Stardust and Scar Tissue: Rambles, Ruminations, and the Search for an Authentic Culture of Life

I’ve always appreciated Mick Scott’s columns for their honesty, their earnestness and their grace. What a pleasure.

— Allen H. Johnson III, Executive Editorial Page Editor, Greensboro News & Record and Winston-Salem Journal

Whether shaming political extremists or extolling the virtues of friendly foxes, Mick Scott’s opinion columns in the Winston-Salem Journal were always well-written, rational and entertaining. While timely and of-the-moment when first penned, these essays stand the test of time by virtue of Scott’s graceful prose and clearly reasoned positions.

— Lynn Felder, writer, collaborative artist

What a lovely collection: Mick Scott’s newspaper columns were a balm to the soul in a grinding era of political turmoil and perpetual stressors. He approached challenging issues with kindness, compassion and humility. He weaves gentle stories influenced by nature, travel, foxes and a love of diners and ice cream into deeper, evergreen messages resonant with the heart.

— Prof. Cyndi Briggs

Mick’s writing is grounded in a particular place: Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His relaxed, conversational style invites readers into his world while challenging them to look at things from a fresh perspective. As the rest of humanity yells insults across a gaping political chasm, Mick invites everyone to join him on quiet excursions to out-of-the-way places and explore new ways of seeing.

— Eddie Huffman, author of John Prine: In Spite of Himself