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“Boogers and Boo-Daddies” A dead mother leaves her grave to keep her child from starving. A hermit’s ghost transforms a fire into a hatchet. And the creaking wheels of the wagon who once took the condemned to the gallows are still heard echoing eerily down the street. This anthology of tales such as these are Blair Publishing staff’s favorite folklore stories culled from 20 of the company’s books. These tales of goblins, ghouls, boo-daddies, ghost dogs and more span the high peaks and mountain hollows to the swamps and barrier islands of North Carolina. Ten authors wrote the stories in this collection, which range chronologically from 1966 to 2002. Titles include “The Hatchet-Swinging Fire,” The Ghost Who Rang The Gatehouse Bell,” Wicket Witch of Nantahala,” and “Blackbeard Cup.” Published by John F. Blair Publisher of Winston Salem. Hardcover, $13.95. Call (336) 768-1374 or visit www.blairpub.com |
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Spine-tingling novel In “I Remember When They Took Her,” North Carolina author Mario Watts takes readers on an eerie sci-fi journey. The story takes place in the fall of 2000, months after a newlywed couple moves to the small town of Aurora, and is told by a mother whose 12-year-old daughter is kidnapped. Days after the unusual kidnapping, the mother struggles with unexplained dreams of outer space creatures and news of similar, odd kidnappings. As each day unfolds, truths about her life and the path she must take are painstakingly brought to light. Published by iUniverse, Inc. Softcover, $11.95. Call (877) 823-9235 or visit www.iuniverse.com |
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Active getaways Who says playing hard means you have to rough it? “Play Hard, Rest Easy” covers high-energy recreation, stylish lodging, and great dining across the Carolinas and Georgia. This new guidebook profiles 12 scenic vacation regions, with detailed information on mountain biking, paddling, scuba diving, hiking, and rock climbing, as well as elegant restaurants, inns and other properties with experience hosting active travelers. Locations include the Outer Banks, Wilmington, the High Country and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Authors Malcolm Campbell and Deron Nardo, both of Charlotte, included such detailed information as restaurant wine lists, antique shopping and performing arts venues. Black and white photos and maps. Published by Walkabout Press in Charlotte. Softcover, $19.95. Call (800) 231-3949 or visit www.walkaboutpress.com back to books index |
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“Sometimes I Talk, Sometimes I Sign” “Sometimes I Talk, Sometimes I Sign” is an illustrated, multi-language children’s book that provides text in English, Spanish, Sign Language and French. The story has Sarah Ana talking about her daily life and her birthday party plans with her hearing mother in spoken English and her deaf father in sign language. The author, Dr. Anne Macintosh, is on the faculty at Central Piedmont Community College and a member of EnergyUnited. The book is $19.95 plus shipping and handling. Call (704) 330-6212. Or send e-mail to Susan Alford at susan.alford@cpcc.edu. Or visit www.cpccservicescorp.com. |
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Forest City lynching A century ago, a growing population, an agricultural crisis, a developing textile industry and race relations inflamed Rutherford County. “The Forest City Lynching of 1900” examines racism in Rutherford County, and documents the murder and lynching of Avery Mills after he allegedly murdered Mills Higgins Flack. Author J. Timothy Cole of Greensboro discusses the phenomena of racial lynching, the county’s Populist movement, the white supremacy movement of the state’s Democratic Party and the county’s Ku Klux Klan activities. Published by McFarland & Company of Jefferson. Softcover, $30. Black and white photos and drawings. Call (800) 253-2187 or visit www.mcfarlandpub.com |