Panhandle Portraits, a glimpse at the diverse residents of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle
This two-volume, 176-page set contains 77 compelling portraits and mini-profiles of West Virginians, plus an introduction, index and panhandle fun facts. The softcover, coffee-table style books feature residents from all eight counties of the Eastern Panhandle (Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan and Pendleton) and focuses on the everyday, extraordinary person (plus a few minor celebrities). In this companion set, you'll meet athletes, historians, doctors, artists, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, adventurers, volunteers, farmers, pastors, mavericks, business owners, beloved community members, trailblazers, survivors, mentors and leaders. Industries or entities prevalent in the Eastern Panhandle are also included such as horse racing, car racing, outdoor adventure and history.
I find there is usually something extraordinary about the everyday person that is worth acknowledging and celebrating. While this book may focus on one region of West Virginia, it really speaks to all of us, representing a cross-section of America and reminding us of our humanity.
This two-volume, 176-page set contains 77 compelling portraits and mini-profiles of West Virginians, plus an introduction, index and panhandle fun facts. The softcover, coffee-table style books feature residents from all eight counties of the Eastern Panhandle (Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan and Pendleton) and focuses on the everyday, extraordinary person (plus a few minor celebrities). In this companion set, you'll meet athletes, historians, doctors, artists, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, adventurers, volunteers, farmers, pastors, mavericks, business owners, beloved community members, trailblazers, survivors, mentors and leaders. Industries or entities prevalent in the Eastern Panhandle are also included such as horse racing, car racing, outdoor adventure and history.
I find there is usually something extraordinary about the everyday person that is worth acknowledging and celebrating. While this book may focus on one region of West Virginia, it really speaks to all of us, representing a cross-section of America and reminding us of our humanity.
REVIEWS
Cobb's book inspires. It encourages us to look around us-- our neighborhood and our community-- and recognize the folks who are making the world a better place.
—Steve Bailes, 5 stars on Amazon
How well do you know your community? Your neighbors? Your friends? You'd be surprised at how much you don't know, and how much you didn't know you'd like to know. Read Panhandle Portraits and you'll understand this comment. This two-volume set breaks the stereotypical misunderstandings of West Virginians. Cobb's sampling takes the Panhandle's ordinarily extraordinary residents and makes them shine. I was not born in WV, but felt proud to read these in my WV home, and share them with my family living outside WV. What's greater is Cobb breaks the mundane molds we form of our communities that leave our surroundings feeling lackluster. I learned so much more than I thought I would and it awakened my sense of pride to protect my community heritage. What's greatest is that it applies to all communities in and outside of West Virginia. To this end, I hope this talented author expands these volumes beyond the borders of West Virginia. Every community would benefit from a "Portraits" of their own. Highly recommended read. Buy this set!
—Jen, 5 stars on Amazon
Many people who live outside of West Virginia tend to think that the people who live in WV are nothing but a bunch of narrow-minded, uneducated coal miners. It is an unfortunate stereotype, and one easily shattered by the entertaining and informative two-volume set "Panhandle Portraits" created by author Katherine Cobb. In this collection, the reader will find a very diverse group of people from the eastern panhandle of WV - farmers, politicians, small business owners, clergy and many other people who populate the pages of this work and the counties of the eastern panhandle. These two volumes will present those from outside the panhandle with an eclectic group of wonderful people, and the books are a must-have for any resident of WV. Do yourself a favor and order your set today!
—John Bethard, 5 stars on Amazon
These two volumes offer a glimpse at the wonderful diversity of the people in this part of West Virginia. All the stereotypes fall by the wayside as you go from one talented and interesting person to the next. Great photographs of all the folks as well!
—Morbanjo, 5 stars on Amazon
Who knew there were so many amazing and interesting stories here in Eastern Panhandle? This book is a fantastic and fun collection that opens the door to so many cool people and personalities right here in our backyard! Great book, Katherine Cobb!
—Snarkfest, 5 stars on Amazon
Inspiring read and pictures of diverse people doing fun, innovative, and at times disruptive things for the benefit of others in Eastern West Virginia. Thanks Katherine for putting this together!
—Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, 5 stars on Amazon
Cobb's book inspires. It encourages us to look around us-- our neighborhood and our community-- and recognize the folks who are making the world a better place.
—Steve Bailes, 5 stars on Amazon
How well do you know your community? Your neighbors? Your friends? You'd be surprised at how much you don't know, and how much you didn't know you'd like to know. Read Panhandle Portraits and you'll understand this comment. This two-volume set breaks the stereotypical misunderstandings of West Virginians. Cobb's sampling takes the Panhandle's ordinarily extraordinary residents and makes them shine. I was not born in WV, but felt proud to read these in my WV home, and share them with my family living outside WV. What's greater is Cobb breaks the mundane molds we form of our communities that leave our surroundings feeling lackluster. I learned so much more than I thought I would and it awakened my sense of pride to protect my community heritage. What's greatest is that it applies to all communities in and outside of West Virginia. To this end, I hope this talented author expands these volumes beyond the borders of West Virginia. Every community would benefit from a "Portraits" of their own. Highly recommended read. Buy this set!
—Jen, 5 stars on Amazon
Many people who live outside of West Virginia tend to think that the people who live in WV are nothing but a bunch of narrow-minded, uneducated coal miners. It is an unfortunate stereotype, and one easily shattered by the entertaining and informative two-volume set "Panhandle Portraits" created by author Katherine Cobb. In this collection, the reader will find a very diverse group of people from the eastern panhandle of WV - farmers, politicians, small business owners, clergy and many other people who populate the pages of this work and the counties of the eastern panhandle. These two volumes will present those from outside the panhandle with an eclectic group of wonderful people, and the books are a must-have for any resident of WV. Do yourself a favor and order your set today!
—John Bethard, 5 stars on Amazon
These two volumes offer a glimpse at the wonderful diversity of the people in this part of West Virginia. All the stereotypes fall by the wayside as you go from one talented and interesting person to the next. Great photographs of all the folks as well!
—Morbanjo, 5 stars on Amazon
Who knew there were so many amazing and interesting stories here in Eastern Panhandle? This book is a fantastic and fun collection that opens the door to so many cool people and personalities right here in our backyard! Great book, Katherine Cobb!
—Snarkfest, 5 stars on Amazon
Inspiring read and pictures of diverse people doing fun, innovative, and at times disruptive things for the benefit of others in Eastern West Virginia. Thanks Katherine for putting this together!
—Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, 5 stars on Amazon