New Release
Where There's a Will, There's a Way
Ma was a crafty lady who had been taught well by her father and mother, Elias Samuel Totten and Nancy Jane Bradford Totten. She learned to cook, sew, plow, hoe, pick cotton, do housework, and dry apples and peaches for fried pies. She worked like a man. She could plow behind a mule as well as most men. She could also pull her weight in using a crosscut saw for cutting logs and firewood for the fireplace, kitchen cook stove, and the big iron potbelly heating stove that heated our house.
Exciting news, everyone! My new book, Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, has just been released! This book is a memoir of my life growing up in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Cleburne County, Arkansas, during the Great Depression.
I share the struggles and triumphs of growing up as the ninth child in a family of eleven, experiencing poverty, and always dreaming of a better life. I also include the people who made a difference in my life, motivating and challenging me to become the man I am today.
Carl J. Barger
Books by Carl J. Barger
What Readers Are Saying
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2023
I recently had the pleasure of reading Carl J. Barger’s latest book, Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, and I must say, I was completely captivated from start to finish. This heartwarming memoir tells the story of Barger’s upbringing in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Cleburne County, Arkansas, during the Great Depression. Barger’s family faced tremendous hardships and struggles, yet they persevered through the power of family and faith.
Ma, the matriarch of the family, was a remarkable woman who worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Her strength and resilience were awe-inspiring, and I found myself admiring her more and more with each passing chapter. Barger’s vivid descriptions of Ma’s skills, such as cooking, sewing, and farming, transported me to another time and place, making me feel as if I was right there with her in the midst of her daily activities.
Barger’s story is not only a testament to his family’s determination and spirit, but it also highlights the importance of education and the power of community. Barger shares his experiences of attending school in a one-room schoolhouse, and how he and his siblings worked hard to earn their education despite the financial difficulties they faced. He also recognizes the teachers who had a significant impact on his life and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
What I loved most about Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way was Barger’s positive attitude and his unwavering belief that anything is possible with hard work and determination. His story is an inspiration to all those who may be facing adversity and are unsure of what the future holds. Barger reminds us that with a little faith and a lot of perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle.
Overall, I highly recommend Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way to anyone looking for an uplifting and inspiring read. Barger’s beautiful prose, heartfelt storytelling, and positive outlook on life will leave you feeling motivated and inspired. I also appreciate Barger’s dedication to documenting the history of Cleburne County, Arkansas, through his various books. He is a true treasure, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
(Amazon Review)
Houston Phillips
Review on "Where There's a Will, There's a Way"
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2019
(Amazon Review)
Patricia Vincent
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Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2019
(Amazon Review)
Terry Castleberry
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