Down the Wild Cape Fear

Philip Gerard is the author of three novels and five books of nonfiction including The Patron Saint of Dreams. He lives on Whiskey Creek near the Intracoastal Waterway and sails his sloop Suspense on the Atlantic Ocean.

"A reading journey that no one who loves North Carolina should pass by." -- D.G. Martin One on One "Gerard takes readers with him on a 200-mile trip down the Cape Fear River. . . [and] it's obvious that his book was labor of love." -- Southern Pines Pilot "Like a river itself, winding its way through history and biology, politics, and preservation, this book will appeal to both nature lovers and those living in and near the Cape Fear watershed." -- Library Journal "An adventure story paired with a view of the ecology, history, development, and industry along a vital river that runs from the core of North Carolina to the coast. Gerard uses glittering, evocative prose to recount his travels by canoe and powerboat down the Wild Cape Fear River with a guide, biologist, photographer, and others. . . . This is a compelling story that offers a striking and thoughtful look at the many environmental, political, and commercial issues affecting this region and the waterway that feeds it." -- ForeWord Reviews "By the book's end we get a sense of the innumerable interconnections that make the region a special, singular place." -- North Carolina Literary Review "Equal parts historical survey, river adventure and nature walk, it's a fascinating trip down North Carolina's most storied river." -- Raleigh News and Observer "This is simply the best piece of writing about [the Cape Fear] river that I've read." -- Fayetteville Observer