CityView Magazine

42 June 2023 GOOD READS Reading downtown BY DIANE PARFITT F ayetteville has a wonderful history that dates back to the Colonial era, more than 250 years ago. In those days and for many years that followed, our history was primarily based downtown when we were Cross Creek. rough the years, our history has been expressed through art and literature. We have many authors who have roots in Fayetteville and, specifically, downtown. Whether these are books by Fayetteville authors or stories about our history, they are all terrific reads. It's amazing to see the literary talent we have had in our city and still have, and the history of our community is worth all of us knowing about it. You can add to your personal library with these books that have a great connection to Fayetteville. ere are books for young readers and others for all ages. One will give you a bit of the back story of life in Fayetteville, and one will give you a good history of our city to contemporary times. Another will showcase the talent in our local theater community. e children's books not only highlight the talent of our local authors and illustrators but give children a special look at our town and encourage them to not be afraid. 1. Fayetteville, North Carolina: An All-American History by Emily Farrington Smith e History Press, now part of Arcadia Publishing, is known for its books on local and regional history throughout the country. e company publishes a wide selection of books about Fayetteville, Cumberland County and North Carolina. Local writer Farrington Smith has written this wonderful history of our hometown. Whether it's about the original Native Americans or the Scottish settlers or our role in the American Revolution, we learn fascinating stories about our past. It includes the years when we were the state capital in the late 1700s. In 1789 alone, North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution here, and the General Assembly met here to charter the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ose of us who love Fayetteville will enjoy reading these interesting, factual stories to entertain visitors and newcomers to our community. 2. The House Behind the Cedars by Charles W. Chesnutt No list of books about Fayetteville, and specifically about downtown, would be complete without a book by one of our most famous authors and America's first successful Black novelist. Charles W. Chesnutt (June 20, 1858–Nov. 15, 1932) was born in Ohio to parents from Fayetteville. Aer the Civil War, he and his parents moved back to Fayetteville, where he attended the Howard School, which ultimately became Fayetteville State University. Chesnutt was a brilliant man and eventually became the second principal of the school. He later moved back north to pursue his writing career. He sets "e House Behind the Cedars" in "Patesville" aer the Civil War, a thinly disguised Fayetteville. In this, his first novel, Chesnutt gives a realistic depiction of the region at the time and explores the plight of Black Americans and the complexities of "passing." 3. Sandy Kay Stars in a Play by Brian Adam Kline, illustrated by Camila Vasconcelos What better example of the talent we have in Fayetteville than a children's book by two teachers from Capitol Encore Academy, right here in our downtown. Kline and Vasconcelos have joined together to write and illustrate a book about a little girl, Sandy Kay, who bravely decides to try out for her very first play. When she finds out she has won a part in the play, her real adventure begins. is cleverly illustrated book will help any aspiring young actor learn all the aspects of the theater. And along the way, like Sandy Kay, it will help them conquer their stage fright. 4. The Adventures of Arlo & Red written and illustrated by Caroline Merino Morrozoff is adorable book for children has illustrations of numerous places in downtown Fayetteville. Caroline has created fabulous art for years, and this is her second children's book. It tells 'People talk about wanting amenities; downtown is the amenity.' – Jack White, musician 1 2 3 4 5 6

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