Carol McCartney, "Writer of the Year" at the 2002 U of I English program, has written a book which will appeal to readers from Western Illinois, as well as to city dwellers who have little time for a walk in the woods, to see an ancient abandoned lime stone chimney, or along a country road past the site where an ex-slave settled, a man who bought his own freedom and the freedom of his family, then founded a town. Stories of Al Capone's visits, or of Abe Lincoln's time in the area will captivate readers from every area. Carol writes with "with grace, affection and respect for historical materials." Her column in a local paper has gained a loyal following.