Map of NC

Map of NC

December 15, 2016

A Great Christmas Read

Christmas is just around the corner!  We here at the NC Lit Map have quite a list of titles.  One of these, "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree" by Gloria Houston, is set in the mountains of North Carolina in the year 1918.  This classic children's tale is about a little girl, Ruthie, whose father has not yet come home from war.  As such, Ruthie and her mother must deliver to their town "the perfect Christmas tree" in her father's stead.  Interested in learning more?  Then check out this book at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading!



December 7, 2016

North Carolina in World War II

75 years ago today, on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was bombed by the Japanese.  According to President Roosevelt, it was "a date which will live in infamy".  Shortly after his speech, the USA officially entered World War II.  North Carolina, like many other states, sent scores of brave men to defend our country and its freedoms over the next four years of war.

The NC Literary Map has several titles pertaining to this subject.  In "North Carolina's Shining Hour", Mary Best and other authors showcase photographs and first-hand accounts of people in NC at home and abroad during the war.  In "War Zone: World War II Off the North Carolina Coast", historian Kevin P. Duffus describes the multitude of German U-boat attacks and attempts off of the NC coast in 1942.  He also includes the subsequent impacts on coastal residents.

Interested in learning more?  Then check out these books at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading!  A special thank you to our World War II veterans for your service and your sacrifice!





December 1, 2016

Christmas in Old Salem!

Looking for something fun to do during the holidays?  Then how about a visit to Old Salem, North Carolina?  Founded 250 years ago by the Moravians, the town of Salem has since been preserved as a historic museum and gardens near Winston-Salem, NC.  Interested in traditional Moravian love feasts, music, and more this Christmas season?  Then please visit Old Salem's website!

The NC Literary Map contains various titles about this fascinating community.  Winston-Salem native Molly Grogan Rawls wrote about the history and changes to Salem over the centuries in "Old Salem and Salem College".  Got kids?  Then you might want to peruse this fun historical fiction book entitled "An Old Salem Christmas, 1840" by Karen Cecil Smith.  This book describes the experiences of a young Moravian girl living in Salem at Christmas time in 1840.  Do you want to know more?  Then please check out these books at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading (and sightseeing)!




November 17, 2016

Happy Veterans Day!

Last week, the USA celebrated Veterans Day.  Do you know why November 11 was picked for such a special occasion?  On this date in 1918, an armistice, or treaty, was signed, officially ending World War I.  The day was thus originally called "Armistice Day".  In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the name was changed to "Veterans Day" to honor the veterans of all wars.

North Carolina sent many valiant men to fight in World War I.  Historian R. Jackson Marshall III shares some of their stories in his aptly entitled "Memories of World War I".  History professor Dr. Nancy Smith Midgette updated and expanded on the earlier works of historian Dr. Sarah McCulloh Lemmon.  The new book, "North Carolina and the Two World Wars", details the experiences of those who lived in NC from 1914, the beginning of WWI, to 1945, the end of WWII.  The volume includes the role and effects on North Carolina at home and abroad.

Interested in learning more?  Then check out these books at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading!  Thank you to all of our brave veterans!



November 10, 2016

NC Lit Map at NC Writers' Network Conference

Greetings!  On November 5th, the North Carolina Literary Map had a wonderful time meeting authors at the Fall 2016 NC Writers' Network Conference held in Raleigh, NC.  We enjoyed seeing plenty of awesome faces both old and new!  A great time was had by all!



November 3, 2016

Happy November!

November is here!  Autumn is setting the trees and the Appalachian mountains ablaze with colorful leaves.  The annual Thanksgiving feast is a few weeks away.  It's a time of family, food, fun, and tradition.  Many of our North Carolina authors agree.  Please take a peek with me at a few of their stories!

Henderson County native Evan Williams shares memories of growing up on his family apple orchard among multiple generations in "One Apple at a Time".  Native North Carolinian "Mama Dip", aka Mildred Council, eagerly shares her recipes and love of southern cooking with "Mama Dip's Kitchen", aptly named after her beloved restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC.  Finally, Dr. Eva Nell Mull Wike retells the story of her uncle and other relatives in "Fiddler of the Mountains".

Interested in learning more?  Then check out these books at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading!  Hope ya'll enjoy this time of year!





October 20, 2016

The 2016 North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame Ceremony

Congratulations!  On Sunday, October 16th, Margaret MaronClyde Edgerton, and Carl Sandburg were inducted into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame.  Members of the North Carolina Literary Map team attended the wonderful event held at the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities in Southern Pines.  A great time was had by all!





October 13, 2016

A Tribute to Eastern North Carolina

Almost a week ago, Hurricane Matthew tore through Eastern North Carolina, leaving massive devastation and flooding in its wake.  As rivers in this region continue to overflow, even more homes and businesses are being destroyed and inundated.  Roads have collapsed.  Bridges have washed away.  At least twenty people have died.  Thirty-one out of North Carolina's one hundred counties have been declared federal disaster areas by our governor.

The eastern part of our state is home to hundreds of authors, such as Nicholas Sparks, Clyde Edgerton, Margaret Maron, and Shelby Stephenson.  Over one thousand titles have been incorporated into the North Carolina Literary Map.  Several colleges and universities are located here, including East Carolina University, the University of Mount Olive, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

As this part of our state waits for the flood waters to recede from its towns and for the massive rebuilding and repair work to begin, we here at the North Carolina Literary Map support you.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  May you grow even stronger together as you recover and move on.





October 6, 2016

NC Writers' Network 2016 Fall Conference

The North Carolina Writers' Network 2016 Fall Conference will be held November 4-6 at the Marriott Hotel near the Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, NC.  The conference attracts hundreds of writers both locally and from across the country.  Among them are Margaret Maron, an award-winning novelist and 2016 North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame inductee.  She will be giving the keynote address.  NC Poet Laureate Shelby Stephenson will be a featured guest in a banquet given on the final night.  For more information, please check out the NC Writers' Network website.  Early registration ends October 28.  Spaces are filling up fast so sign up now if you are interested in attending!  We hope to see you there!


September 29, 2016

Thomas Wolfe's Birthday Celebration!

Join with Asheville, North Carolina, as they celebrate the 116th birthday of Thomas Wolfe!  On October 3, 1900, Wolfe, a well-renowned, highly-acclaimed author, was born here.  To honor his legacy, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site and the City of Asheville are teaming up to host a month-long series of events centered around this great novelist and his life.

The first event starts this Saturday, October 1st.  Interested?  Then please go visit this website!  Would you like to read some of the many books that Wolfe wrote?  Or how about one of the many biographies?  Then please check out your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading!  Happy Birthday Thomas Wolfe!


September 22, 2016

NC Lit Map at the Bookmarks Festival!

Greetings!  On September 10th, the North Carolina Literary Map had a wonderful time handing out tote bags and telling folks all about us at the Bookmarks Festival in Winston-Salem, NC.  We got to see plenty of awesome faces and meet lots of authors!  How cool is that?


September 8, 2016

Happy 100th Birthday NC State Parks!

By 1915, logging had decimated much of the forest on Mount Mitchell, NC, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.  Locke Craig, the then governor of North Carolina, introduced a bill in the state legislature to protect this area.  On March 3, 1915, Mount Mitchell became North Carolina's first state park.  Shortly afterwards, the North Carolina State Parks System was born.

Throughout 2016, the NC State Parks System is celebrating its centennial anniversary.  Mount Mitchell has been named the "North Carolina State Park of the Century".  A few books have been written about this magnificent mountain.  One of these is aptly entitled "Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains" by history professor Timothy Silver.  The author's work won the prestigious "Ragan Old North State Award" for nonfiction.  Interested in learning more?  Then check out this book at your local library or bookstore!

Perhaps one might even consider a trip to Mount Mitchell or one of the many other parks in the NC State Park System.  Wherever you end up going, please make sure to thank the NC State Parks workers for maintaining all of these sites across our state.  Happy 100th Birthday to the North Carolina State Parks!  Thank you so much for all of the work that you do!


Locke Craig, governor of North Carolina from 1913-1917, http://ncpedia.org/biography/craig-locke
Professor Timothy Silver's award winning book, http://uncpress.unc.edu/browse/book_detail?title_id=702

September 1, 2016

Ashe County Literary Festival 2016

The On the Same Page Literary Festival is coming up soon!  Georgann Eubanks and Diane Chamberlain are two of the many famous writers scheduled to appear.  This four-day "celebration of reading and writing" runs from Tuesday to Saturday, September 13-17, in West Jefferson, North Carolina.  Book and poetry readings, writers' workshops, and luncheons with bestselling authors are just a few of the many events being offered.  For further information, please visit their website.  Hope to see you there!



August 25, 2016

Happy 100th Birthday National Park Service!

Today is the 100th birthday of the National Park Service (NPS)!  Created on this day in 1916, the NPS currently maintains several sites in North Carolina.  Some of these places include the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.

The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is located in Flat Rock, North Carolina.  Carl Sandburg was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and speaker who, with his family, spent the last twenty-two years of his life here.  Interested in reading what Carl Sandburg wrote?  Then check out some of his many books at your local library or bookstore!

Perhaps you might even consider a trip to Flat Rock to see where this author lived and to learn more about his personal life.  Along the way, please make sure to thank the NPS for maintaining this and many other similar sites across the country.  Happy 100th Birthday National Park Service!  Thank you so much for all of the work that you do!


Sandburg's Flat Rock, NC, Home: https://www.nps.gov/carl/planyourvisit/index.htm

August 18, 2016

Bookmarks Festival 2016

John Grisham.  Kate DiCamillo.  Colson Whitehead.  Karen Robards.  What do all of these famous authors have in common?  They are all scheduled to appear at the upcoming Bookmarks Festival!  This four-day event runs from Thursday to Sunday, September 8-11, in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Book and poetry readings, writers' workshops, and book signings with award-winning authors are just a few of the many events being offered.  For more information, please visit the Bookmarks Festival website.  Hope to see you there!



August 9, 2016

Carolina Mountains' Literary Festival 2016

The Carolina Mountains' Literary Festival is coming up soon!  David Haskell, award-winning writer, scientist, and university professor, will be the keynote speaker.  This three-day event runs from Thursday to Saturday, September 8-10, at the Burnsville Town Center in Burnsville, North Carolina.  Book and poetry readings, writers' workshops, and banquets with award-winning authors are just a few of the many events being offered.  For more information, please visit the CMLitFest website.  Tickets to this exciting event are available now!



July 21, 2016

NC Lighthouses

Thinking about heading to a North Carolina beach?  How about exploring one of the state's seven lighthouses, while there?  Guarding just over 300 miles from Corolla down to Oak Island, these lighthouses were once used to warn ships and their crew of impending and often unseen dangers.  Today, most of these lighthouses have been decommissioned and are open to the public.

The NC Lit Map contains various titles about these magnificent structures.  Local historian John Hairr wrote about their history in "North Carolina Lighthouses and Lifesaving Stations".  Got kids?  Then you might want to peruse Terrance Zepke's aptly titled "Lighthouses of the Carolinas for Kids".  Interested in learning more?  Then check out these books at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading (and sightseeing)!

 



July 7, 2016

North Carolina in the U.S. Civil War

During the first three days of July 1863, in the midst of the U.S. Civil War, a massive battle was fought in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  The state of North Carolina sent more soldiers than other state in the South.  Consequently, they also lost more men.  In "North Carolina Remembers Gettysburg" by Michael C. Hardy, one can read the diaries and letters of many of these brave soldiers.  Hardy is an award-winning Civil War historian who has written much about North Carolina's role in this war, including the aptly titled "North Carolina in the Civil War".  Interested in learning more about this fascinating subject?  Then check out this author's books at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading!

 

June 30, 2016

Mecklenburg County Patriots

July Fourth, 1776, Independence Day, is traditionally known as the U.S.A.'s birthday.  However, did you know that Mecklenburg County, NC, declared their independence from Great Britain more than a year earlier?  On May 20, 1775, after hearing about the battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts, a small group of incensed militia leaders gathered to declare Mecklenburg County free from British rule.  Interested in learning more?  Then check out Scott Syfert's book, "The First American Declaration of Independence?", at your local library or bookstore.  Happy reading!  Happy Birthday to the United States of America!



June 21, 2016

Humor Fiction Via Ann B. Ross

Need a good laugh?  Then why not visit the North Carolina Literary Map's "Humor Fiction" section?  Ann B. Ross, former professor at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, has been writing the "Miss Julia" series since 1999.  Currently, there are over a dozen published books.

Miss Julia is a feisty Southern lady who lives in the fictional town of Abbotsville, North Carolina.  Unafraid to "speak her mind", this woman lands in one humorous escapade after another as she attempts to do the right thing and still maintain her dignified reputation.  If you want more than one hearty chuckle, then check out the series at your local library or bookstore.  Happy reading!




June 7, 2016

Dawn Tripp Coming to Lanier Library!

Best-selling novelist Dawn Tripp is coming to Tryon, North Carolina!  The author will be speaking at the Lanier Library Annual Meeting at the Tryon Fine Arts Center on the afternoon of June 12.  The reception immediately to follow will be next door at the Lanier Library.  Please visit the Lanier Library website for more information on this free community event.  Do not miss your chance to meet this very successful writer!



June 2, 2016

In Honor of Dr. Lee Shiflett

Note: this is a special post from the North Carolina Literary Map.  On May 27, 2016, Dr. Lee Shiflett, former chair of the Library and Information Studies (LIS) department at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G), passed away.

Dr. Shiflett was a LIS professor at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and then Louisiana State University before coming to the UNC-G LIS department in 2001.  He was also an author.  His works can be checked out at your local library or bookstore.

A strong advocate for libraries, especially relating to academia, his absence will definitely be felt.  Thank you for your service and commitment to the LIS field Lee Shiflett!  May you rest in peace!




May 26, 2016

NC's Outer Banks

Summertime is coming!  Last week, the focus was on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the west.  Now let's go to the eastern area of the state, specifically the Outer Banks.  These "Outer Banks" are actually 130 miles of barrier islands located just off of the North Carolina coast.  The NC Literary Map has several titles pertaining to this highly popular region of our state.

One of these books is entitled "On This Day in Outer Banks History" by Sarah Downing.  The Outer Banks has a fascinating history dating all the way back to the days of Blackbeard and 18th century pirates.  From the Wright Brothers' inaugural flight in 1903 to modern-day tourism, one can always learn more about this region's exciting past.  Check it out at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading (and traveling)!



May 19, 2016

NC's Blue Ridge Parkway

Summer is right around the corner!  How about a vacation?  From the Southern Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean and the Outer Banks in the east, the opportunities for fun recreation and exploration abound in North Carolina.

Let's take a look at the mountains, specifically the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This road traverses 469 scenic miles from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.  The NC Literary Map has several titles pertaining to this unique feature of our state.

One of these books is entitled "Blue Ridge Parkway Vistas: A Comprehensive Identification Guide" by photographer and author Tim Barnwell.  This informative book gives the names of various peaks seen from the Parkway overlooks, as well as nearby popular attractions both on and off this road.  Check it out at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading (and traveling)!



May 5, 2016

Growing Fruits and Vegetables

As promised last week, here is another book about gardening North Carolina style from our list at the NC Literary Map.  Do you like to save money by eating your own produce?  Are you interested in growing your own fruits and vegetables?  If so, try this resource entitled "Carolinas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening" by Katie Elzer-Peters.  This comprehensive guide offers advice and information on growing a variety of fruits and vegetables from planting to harvest.  Check it out at your local library or bookstore!  Happy reading!



April 28, 2016

North Carolina Gardening!

Spring has sprung!  Flowers are in bloom, the trees are leafing out again, pollen is in the air...  During this time of year, many choose to spruce up their green thumbs and plant a garden.  The NC Literary Map has several titles to help jump start or perhaps maintain all of this beautiful greenery.

One of these books is entitled "The Carolinas Gardener's Handbook" by Toby Bost and  Bob Polomski.  This comprehensive guide contains information, advice, and challenges on a variety of types of garden plants.  Check it out at your local library or bookstore!

Please come back next week for a quick glimpse at another book about gardening in North Carolina!  Happy reading!





April 14, 2016

National Library Week 2016

This week, April 10-16, is National Library Week!  This annual event is sponsored by the American Library Association and observed by libraries across the United States.  The entire month of April is also known as National Poetry Month, started by the Academy of American Poets.

In honor of these two events, I would like to share a quote by former UNCG professor and US Poet Laureate Randall Jarrell from a talk given to the American Library Association many years ago.

"I rarely feel happier than when I am in a library - very rarely feel more soothed and calm and secure.  And there in the soft gloom of the stacks, a book among books, almost, I feel very much in my element - a fish come back to sea; a baby come back to the womb.

I like libraries so much I feel depressed that my cat can't check out books, too."

Happy Library Week and National Poetry Month!


April 7, 2016

NC Writers' Network 2016 Spring Conference

The North Carolina Writers' Network 2016 Spring Conference is coming up on April 23!  Michael Parker, a writing professor at UNCG, as well as a successful novelist, will give the keynote address.  Other writers and professors will teach and lead various classes in this all-day event held in the MHRA building on the University of North Carolina at Greensboro campus.  For more information, please check out the NC Writers' Network website.  Preregistration is currently open until April 17.  Spaces are filling up fast so sign up now if you are interested in attending!  We hope to see you there!


March 31, 2016

Easter Monday

Did you know that Easter Monday used to be a North Carolina state holiday?  Do you know why?  It all started with a baseball game.  Wake Forest University (WFU) used to be located near Raleigh.  WFU had a long-standing baseball rivalry with what is now known as NC State University.

The annual game was so popular that everyone, including government workers, would skip work to attend the game.  Thus, the NC government eventually declared Easter Monday a state holiday, though this is no longer in effect today.

For more information about this once beloved historical event, please check out the aptly titled "The Easter Monday Baseball Game" by Tim Peeler.  You can find this book at your local library or bookstore.  Happy reading!



March 24, 2016

North Carolina Basketball

A secret interracial college game in 1944.  A college athlete turned award-winning coach, now retired.  The ongoing rivalry between Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.  What do all of these books have in common?  Basketball.  March in North Carolina is an important time for this sport.

The first reference is for a book entitled The Secret Game by Scott Ellsworth.  The second, On the Rim of the Basket, by Jim Hartbarger.  The third, The Blue Divide, by Johnny Moore and Art Chansky.  You can check out all of these books and more at your local library or bookstore.  Happy reading!

  



March 3, 2016

Chris Bohjalian Coming to UNCG!

New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian is coming to the Elliott University Center at the UNC-Greensboro campus! The author will be the guest speaker at the Friends of the UNCG Libraries' annual dinner on the evening of March 22. Please visit the Friends of the UNCG Libraries' webpage for more information, including how to purchase tickets for the event. Do not miss your chance to meet this very successful writer!



February 25, 2016

Shelby Stephenson Tribute

Bit and Grain, an online newspaper dedicated to promoting North Carolina places and people, has published an excellent article on our current North Carolina Poet Laureate, Shelby Stephenson.  The NC Literary Map has a list of Stephenson's works, which can be found at your local library or bookstore.  Enjoy this tribute to one of our state's highly recognized authors!


February 18, 2016

North Carolina Barbecue

Would you like some new recipes or restaurants to try?  How about original North Carolina barbecue?  Perhaps you should read what local "barbecue man" Bob Garner has to say about one of our state's favorite foods.  NC Bookwatch has even done a special about him.  While you are reading, or eating, why not try a soft drink called Cheerwine?  This beverage was created in Salisbury, North Carolina.  You can check out Bob Garner's books at your local library or bookstore.  Enjoy!





http://www.unctv.org/content/ncbookwatch/authors/garner2012
http://www.cheerwine.com/about