Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Asheville Citizen-Times book reviewer Rob Neufeld has a go at Cecil Bothwell’s new book about the Rev. Billy Graham:
It’s fair to say that Cecil Bothwell’s new book, “The Prince of War: Billy Graham’s Crusade for a Wholly Christian Empire,” is controversial. Not only does Bothwell portray Billy Graham, whom some consider holy, as an agent of imperialism, his “unauthorized biography” takes the form of an expose rather than a human study. …
Many will want to read the book, in any case, for a few reasons. It will help confirm a dark view of recent American history. It will be of local interest, for Graham has strong regional connections and Bothwell is a local alternative press reporter. And it will engage those prompted to investigate facts. …
As compelling as some of Bothwell’s accounts are, it is worth noting that many derive from other authors’ studies, whose primary sources Bothwell does not cite. …
Bothwell’s reason for being is to sniff out questionable stuff and unearth it. His product requires further ferreting. …
Bothwell does his particular job, which is left to fall within a larger body of literature, so that the public can then sort out and synthesize truth.
And the Citizen-Times also included a story about editor Karen Chavez’s new book.
Karen Chávez’s favorite thing to do is to hike with her beloved dog Shelby. She’s turned that hobby into a book, “Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina.” …
The book, published by Mountaineers Books, offers 51 of the best trails in the state that are welcoming, fun and safe for dogs. The book primarily includes hikes in Western North Carolina, but it also has trail hikes close to urban areas such as Charlotte, Raleigh and Winston-Salem. It has topographic maps, elevation profiles and a hike summary chart. Chávez includes what to bring in a doggy first aid kit and advice on canine trail etiquette.
The guide outlines which hiking areas prohibit dogs on backcountry trails while detailing the rules about dogs in other public recreation areas. The hikes range from easier, low-elevation hikes to more heart-pounding mountain ascents.
The publisher, which has created the “Best Hikes with Dogs” series for other states, approached Chávez with the book idea in early 2005. It was a “light bulb moment” for her, she said.
“The two things I love most are my dog and hiking,” she said. “I thought, ‘why didn’t I ever think of this?’” …
Dogs get more than exercise out of hiking. They get to smell, hear and see new things, Chávez said. Dogs aren’t meant to stay inside or in their neighborhoods all the time.
“We do them a disservice when we make them house pets,” Chavez said. “If you love your dog, you’ll take them outside.”
