North Carolina

“Simpson is an ideal travel companion to explore and understand the complexity and diversity of North Carolina. . . . The author and musician’s rich narrative voice—often humorous, deeply knowledgeable, and always generous—paints a rich triptych of the breadth of our state, from Down East to the 'short hills and sand hills' of central North Carolina to the 'jump-up country' of the Great Smoky Mountains.”—Our State

“A stunning account. . . . Bland Simpson has written a compelling love letter to our entwined 'goodliest land' amplifying our collective appreciation for the sanctuary of home and kinship.”—National Public Radio

“A handy coffee table book of Tar Heel images with terrific text. . . . Extravagantly illustrated by images from three of the state’s foremost photographers. . . . Along with stops on the Outer Banks and the barrier islands, he ventures into North Carolina’s coasts and mountains, focusing on the natural wonders. It’s a delightful trip.”—Wilmington Star-News

"A careful meditation on a particular place . . . With [its] quiet elegance, [North Carolina: Land of Water, Land of Sky . . . feel[s] destined to be savored and preserved, so that decades from now, a young reader might [discover] what rich literary output this state has to offer.”—North Carolina Literary Review

“The research is thorough. The photographs are exquisite. The book inspires memories, and inspires travel to the places Simpson describes.”—Community Sports News

“Is it possible for all of us to gain a mental picture of North Carolina landscapes, people, and landmarks by reading a book? . . . . [Bland Simpson] accomplishes this feat effectively.”—North Carolina Libraries

“Simpson is a master storyteller. His moving and deeply human narrative captures a lifetime of indelible memories and life tales, taking readers on an adventure through North Carolina and inviting them to share his love affair with the land and its people.”—David Zucchino, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Wilmington’s Lie

“In his latest offering, the king of nonfiction narratives about North Carolina’s coast expands to offer his readers a nostalgic look at the entire state.”—Carolyn Sakowski, author of Touring the Western North Carolina Backroads

“Simpson takes his reader across the entire state, blending his memoir with history and landscape in ways that will make even the most cynical North Carolinian acknowledge the special greatness of our state.”—D.G. Martin

“Bland Simpson unveils the soul of North Carolina with eloquence and authenticity.  His new book is an absolute joy to read and graced with stunning photography.”—Bill Leslie, journalist and composer