Carolina Moon Books is the passion (well, aside from husband and child) of Melanie James, attorney at law and bibliomaniac. In 2003, Melanie and her husband bought a building to house their businesses. It was a rather large building, offering far more space than needed for offices. The bibliomaniac seized the moment and the additional space (notwithstanding objections of husband), fulfilling a long-standing dream of owning a bookstore, and thus launching a second career.

Why Carolina Moon?

In 1928, Benny Davis was inspired by the moon over the Perquimans River to pen the words to "Carolina Moon." It has been recorded by many artists over the years including Perry Como, Connie Frances, and Maureen McGovern.

So there is local history associated with the name.

And then there is this ...

Carolina Moon

The moon was shining bright in Carolina
the night we said goodbye so tenderly
and now that I'm away from Carolina
won't somebody tell the moon for me:

Oh, Carolina Moon keep shining
shining on the one who waits for me
Carolina Moon, I'm pining,
pining for the place I long to be

How I'm hopin' tonight you'll go
go to the right window
scatter your light
say I'm all right please do!

Tell her that I'm blue an' lonely
dreamy Carolina Moon!

(instrumental break)

Tell her that I'm blue an' lonely
dreamy Carolina Moon!

Music by Joe Burke
with lyrics by Benny Davis , 1928