I'm still playing catch up with getting in reviews of the many books I've read in the past couple of months.

The Wayward Girls of Samarcand

By Melton McLaurin and Anne Russell

Bradley Creek Press, $15

If you live in Moore County, you will find this book fascinating reading. It's a story I had never heard.

In 1931, at Samarcand (off N.C. 211, near Eagle Springs), which opened around 1917 as a home for girls (sort of like reform school), 16 young girls, some of them not even teenagers, were charged with arson at the death penalty level for setting fire to two dormitories. They were hoping to get sent home.

When you read the stories of each of these girls, and the treatment they (and others) received, it will not be hard to fathom why they set fire to the dorms.

Haunted Watauga County, North Carolina

By Tim Bullard

Haunted America, $19.99

As you might figure from the title, this book offers interesting ghost stories from the area around Boone. The author, who attended Appalachian State, was born in Laurinburg. He is a journalist.

Illustrated with several black and white photos, the book is filled with stories such as "Ghosts of the Durham Family" and "The Last Holiday Inn."

A Christmas Home

By Greg Kincaid

Crown, $16

OK, I admit read this in December, but just now had space to include it in a column.

Greg Kincaid is author of "A Dog Named Christmas" as well as its prequel "Christmas With Tucker." The first book was made into a Hallmark film, and I'd be willing to bet that this one will be too.

Todd McCray works at the local shelter, which is having financial struggles. Todd, who has a developmental disability, has found his niche at the shelter and would lose not only his job but perhaps his newly-formed relationship with Laura.

It's a bit of a tear jerker, but I loved every page.

Comet's Tale

By Steven D. Wolf with Lynette Padwa

Algonquin, $23.95

"Comet's Tale" is the fascinating story of a rescued greyhound who turns life around for Wolf, who has a spinal condition that no longer allows him to work.

Good story both about the plight of greyhounds and how one man learns to deal with the hand he's dealt.

All of the animal lovers around here will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or (910) 693-2475.