RQ Library: “Again to Carthage” by John L. Parker, Jr.

There are many Raleigh and North Carolina references in John L. Parker Jr.’s second book of the Quenton Cassidy Trilogy, “Again to Carthage.” It is well known that Parker based Bruce Denton on his real life friend, Jack Bacheler. Like Denton, Bacheler was an impressive runner in his own right; a two-time U.S. Olympian (5,000 meters in 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and Marathon in 1972 Munich Olympics). After starting the Florida Track Club, Bacheler headed our way and was a Professor at NC State, who still lives in the area (Clayton). The Shea sisters (Mary and Julie) also get name checked, and were immense talents during their prep career in Raleigh, at NC State, and beyond. 

“Again to Carthage” finds Cassidy rediscovering his love for competing after graduating from law school, fishing in the panhandle, and then taking an excursion to the mountains of North Carolina after the loss of his grandfather. 

While the book digs deeply into Cassidy’s life post-Olympic Silver, before getting to the running portion of the story, it’s a must read for anyone that’s read “Once a Runner,” or has thought about getting serious about training again, and giving the marathon a try.

And besides the grouper finger story, the below is a local favorite. Parker has to be talking about El Rodeo, right? But if you’re staying at RunQuarters, you can pretend this is La Carreta, which is walking distance, and a great post-run spot!

On your next visit to RunQuarters, check out the book!

More on the subject:

• “Former UF runner, now a celebrated author, has taken quite a journey” (The Gainesville Sun)
• “John L. Parker: Comeback Author” (Runner’s World)
• “Tallest, Fastest And Buggiest: Jack Bacheler of Florida is not just the best U.S. distance runner, he also is the only one who is a constantly expectant moth-er” (Sports Illustrated)

Subscribe below for more stories from RunQuarters!

Have a good book we should get for the RQ library? Let us know.