Reviews
“This book is the best on Pinelands folklife since Beck’s memorable Forgotten Towns of Southern New Jersey series. A must read for anybody interested in Piney lore.”
— Ben Ruset, webmaster, NJPineBarrens.com
“Voices in the Pines is an exciting continuation of the story of the people of the New Jersey pinelands through the centuries.It is certainly a ‘must have’ book for everyone who loves New Jersey’s pinelands.”
— John Pearce, Heart of the Pines: Ghostly Voices of the Pine Barrens
“Voices in the Pines presents a captivating, diversified, and at times unexpected view of several residents of New Jersey’s Pinelands. The common thread throughout the book is that each one of these dynamic characters, whether they’ve resided here for nine generations or merely a few years, all share in different ways a special love, understanding and respect for this wonderful place we are all proud to call home!”
— Cathy Antener, Owner/Publisher, PineyPower.com
"Voices in the Pines is an easy read because it is a fun read. And what an education while you are experiencing Pinelands lore. You will learn a lot about people and cranberries too. When I claim to have saved the Pinelands, I mean I tried to save it for people and places you will experience in Karen Riley’s book. She clearly knows what she is talking about and covers it delightfully."
— Brendan T. Byrne, Former Governor, State of New Jersey
"Through the stories of many diverse people of the Pine Barrens, Karen Riley captures the special spirit of its people—past and present. Representing many ways of living in the Pines, they make up a community that is neither static nor homogenous. Yet they share a love for this place, and their narratives show us the many ways people live by and within the Pine Barrens’ unique landscape."
— Carleton Montgomery, Executive Director, Pinelands Preservation Alliance
"With an infectious admiration and deep respect for her subject, Ms. Riley paints for her readers a vivid tapestry of perhaps the most important asset available in the Pinelands: its proud and resourceful people."
— Tony O’Donnell, Plumsted Township
"I just wanted to say thank you for writing such a delightful book about the Pine Barrens. I loved the stories, and my husband and I reminisced about the "painted rock", Lucilles, and doing our own Jersey Devil hunting. It was fascinating learning about the lives of the people such as the Gibersons' and what they give back to the community and to the Pines. Also the Lee family with the cranberry bogs. Over the years I'd heard stories (not being a NJ native), but you actually brought them to life for me.
Thank you for taking me back in time for a bit, to a simpler more meaningful way of life."
— Karen Voorhees, New Egypt
