Comstock & Me: My Brief But Unforgettable Career with The West Virginia Hillbilly

by Peter M. Wallace

Jim Comstock was a one-of-a-kind newspaperman whose legendary career as editor of The West Virginia Hillbilly helped thousands of readers learn more about their home state's culture and history—while enjoying a laugh or two. A modern-day Renaissance man, he not only birthed two nationally famous weekly newspapers, but also the 50-volume West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, a Life of Christ and a history of the state told in newspaper front-page style, and numerous other books and resources. He helped save the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace and the Cass Scenic Railroad. He was whip-smart, opinionated, a passionate proponent of personalized journalism, and a loyal son of his beloved state. Now, Peter Wallace, author of a dozen books and the host and producer of the weekly national "Day1" radio program and podcast (online at Day1.org), shares some of his fondest memories of working with Comstock after graduating from Marshall University's journalism school. His three years and three months in Jim's employ included unforgettable and often hilarious experiences, some of which he is allowed to share in this book, in hopes that Jim Comstock's legacy will never be forgotten. Peter Marsden Wallace is a born and raised West Virginian—well, a "chickened out West Virginian," Jim Comstock would have called him—who now lives in Atlanta, where he leads the "Day1" radio/podcast ministry, serves as an Episcopal priest, and writes books. He worked for Jim Comstock from June 1976 to August 1979.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2020

About the author

Peter Marsden Wallace is executive producer and host of the Day1 ecumenical radio and internet ministry (http://day1.org) and president of the Alliance for Christian Media, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Peter is the author of several books, including A Generous Beckoning: God's Gracious Invitations to Authentic Spiritual Life (Forward Movement, 2023); Getting to Know Jesus (Again): Meditations for Lent (Church Publishing, 2017); The Passionate Jesus: What We Can Learn from Jesus about Love, Fear, Grief, Joy and Living Authentically (SkyLight Paths Publishing, 2012); Connected: You and God in the Psalms (Morehouse, 2009); and Living Loved: Knowing Jesus as the Lover of Your Soul (Seabury, 2007). He is also the editor of Bread Enough for All: A Day1 Guide to Life (Church Publishing, 2020); Heart and Soul: The Emotions of Jesus (Church Publishing, 2019); and Faith and Science in the 21st Century: A Postmodern Primer (Church Publishing, 2018). He also wrote a memoir, Comstock & Me: My Brief But Unforgettable Career with The West Virginia Hillbilly (Amazon, 2020). He has contributed to numerous books, study Bibles, devotional guides, magazines, teaching curriculums, video series, online blogs, and other resources.

Peter served as editorial director for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries from 1984 to 1990, then was senior copywriter and broadcast producer for Larry Smith & Associates Advertising & Design in Atlanta for eleven years, before joining The Protestant Hour/Day 1 organization in March 2001. The organization merged in July 2004 with the Episcopal Media Center to create a new ecumenical media organization, the Alliance for Christian Media.

Peter earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism/advertising from Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, and a Master of Theology degree with honors from Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas. he took Episcopal Studies at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He has been a confirmed member of the Episcopal Church since 1991 and is presently serving as a priest in the Diocese of Atlanta.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A former reporter regales us with his time as a young man spent with the West Virginia Hillbilly, a unique newspaper published in The Mountain State. It seems almost bizarre, considering what newspapers have become.

[Paula Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this book was written. It also made me nostalgic for my days in the newspaper business and how much I loved working for a very successful and thriving newspaper when newspapers were a viable product.
This book gave me some visual moments with the great descriptions of situations and I enjoyed having that mental picture as I was reading the text.

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Jennifer Talwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was witty, funny and all in a quick read. With a large portion of my family in West Virginia, this was what brought me to it and the true to life nature of the writing kept me reading. Thank you!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

A really interesting dive into a native West Virginian. Although often considered uneducated and backward, Comstock truly embodies the great qualities of being from Mountain Mama.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed reading this book