Reviews
"Few things are as timeless as a river and few rivers are as enchanting as our Savannah. That's just part of the message that Burke County native Lillian Powell Benson shares in her new book, Savannah River Meanderings, which explores the river's many wonders through the eyes and words of her late grandfather, William Henry Powell. His essays are as literary as they are informative... He wrote of fellowship and fishing with friends and of the owls, turkey vultures, snapping turtles and other creatures he met along the riverbanks. The second part of the book is devoted to the history and newer features o f the Savannah, some of which would have delighted Powell." Rob Pavey, Outdoor Editor, The Augusta Chronicle.
"What a treasure she has compiled , stories of geology and the wildlife and the people who thread through the history of the Savannah as told by a self described river rat... Don Lively, weekly columnist for The True Citizen newspaper and author of Howling at the Dixie Moon and South 'O Yonder.
"Setting out in his little jon boat, "Katie," with his trusted rods, "Sal the Slayer," "Kate the Killer," and "Murderous Minnie," Powell's voice finds a comfortable resting place somewhere between poet, environmentalist, historian and humorist." Elizabeth Billips, Associate Editor, The True Citizen newspaper, Waynesboro, Georgia
"Loved everything about the book...The first part as told by W.H. Powell was awesome:I was in the boat and walking the swamp with him. I can taste the hushpuppies and fish cooked on the riverbank. The second part brought back memories with all the names and descriptions. The illustrations were also awesome! " David Quick, Waynesboro, Georgia
"It will be one of my go-to books when I am sick in bed. How can you read about a bluebird call and not feel better!" Phyllis Thompson, Augusta, Georgia
"Powell does not offer us just fact and figures about steamboat traffic, up until WWII a common sight on the Savannah. Instead he places us with him on the old wharf in Augusta waiting for the big boat to arrive; and thus we too can see the 'black smoke drifting across the sky' and hear the sound of the boat's "deep toned whistle'.." Dr. Tom Mack, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, USC Aiken. From a review in the The Aiken Standard.
