Into the Sound Country

“Simpson’s books are exactly the sort that best marry reading and travel . . . diving deep into [his place’s] history, ranging wide into its mythology, digging scientifically into its geography and speculating far into its future.”—The Independent

“This son of the South has created a very entertaining read. . . . Into the Sound Country is a lark through a neglected but fascinating region of North Carolina. [A] captivating look at Carolina’s coastal plain.”—Greensboro News & Record

“If you've lived the city life all your years or visited only the prime tourist spots on the coast, Simpson will introduce you to a North Carolina you've never experienced. He easily juxtaposes the crazy clutter of coastal towns and cities with the simple serenity of lowland swampscapes. The narrative is . . . delightful.”—Coastwatch

“For anyone seeking a memorable journey into Eastern North Carolina’s varied natural world, a reading of this volume should prove gratifying.”—Our State

“A lyrical and passionate portrayal of eastern North Carolina. . . . Part autobiography, memoir, travelogue, history, fisherman’s guide and environmentalist’s goad, Into the Sound Country is an important work. . . . Beautifully written and intelligently produced.”—Charlotte Observer

“This is a wonderful book for anyone seeking a memorable journey into Eastern North Carolina’s varied natural world without venturing outside your den."—Winston-Salem Journal

“A special portrait of a special region.”—Virginian-Pilot

“With the ease of an old storyteller and the knowledge of a naturalist, Simpson writes eloquently of coastal history, combining it with personal anecdotes.”—Creative Loafing

“I love reading this book. It captures the sights and sounds and smells of the North Carolina coast better than any book I’ve ever read.”—Pat Conroy

“Simpson is clearly a talented writer, and many of the sections about the coastal plain’s natural areas contain beautiful passages. . . . Like coffee and beer, the sound country, with its jumbled forests and sulfurous waters, is something for which you have to develop a taste. Most people never bother. Together the Simpsons succeed in showing us why the region is worth taking some adventurous sips.”—News & Observer