTEE FROM THE TOOL ROOM by Nevil Shute? It's a wonderful read!
One of my all-time favorites, along with
In The Wet and
Round the Bend, 2 more of his best IMO.
Just finished re-reading Cowan's
Sergeant York and His People, another favorite albeit written in a completely different and now-outmoded style. My Mother's family is also from Middle Tennessee and, like York's ancestors, were living there long before statehood. Her hometown is somewhat South of York's hometown but has much the same sort of folks and re-reading the book brought back memories of many enjoyable vacations spent there.
Regards, Joe