The Wrong Side of the River is a book that takes you on a emotional roller coaster ride from the start to the finish. Mr. Johnson's book tells us about triumph over his childhood. He faced many obstacles to become the person he is today. He broke the cycle of alcoholism that ran in his family for years. His story teaches us that we can overcome any thing we might face in this world. No matter what is going on. No matter how big or how small it might be. We can come out of it as a stronger, happier person. Mr. Johnson had a great grandmother who taught him about God. It was by the Grace of God that gave him the strength to say, "Enough is Enough". I would love to hear about the rest of his story. This book is a must read for all. Nickie Hopkins Ft Riley, Kansas
A lost child, December 14, 2007
As you read this book you will begin to feel the pain and sorrow the author went through growing up in a dysfunctional family. You are drawned into his story from the first chapter and will not be able to stop reading until the end. The courage of a young boy to say "no more" is inspiring to all who have read this book. If you grew up and had a normal childhood, then read this and feel the pain that so many other children have felt who were not as lucky as you. If you grew up in a dysfunctional family this book will inspire you to obtain a better life. You will learn to never give up. It will show you that things can be better for you no matter what has happened in your past. The author is reaching out his hand to all and saying miracles do happen. It is your choice which path to take. You can stay the victim or grow and strive for better things. Mr. Johnson will show you it is possible. He chose victory over defeat and so can you. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a good book. Sandy Heptinstall Leesville, Louisiana
Wow!, March 14, 2007
Vivien Warstat
BC Canada
I purchased this book as the write up intreged me. This is not my normal type of reading, but Cliff is obviously a wonderful author. I just couldn't put this book down. I recommend this book for everyone. What a life this young boy had. Keep up the great work Cliff. I'm looking forward to your next book.
A Five Star Book!, March 10, 2007
Donna Bowman
Taylorsville,NC
A wonderful book that puts you right there with the author. If you want to experience an adventure through the eyes of a young boy, then this is the book for you. Get it and read it and you will want to read it again and again.
Marcia Ferrell
I bought your book at your booth in Jackpot, Nevada and read it on vacation, and I wanted to tell you what I thought of it: What a good read! Totally engrossing. I couldn't put it down, always wondering what could possibly happen next. That Christmas tree episode. "What's a sickle?" I laughed out loud. I love the conclusion --suspenseful and satisfying.
I really get a flavor of the places and times you lived in, from the Louisiana bayou to the mountains of Washington. Growing up with such a bunch of screwed-up adults could certainly make someone bitter and vengeful, but you have a down-to-earth presentation of "this is the way it was," with a mixture of humor and sadness. This book should be a movie, it really should. It has a Huck Finn quality of the life of a very resourceful boy growing up in a chaotic but colorful world. By the way, I love the cover, it really captures the mood.
(Are you going to write a sequel? I imagine you have sown some wild oats in your younger days.)
Ginny Wood, January 2005 I was riveted to each page wanting to find out what happens next. "Its just great reading, vulnerable, exciting, sad and powerful"
Dr Anne Fritz, a lover of good literature, November 17, 2004. You will feel the river between your toes! Cliff's wonderful account of his less than wonderful childhood bears witness to the greatness of his spirit and the excellence of his story telling ability. You will be there with him in the dark swirling waters as he struggles to escape from the grip of he-who-would-drown-him. You will be there while he smears cooling mud on his naked five year old body and rings the doorbell proudly to share his work of art..... It is a book of delight and philosophy and humor and humanity. Uplifting, hopeful, happy, sad. Strongly recommended.
Megan Rule, an Aussie mum, November 12, 2004, How to lighten up the dark This is an inspiring story that will make your blood run cold at times, but Cliff's gentle sense of humor is always there to carry you through. To me this book illustrates why a sense of humor is so necessary especially in dark times. You will read this book very quickly as you will warm to Cliff from the early pages and will keep turning the pages to find out 'what happens next'. I would love to see this book made into a movie.
John Spradlin, A reviewer, November 1, 2004, A touching true story-- hard to put down! The author tells his personal story of growing up in the deep South as an unwanted child, passed from relative to relative. He was neglected, abused, abandoned, and nearly murdered -- all before the age of ten! -- but he makes it through with his sense of humor and youthful innocence. This book reads like a modern-day Tom Sawyer or David Copperfield. It emphasizes the idea that no matter how bad your situation might be, you can choose how to react to it. Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, this story will speak to anyone who's ever thought they had it rough. Just because life put you on the 'wrong side of the river', doesn't mean you have to stay there!
I have just finished reading Wrong Side of the River - the Christmas in prison poem is heartbreaking and beautiful! Sandy L.; Wichita, Kansas
You paint a moving portrait of what poverty, alcohol and desperation can do to people and those they love. Also the way hardship hardens people. You sure have seen a lot of the dark side of life. Lisa W. - Twin Falls, Idaho
You keep me laughing though, through flood, fire, alligators, attempted murder and hurricane. I love the way you taught Pawpaw a lesson by not waking him before he wrecked!! Morris and the raft - what an amazing kid you were! Erin V.- Orange, Texas
I absolutely love the boy you were, you are/were hilarious, and full of life and light and guts and determination. The stories you tell about being poor (e.g. having to take the shower at school) and living in such a dysfunctional family are so moving and enlightening. You are an amazing mix of sensitivity and toughness. William P.; Twin Falls, Idaho
Wrong Side of the River is a fantastic book - I wish you every success with it, you certainly deserve it! Larry R.; Boise, Idaho
Despite many grim situations, young Cliff's mischievous and courageous personality shines from each page and helps to keeps this story bright. The energetic pace made this memoir one I was unable to put down. Cindy M. Seattle, Wa.
You created great tension and drama. You are a class act Cliff. Would you like an old woman to help you out on your promotional tour? M. Lynch; White Plains, New York
Its just great reading, vulnerable, exciting, sad and powerful. Linda M. - Lake Charles, Louisiana
Just had to let you know that I read your book Cliff, and really enjoyed it. It's so hard to fathom someone going through all that you did, and still turn out as well as you have. It was such a heart wrenching story. Only wish you could have gone on longer with it. Have you got a sequel in the makings? Jeanne & Richard Wilson; Tulsa, Oklahoma
Do you have any comments? Cliff would love to hear from you.
It is a must buy for all who believe in the power of love.
December 3, 2007
I really have enjoyed this book. One of the things I liked about this book is it came around a full circle. It wasn't like a lot of books that leave you wondering what happened to the characters at the end of the book. If anyone out there has had a special grandparent like Bepo in this story then your heart will be filled with all the lovely memories once again. If you believe in love at first sight "as do I" then this is a book for you to buy. Ms. Jennings leads you through sadness and joy in this book. You just fall in love with most of the characters in this book. Plus a few twist and turns that you never saw coming. For readers who just want to take a day and relax then this is the book for you to buy. You will be transported to Carrie's Farm but be careful as you may find you don't want to leave. Sandy Heptinstall--Leesville, Louisiana
I Loved This book! Jerri Ellis, A reviewer
11/15/2007
I loved this book. I could not put it down. This story is about my great grandmothers farm. I was so intrigued. The author wote a very captivating book. I couln't wait to get to each new chapter to see what was going to happen next. I would reccommend this book to everyone I know. Great job Bette Lou!
A Love Story You Won't Forget
October 15, 2007
Carrie's Farm is best described as a romantic, heart-wrenching tale that will appeal to many readers. The characters become friends as we are drawn into their individual dramas. Events intertwine to tell a love story that is bursting with secrets, but love will prevail in a most surprising way. This novel feels more like a conversation with a close friend, than a book full of words.
Cliff Johnson -- Filer, Idaho
A reviewer Daun Troncin, A reviewer, 11/10/2007
This had enough mystery to make me want to know how it ended and enough romance to keep it fun to read. This is a great 'beach read'!
A reviewer Louis Krepcik, Biker, 11/09/2007 Very supenseful and moving love story which creates many tears and laughter. Easy to read and easy to becoming involved with the characters.Love story with lots of family secrets.
Fantastic story Joyce Barber (Joyce1216@cableone.net), bookseller, 11/08/2007 This is an amazing story. I laughed and cried. I think this will be a bestseller!
Do you have any comments? Bette would love to hear from you.
A reviewer