by Rebecca Riddell
A new year has begun and while many have hoped for a swift return to normalcy, it is evident that COVID-19 will still be around to disrupt our lives for at least a bit longer. With winter weather and chilly temperatures also beginning to creep in, it is the perfect opportunity to settle in at home with a warm blanket and a good book.
If you are looking for suggestions, why not explore some of the many talented authors from the Middle Peninsula or Northern Neck. The beauty and unique attributes of “Rivah Country” have inspired many writers and there are a plethora of reading options available for every interest. Grab a warm beverage, a comfy seat, and cozy up with one of these wonderful reads!
“Chesapeake Reflections” by J.H. Hall is a collection of anecdotes that offer a firsthand look at the work of Northern Neck watermen/sportsmen and their ways of life. The stories draw comparisons between the glories of the past and the rapidly declining outlook of the present. Hall highlights many of the social and environmental changes that challenge the legacy of local watermen and threaten the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Hall’s family has been rooted in the Northern Neck since 1875 with property at Bluff’s Point. Hall shares many fond memories of his time spent hunting and fishing in the area in the 1950’s and sadly notes how time and erosion have greatly changed the landscape of the land between Indian and Dividing Creeks.
This poignant piece of non-fiction captures the spirit and richness of watermen culture while bringing awareness to the battles they are fighting to protect their way of life.
Sharon Baldacci is a Northumberland County resident and sister to well-know author David Baldacci. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 30 some years ago and has been acting as an awareness advocate ever since.
Her fiction novel “A Sundog Moment” is a story of hope, love, and faith inspired by her real life experiences with the disease. The book centers around the main character Elizabeth Whittaker as she learns of her diagnosis and begins the process of coping with her new reality.
Her once nearly perfect life seems to be unraveling a little more everyday. As she struggles to overcome the grief brought on by the disease, she meets many friends that offer wisdom and perspective from their own situations. Little by little she begins to reclaim her life and find a renewed sense of faith. As the novel comes to a close, she comes to the revelation that God has been working purposefully in her life and that with him all things are possible.
Gregg Valenzuela captures many of the unique qualities of our area with his book of poetry entitled “Poems from the Northern Neck.” His skillfully crafted poems cover a wide variety of subject matters from both the past and the present. He writes of the river, the people, and even the mundane moments that comprise every day life in the Northern Neck. Each piece of prose paints a vivid picture of a specific moment in time and captures real emotions that allow the reader to feel as if they were there themselves.
Valenzuela is a retired physician and Virginia Native who now resides and works in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He draws inspiration from his personal life experiences. Some of his more recent works center around his personal revelations and meditations about life and love.
Robert F. Watkins of Tappahannock spent 38 years working for the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control. During his time in the enforcement division, he was tasked with fighting the illegal industry of bootlegging.
In his book, “Not Necessarily in Them Thar Hills,” he details some of the operations he took part in to stop the production of moonshine and to bring the producers to justice. He describes the job as a “cat and mouse” chase requiring much patience and perseverance to track down stills and take appropriate actions. Watkins states that he has “arrested more moonshiners then he cares to remember.”
These lively stories offer a first hand glimpse at the underground bootlegging industry in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Though many believe that bootlegging is a mountain industry of a bygone era, Watkins’ book proves that the industry has a deep and rich history right here in our area.
International bestselling author Brad Parks has produced an impressive collection of thriller novels over the years. He has received many awards for his work and is the only writer to have won the Shamus, Nero, and Left Awards, which are 3 of the most prestigious prizes awarded in the crime fiction genre. Parks is a native Connecticuter but now resides in the Middle Peninsula.
Parks’ latest novel “Interference,” is a highly acclaimed and riveting mystery thriller. When quantum physicist Matt Bronick begins experiencing strange and unexplained incidents his wife Bridgid grows concerned. Her worst fears are realized when Bronick mysteriously disappears from his laboratory one day. Bridgid with the help of Detective Emmett Webster set out to find Matt and return him home. Along the way through many twists and turns, they begin to unravel the mystery and learn the true and unbelievable details of his disappearance. The story comes to a shocking conclusion that will undoubtedly leave readers wanting more.
There are far too many excellent books and talented authors with hometown roots to mention them all. This just goes to show how wonderfully inspiring our area and home at the Rivah can be. If you are looking for more recommendations, consider taking a trip to one of our many wonderful local libraries or speaking with a friendly and helpful staff member by phone.
The Lancaster Community Library is closed but offering curbside service. For more information visit lancasterlibrary.org or call 804-435-1729.
The Middlesex Public Library is open with some safety regulations set in place. They also offer contactless service. Visit yourmiddlesexlibrary.org or call 804-758-5717 or 804-776-7362 for more details.
The Northumberland County Public Library remains open with some adjustments to comply with recommended guidelines. They are also offering curbside pick-up. For more information visit https://nplibraryva.org/ or call 804-580-5051.
The Richmond County Public Library is closed to non-students, but is offering pickup service. Call 804-333-6710 or visit rcplva.org for more information.
Don’t let the winter blues weigh you down! Curl up with a good book and escape reality for a bit.
All books discussed in this article are available at the Northumberland Public Library.
