Exploring Our Literacy Landscape

Written By: The Literacy and Learning Center | Issue: September 2024

Are you a visitor to Highlands seeking to learn more about its history, people, and ecology? Or perhaps you are a resident interested in delving deeper into the rich literary landscape that reflects this unique region. This curated list offers a selection of books by area authors and stories set in or near Highlands, perfect summer reading for tourists and locals alike.

For a Touch of History:

Heart of the Blue Ridge: Highlands, North Carolina by Randolph P. Shaffner: This comprehensive historical account by a resident chronicles Highlands’ fascinating journey from its envisioned role as a significant trade route hub to the charming mountain town it is today.

Historic Tales of Highlands (compiled by the Highlands Historical Society) is a captivating journey through time. It explores tales of resilience, community spirit, and the intriguing characters shaping Highlands’ heritage.

Brent Martin’s A Forgotten Lens on a Changing Landscape tells the story of George Masa, a self-taught photographer who documented the dramatic transformation of the Southern Appalachians in the early 20th century.

Explore the rich history of Highlands through Highlands, North Carolina: The Early Years by Angela Lewis Jenkins.

For the Nature Enthusiast:

The Mountain at the End of the Trail: A History of Whiteside Mountain by Robert Zahner: Within these pages, we encounter the human stories woven into the mountain’s history. It’s a poignant exploration of love and exploitation, a story as enduring as the mountain. “A memorial to the mountain almost as beautiful as the mountain itself…and eminently readable.” – Randolph Shaffner

Darwin and the Art of Botany: Observations on the Curious World of Plants by James T. Costa and Bobbi Angell highlights Charles Darwin’s lesser-known contributions to plant science. It combines excerpts from his botanical writings with beautiful illustrations, offering a fresh perspective on his work. Each section is explained by a botany expert, revealing the historical context and ongoing significance of Darwin’s research on plants.

A Field Guide to the Birds of the Southern Appalachians by Stan Tekiela: Identify the feathered friends you encounter on your hikes with this user-friendly guide. Learn about their calls, habitats, and unique characteristics, adding a new dimension to your appreciation of the local wildlife.

A Literary Escape:

Learn about the early days of Hilton Head Island through the eyes of Avary Doubleday in Daughter of the Dawn. Doubleday’s family was among the few white residents when they moved there in 1950, and the book details their experiences living without modern conveniences. Doubleday, a resident of Highlands, is also responsible for spearheading the implementation of The Literacy & Learning Center’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

The Abolitionist’s Daughter by Diane C. McPhail: Written by a Highlands local and based on actual events and rooted in family history, McPhail’s debut novel upends stereotypes of the Civil War South with a rare depiction of Southern Abolitionism and the experiences of three astonishing women.

The Family Jewels by Bruce Katz: Resident Bruce Katz brings his storytelling talents to life in this novel. Follow the captivating journey of a journalist uncovering a tangled web of family secrets, organized crime, and unexpected romance.

Young Adult Fiction:

Tunnel of Time: A Fantastic Journey Through Time, and Arnetta and The Mirror of Destiny: The Future Doesn’t Belong to the Faint Hearted, written by Highlands local author, Jeannie Chambers.

This is a starting point for your literary exploration of the Highlands area. Remember, with each book you choose, you’ll be informed and entertained and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes Highlands unique.

If you or someone you know would like more information about tutoring, contact Caroline Cox at [email protected] or call (828) 526-0863.