In an all-new episode of UNC-TV's local literary series, "North Carolina Bookwatch," with D.G. Martin, premiering Friday, Aug. 8, at 9:30 p.m., Eric G. Wilson, chairman of Wake Forest University's English Department, shares what Publisher's Weekly calls "sure-to-be controversial alternative to the recent cottage industry of highbrow happiness books."

In his book, "Against Happiness," Wilson argues that melancholia is necessary to any thriving culture, that it is the muse of great literature, painting, music, and innovation -- and that it is the force underlying original insights.

An encore episode airs Sunday, Aug. 10, at 5 p.m.

For additional information about series guests and airdates, visit the Web site www.unctv.org/ncbookwatch.

Denning Honored

Katherine Denning, a first-grade student at Carthage Elementary School, was honored with the Young Author's Writing Project award, "Let's Read: Where Reading and Writing Come Together." The award was presented by the Moore County Reading Association Sunday, May 18, at Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College.

Katherine also received this award as a kindergarten student. She is the daughter of Beth Denning and James P. Vaughn, and the granddaughter of George and Louise Denning.

Reading Programs

Montgomery County Public Library announces its summer reading program activities for August.

- Create butterfly gliders at the Allen Library, Biscoe, at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4.

- Learn about the Amazon Rainforest with Birdman Dave at the Biscoe Community Center in Biscoe at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.

- The Currie Library, Candor, will sponsor "Goin' Buggy," an insect program, at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6.

- The Balloon Lady will feature music, jokes and storytelling as she makes balloon sculptures at the Biscoe Community Center in Biscoe at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7.

- Join the Mt. Gilead Library for "Flights of Imagination," featuring bubbles, kites, songs and a craft at 1:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11.

- Mary Alice McDermott will present a program, "Kites & Bubbles," at the Star Library at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13.

- Meet the Animals at a program by the Schiele Museum of Natural History at Troy Elementary School, Troy, at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14.

Book Published

Brill Publishing House recently released the book, "Monstrous Fishes and the Mead-Dark Sea: Whaling in the Medieval North Atlantic," by Vicki Szabo, associate professor of history at Western Carolina University.

The book explores the perception, use and significance of whales during the Middle Ages.

A resident of Sylva, Szabo has been a member of the WCU faculty since 2001. Her research interests include medieval Britain and the Norse North Atlantic, the history of whaling and medieval social history.