Book excerpt: Have you ever driven down a country road and noticed a majestic old tree? Have you ever wondered what stories that tree could tell about the things it has seen? If Only That Tree Could Talk addresses that very question, presenting the history of Louisiana from the perspective of a plantation live oak. When Rodney is in a car accident, a massive tree rescues him. Of course, at first, he can't believe the live oak is talking to him, but soon, that tree begins to share its many stories. Although fictionalized, the tree's stories are based on actual historical pictures, letters, and speeches, featuring real people who had tremendous impacts on the Pelican State. As a history teacher and native Louisianan, author Kevin Rodrigue uses the wisdom of an ancient tree to share the things that fascinate him about the culture of his surroundings. He hopes to not only entertain but also inspire readers to look into their own pasts and embrace the things that make them unique.