Greensboro Daily Photo

Greensboro Is First Stop for Author John Hart

Tuesday night, against a backdrop of periodicals, author John Hart spoke at Barnes and Noble Booksellers at Friendly Center in Greensboro.  Tuesday was the first day that his new novel, Redemption Road, was released and Greensboro was the author's first stop on a 65 day book tour. Redemption Road is Mr. Hart's first book in five years. This former Greensboro Resident explained to the local audience of faithful fans how he did not want to submit a book for publication until he was confident it would be worthy of his readers' time. He was 300 pages into an earlier draft when he realized the story was not one he wanted to tell. Regarding Redemption Road, the early comments from the publishing houses and critics, are favorable, with some saying  this is his best book yet.

Not only can Mr. Hart write, he is also a very good public speaker who is personable and connects with his audience. In addition to answering questions from the audience, he took time to say a few kind words to people who waited in line to have copies of the book signed. Most people know Mr. Hart practiced law in Salisbury, NC. However, not many know he was a French literature major at Davidson College in NC. Reading French literature likely contributed to Mr. Hart's ability to tell a good, complex story. Knowing some of the backstory about the writing of the book really contributes to the joy of reading it. We're about 100 pages in and loving it. 

Books Galore

This photo was taken on Friday night at the annual book sale at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Lawndale Drive-- the calm before the storm. Saturday was when items were $10 a grocery bag- as much as you can stuff in the bag and carry. People know their genre and categories. Late Friday night, categories of choice were popular fiction, military history, dog handling, and classics. On Saturday, there were crowds of people trying to gather their year's supply of reading. A Greensboro tradition since the late 1950's, this is the 58th annual book sale.  While in this room, time stands still and shoppers forget that we are living in digital device era.

Today is Theme Day for the City Daily Photo community and the May theme day challenge is to convey the idea of SMELL through a photo. Well, you can imagine the smell of a room full of books. If you love that old book smell, but are totally committed to reading on your Kindle, you can order this unisex perfume "Dead Writers." With prominent notes of clove, vanilla, and tobacco, it smells like old books. Alternatively, you can look for book sales in Greensboro or hang out at one of our fabulous libraries.

Angel Matthews

Angel Matthews, lifelong resident of the Guilford/Randolph County area, writes historical novels. When she promotes her novels, she dresses in period costumes which she makes herself. We saw her on Saturday in Gibsonville promoting her latest book, "Charlotte Confederate Calvary Soldier."  The book is displayed on the table in the foreground. Angel was especially happy to be roaming the halls of Gibsonville Antiques and Collectibles*, because the building, built in 1868,  was formerly the Mineola Plant, part of the Cone Mills Company. The building became part of Cone Mills in 1880 and remained open until 1988. Angel got her first job there and, given her love of history, she was quick to point out that the names written on the walls are signatures of former mill workers.

We asked Angel how she became interested in writing and, specifically, historical novels. She said her 8th grade history teacher was such a great teacher that he sparked her interest in both history and writing. How wonderful to be able to pinpoint the very educator who was pivotal in determining the course of your life. If you are interested in getting a copy of Angel's book or want to read a summary, it is available on Amazon. The book takes place in North Carolina  and includes the themes of love, war, and the Underground Railroad. You can also contact Angel directly on Facebook. It would be fun to read for a book club. Who knows, if you are local, you could quite possible convince Angel to make a guest appearance!

*if you like North Carolina textile mill history, this link is well worth reading (here).

U for Unicorn Press

Unicorn Press is tucked away inside the Glenwood Coffee and Books Co-op at 1310 Glenwood Avenue. As stated on their website, Unicorn Press was founded in 1966 in Santa Barbara, CA and was relocated to Greensboro in 1972. Al Brilliant, one of the three founders, continues to run the press, today. (Reference, here).

Unicorn is especially known for the poetry it publishes as well as its contest to publish a book of poetry for poets who have not previously published one. Greensboro poet Mark Smith-Soto served as the final judge for last year's contest. The submission period for 2015 has just ended and we will know on December 1st who won for this year.

We wish Al had been around the day we were in Glenwood. With fifty years of experience in publishing, Al is known as a preeminent small press publisher and known for publishing high quality works of poetry. By 2004, Al had published the work of six Nobel Prize winning poets* Greensboro is lucky to have such a talented and unassuming publisher in our midst.

Today is ABC Wednesday and for our A-Z Local series, U is for Unicorn Press!

* reference and Al's fascinating background.

57th Annual Book Sale at St. Francis Episcopal Church

Today is Day 1 of the Annual Book Sale at St. Francis Episcopal Church at 3506 Lawndale Avenue. According to their website, they have over 50,000 volumes ranging from "rare/old" to "choice" and everything in between. The entire Parish Hall is filled with books. Proceeds will help several very-worthy causes in the area. This is the main fundraiser of the year for the church. The 200+ volunteers have been setting up for a week now; and, people have been donating all year. The sale starts promptly at 9:00 am today and will be open until 8:00 tonight. Friday's hours are the same. Saturday's sale will be from 9:00- 1:00 and the bargains will be impressive.

For those of us who still love print and paper books, this is a fabulous event. They do not accept books in poor condition; none that have been water-damaged, no smoke, mildew, missing pages, etc. If you want to learn more, here is the website. Hope to see you there! Today!

International Women's Day 2015

International Women's Day was celebrated yesterday at Scuppernong Books on South Elm Street. People of all ages and backgrounds assembled to enjoy a diverse collection of voices: Jaki Shelton Green, Debra Kaufman, Veronica Grossi, Ashley "Milli" Lumpkin, Barbara Kenyon, Trudy Young Taylor, Sheryl Rider, Birgul Tuzlali, and Stephanie Lindley. These nine accomplished writers spoke to a full house in the back of the bookstore. In the above photo, "Milli" is reading some of her emotional, powerful poetry. How nice to have these wonderful literary events in our community. Thank you, Scuppernong's.

In addition to the event at Scuppernong's, down the street, in the Greensboro Coliseum, the women's basketball team of Notre Dame played and beat Florida State, becoming 2015 ACC tournament champions. Yesterday, from having their way with sports to having their way with words, women in Greensboro were being celebrated for living their dreams. To women everywhere, may this be the best year ever!

Charles D. Rodenbough

Charles Rodenbough was one of the featured authors at yesterday's 2nd annual event for authors at the O. Henry Hotel. In the above photo, Mr. Rodenbough is holding one of his books, entitled, "Separated at Birth How I Found my Orthodox Twin... A Protestant's Journey in the World of Orthodoxy." After the fall of communism in Russia, Mr. Rodenbough made several trips from his home in Madison, NC to Russia, often visiting remote villages with orthodox monasteries and churches.  This devout Presbyterian from North Carolina helped the Russian Orthodox Church redefine itself in post-Communist Russia, once religion was again tolerated.

As one example, Mr. Rodenbough worked with the artists of Palekh, who had to cease making religious paintings during Communism. Since they could again paint religious-themed works of art, Mr. Rodenbough helped them navigate the complexities of a free-market economy. He found himself being received by not only religious figures but also mayors of towns and managed to thrive in these situations in spite of the fact that he does not speak Russian. These ventures and adventures are outlined in his book, featured above. Of local interest, Mr. Rodenbough was instrumental in bringing a Russian Orthodox Church to the Triad in 2005,  Holy Cross Orthodox Churc, located on Greensboro Road in High Point.

It was a pleasure getting the chance to talk to Mr. Rodenbough; he was one of twenty local writers at yesterday's "Writers Meet Readers"  event. Hats off to the O. Henry Magazine and O. Henry Hotel for providing this great event, which was free and open to the public. And thank you, Mr. Rodenbough,  for sharing part of your spiritual journey with us. We look forward to reading the book!

*Read a brief biography of Mr. Rodenbough, here.

 

Weekend of Southern Literary Stars

Once again, the O. Henry Hotel will feature a literary event, an entire weekend celebrating North Carolina authors. This is the second annual free and open-to-the-public event in which guests will be able to mingle with local authors. Additionally, the event has been expanded with weekend packages including opportunities to dine with the writers on the weekend of February 21-22. 

The photo above is Greensboro author Fred Chappell, former poet laureate and UNCG professor of creative writing emeritus. View our photo of last year's literary event here to get an idea of how many people came out to support our authors. With 2 universities and several colleges colleges in the area, Greensboro has access to many great writers and we love to support them. The O. Henry Hotel has a European flair and, likely, tea will be served. Mark your calendar and don your Downton Abbey best. Doing your homework and reading beforehand makes the event even more meaningful. Hope to see you there!

Meet Greensboro Author Mary Flinn

Continuing on yesterday's theme of the people of Greensboro, today, we present Greensboro author, Mary Flinn.*  Our book club just finished reading one of her most recent novels, The Nest, and Mary was nice enough to come to our book club meeting and join in on the discussion. As we sat in the private event room at Vida Pour Tea, sipping everything from Earl Gray, roasted chestnut, and silver needle jasmine tea to an apple pie herbal infusion, Mary explained her writing and publishing processes to the group. Additionally, she shared the inspiration for her characters. Mary's chapters read like you are talking to a friend at lunch; the writing flows and the storylines unfold in a comfortable, realistic way.  Our book club loved the fact that Greensboro is the setting for the Nest. One of the characters even worked at Natty Greene's Pub and another started a seafood stand, modeled after the one at the corner of Highways 150 and 220. 

Mary is starting to have quite a social media presence and is getting public recognition and media coverage.**  In addition to a Fox 8 segment, this past fall, she had a book release party at Scuppernong Books for her latest novel, Breaking Out. Mary's books are available locally, as well as through Amazon, Nook, and Kindle. As for us, we're glad she still has time to make a few guest appearances. Sitting in a tea shop on State Street, talking to a Greensboro author, well, it doesn't get any more local than that. Our only dilemma is trying to figure out which of her books to read next. 

* see her website, here.

** see a Fox 8 feature on Mary, here.

Merry Reading and a Happy Good Book

This photo was taken at Edward McKay Used Books on Battleground Avenue. We were so struck with how much the young girl was enjoying reading. It was as if all the adventures in the world were encapsulated on those small pages. Enjoyment of reading ranges from passionate to complete disinterest. It is hard to imagine that there are those who will never know the joy of reading a good book. As we we enter the season of gift giving, consider buying a book for a special someone in your life. 

According to Neil Gaiman, "A book is a dream you hold in your hand." From the looks of things in the above photo, this young person was having a great dream. In the frenzy of holiday shopping this weekend, consider going to a bookstore or one of Greensboro's great public libraries and escaping to bookland. Next on our plate is a book by local writer, Mary Flynn, hopefully, we'll be as enthralled as the young girl above.

Merry Reading and a Happy Good Book!

Bill Morris Was Back In Town

Bill Moris spoke at Scuppernong Bookstore last night, delighting the crowd by reading experpts from his latest novel, "Motor City Burning." Bill's book, set in Detroit, is one that gets at the complexities of the city at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. The main character is an African American male who leaves the South for a "better life" in the north. Between reading passages, Morris treated the audience to music clips from the era. From the Temptations and that Motown sound to Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man," the music fit seamlessly with the book. Or, was it the other way around? The audience was delighted and bought up all 25 copies of the book before the end of the presentation.

While Bill grew up in Detroit, he has lived many places, including Greensboro where he wrote for the News & Record. Bill now lives in New York. We're not sure how long he's been away, but it is as if he never left. The names of locals, former colleagues, and townspeople about whom he likely wrote columns, flowed from his tongue as if he'd just seen them yesterday.

It might be fun to read Motor City Burning for the One City, One Book program. 

Free Books

At the corner of Regent's Park and Lake Brandt Road is the little "Free Book" stand featured above. It is an outgrowth of the book sale at St. Francis Episcopal Church's annual book sale. There are books that didn't sell or that they can't use and this church member has set up a free bookshelf in her neighborhood. Additionally, she takes books to people in need and children in crisis. 

St. Francis will hold their 57th annual sale on April 23-25, 2015. Whether you have something you want to donate or you want to attend one of the greatest booksales in Greensboro, remember that date. In the meantime, stop at the above shelf to "give one or get one" to read, today! And, as you see, giving to one's community can be as simple as setting up something at the sidewalk in front of your house.

Talkin' Tarheel: Walt Wofram & Jeffrey Reaser

The above photo features Walt Wofram and Jeffrey Reaser at Scuppernong Books, last month, promoting their new book "Talkin' Tarheel: How Our Voices Tell the Story of North Carolina." They also spoke at Barnes and Noble yesterday. The NC State professors have documented the North Carolina dialects and languages throughout the state:  from Murphy to Manteo. They also include QR codes in their book so, when they talk about the way someone speaks or a dialect sounds, you can use your smart phone, scan the QR code, and hear what they are talking about. That is about as close to a talking book as you can get. 

We are so lucky that their dialect research has been going on for over twenty years and that they have recorded the special people and sounds of North Carolina while speech groups remain distinct. It is nice to see dialect approached in an informative, yet entertaining way. While neither professor is from NC, they sure have captured the essence of the way we speak. What Cecil Sharp did for collecting folksongs in North Carolina, they have done for language. North Carolina is lucky.

K is for Kids

The above photo was taken in the children's section of the Benjamin Branch Library. The Benjamin Branch was named for Ms. Blanche Sternberger Benjamin. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin and her parents, the Sternbergers, were great philanthropists in Greensboro. Many of the Sternbergers' projects and donations, Sternberger Elementary, Sternberger Park, The Junior Achievement Property, to name a few, help the children of Greensboro. Benjamin Branch Library is located at 1530 Benjamin Parkway.

Recently, this branch has undergone renovation. While tiny, it is a vibrant, warm, and inviting place with easy access to technology. The library, located across from General Green Elementary School, remains busy, especially after school. The young fellow in the photo above was trying to trace the origin of a barking dog recording with his family smiling nearby. The adults who were tutoring (just beyond the camera lens) were slightly less amused at the barking dog recording!

Today is ABC Wednesday and K is for Kids. If you are looking for causes to help the children of Greensboro, your options are many. For as little as $10, you can become a Friend of the Greensboro Public Libraries (join here). The United Way of Greensboro does a great deal to help our children. Just about any school or church can connect you with ways to help the youth in our community. Finally, if you are interested in bringing a child to our community, Carolina Adoption is a great place to start.

This is our ABC causes of Greensboro series. See also ABC People and ABC streets.

Glenwood Coffee & Books

Glenwood Coffee & Books, located at 1310 Glenwood Avenue, is a great resource and retail space in the heart of the Glenwood community. Not only can you get a good cup of coffee there and find a great book to to buy, you can enjoy music and get involved in community events. Occupy Greensboro made many posters in the back room and continues to meet there. The space is likely to appeal more to the arts-loving, liberal-minded crowd. Every community needs good, independent bookstores. If you are interested in learning more about the bookstore, "like" their Facebook page or stop by when you get a chance. We hope to get by, soon, and interview the owner. He has been involved in indie bookstores for several, several decades. 

The bookstore is located very near the community garden in Glenwood (featured here in 2009). Where do you go to learn what is happening in Greensboro? 

"Q" is for QUAKER

"

The Hege Library is the archival epicenter for our local Quaker/Friends community. The library has 80,000 square feet of space and contains over 240,000 books, periodicals and non-print media. According to the library's website, "the Friends Historical Collection, located in the Hege Library, is a comprehensive research collection of materials pertaining to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) worldwide. The collection is open to Guilford students and faculty, Friends, visiting scholars, and genealogical researchers." They have 600 manuscripts of records related to Carolina Quakers. Some of the documents date back to 1680. The Friends of the Library are very generous in their support of the literary and artistic endeavors at the library. The prominently-featured globe reminds us that reading and knowledge helps us be worldy.

On today, this ABC Wednesday, "Q" is for Quaker!

526 A South Elm Street

Here we see a vintage building at 526 South Elm Street being transformed from an antique store into a restaurant. It was near Lion's Crown Antiques, which has moved. In the last ten years, downtown Greensboro has transformed from a low rent to prime real estate area. When the new business is established, we'll show you an updated shot.

For now, we encourage you to look back through the photos from the previous week and to leave a comment on this, our Mellow Yellow Monday photo!

 

Edward McKay Used Books & More

Edward McKay Used Books & More, located at 1607 Battleground, has been "feeding your head since 1975." Of the four locations (Greensboro, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, & Fayetteville), the Greensboro location is the largest with over 10,000 square feet of inventory. Books, games, DVD's, game systems, Kindles, CD's, this story is a candy store of used media. Reasonable prices, unbelievable selection, and an atmosphere that encourages you to stay a while is the reason the parking lot is always full. They even have a free section for discarded, unwanted, and slightly damaged books. We usually purchase a book or two and head to nearby Starbuck's or Ghassan's for something to drink and a place to sit and peruse our acquisitions. We especially love the store credit earned for books and media we are no longer using.

The photo above represents a tiny, tiny part of the inventory, but gives you an idea of the no-frills, all books and media atmosphere. Are you a used bookstore aficionado?

O.Henry: Extraordinary Short Story Writer from Greensboro

Here we see one small part of the O. Henry Monument at 301 N. Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. O. Henry, pen name of William Sydney Porter, was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on September 11, 1862-- at the time of the Civil War in the United States. O. Henry will always be remembered for his great short stories with clever endings (aka, the O. Henry ending).  This human-sized book, dubbed "O. Henry's Book" by the artist Maria J. Kirby-Smith, was placed at the U.S. Trust Tower Plaza in 1985. In futures posts, we will see more delightful sides of the book as well as a statue of the author himself and his little dog, just a few paces away. In the meantime, if you are curious to learn more about the author or to see a picture of him, please follow the Wikipedia site linked to his name (above).

This must-see,  ensemble/tribute is posted in black and white today as part of the Monochrome Monday theme day. Since the overgrown azalea was removed a few years ago, this view of the monument is actually well suited for black and white.

               

Greensboro Central Library

The Greensboro Public Library system is absolutely taxpayers' money well spent. Featured today is the Children's Wing of the Central Branch of our public library system. To honor the privacy of children, we took pictures when the library was less crowded. However, the Greensboro libraries are busy, dynamic places, attracting people of all ages. In addition to print and media holdings, special programs and exhibits are offered. Free computers provide Internet access to people who otherwise might not have it. Additionally, the Friends of the Library organization is very active and offers engaging special events.  Their coffee shop at this branch offers refreshments and used books at reasonable prices.

               

Beef Burger Fast Foods-- A local splash of history and color

Perhaps you have passed by the colonial red and yellow A-framed business at 1040 West Lee Street, Beef Burger, and never noticed this colorful little blue corner on the east side of the building. This former Biff Burger franchise has been a local Greensboro eating establishment since 1961.

Click here to see the front, more recognizable, façade of Beef Burger and to learn more about this Greensboro institution from C. Catherman, self-proclaimed Biff-Burger fan and historian.

This picture would have made a great "guess where this is" page! Honestly, did you know before we told you?