Coal Dust Dreamer

In “Coal Dust Dreamer,” author Jim Dorris is able to captivate readers with his experiences in Western Kentucky during the late 1940s, ’50s and early ’60s. By examining his thoughts and feelings through poetic and photographic snapshots, Dorris gives readers the opportunity to imagine a simpler time.

Nostalgia is a present theme throughout this book, especially within the photographs, which were all taken by the author’s mother. Although a unique phenomenon at the time, Dorris’ mother captured life through taking photographs and developing them for future generations. Dorris has used these photographs and his poetry throughout Coal Dust Dreamer, hoping that readers will rediscover a part of their past, whether or not they were reared in Kentucky.