Have you guys ever discussed Appalachian literature? I'm from Appalachia and there seems to be very few popular Appalachian writers. One hardly finds Appalachian writers in anthologies, and Appalachian writers are rarely taught in schools, even Appalachian schools. Why do you think this is? And, have you discovered any great contemporary mountain writers? Silas House and Charles Frazier are two of my favorites.

By the way, I’m new to your site and podcast. I’m feverishly attempting to listen to all the older podcasts. Keep up the great work!

Ashley, thanks!
Appalachian literature is not a category that I know anything about, though I have read and loved both Silas House and Charles Frazier. However, there is a new novel that I've read recently, which will be published in the spring, which has an Appalachian community at the center. It's called BLOODROOT by Amy Greene, and I am sure that I will talk about it shortly before publication.

One recommendation for you is to talk to a local independent bookstore in the region. They should be the hub of literary activity there, and should be able to point you to some up and coming authors as well as the tried and true.

Ashley,

I, too, have read Silas House and Charles Frazier. If you haven't read Silas' new novel from Candlewick, "Eli the Good", get a copy. It's wonderful. Here's a link to my review on Goodreads: http://apps.facebook.com/good_reads/book...
He's out and about touring, speaking and signing, so you might be able to hear him read somewhere close to you soon.

Ann and Teresa, thanks for the info!

What about "comfort" books? There are certain books that I turn to when I am feeling emotionally under the weather. I don't know if other people do the same, but I would be interested to find out!

Also, with 2010 approaching in a couple of months, what about a top ten from 2000-2010? I am always interested in books that I may have missed when they first came out.

Hi Ann and Michael. I've recently discovered your podcast and i've totally addicted. I've also recently discovered the romance genre, and I'm loving it. You really do have to put away your biases and give it a try. Oh, and totally ignore the covers. To me, they just don't reflect the quality of the writing. So, how about a show about "good" romances. They are definitely out there.

Hi Jennifer,
You are right about romance.
I'm not very well read in the category (and I will go out on a limb and guess that Michael is not either), but we know some people that are. Might be time for a special guest. Thanks for the idea!!

Ashley wrote: "Have you guys ever discussed Appalachian literature? I'm from Appalachia and there seems to be very few popular Appalachian writers. One hardly finds Appalachian writers in anthologies, and Appal..."

Sharyn McCrumb writes entertaining Appalachian books also.

I've been noticing that after a couple of years, a number of blogs, discussion groups and/or book clubs will fall into indifference and low participation. Since you've been discussing book clubs on your podcast & blog, the topic of how to jump start a flagging book club might be timely. What have other successful groups done to re-energize their memberships?

Tanya wrote: "I've been noticing that after a couple of years, a number of blogs, discussion groups and/or book clubs will fall into indifference and low participation. Since you've been discussing book clubs on..."

and/or maybe how to start a book club?

Laurie wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Have you guys ever discussed Appalachian literature? I'm from Appalachia and there seems to be very few popular Appalachian writers. One hardly finds Appalachian writers in antholo..."

Lee Smith is one of my favorite writers and she's Appalachian. Many of her books are historical -- "Oral History," "On Agate Hill," "Fair and Tender Ladies," "The Devil's Dream," (about several generations of country musicians) and "Saving Grace (about fundamentalist religion)." Other books are contemporary or short stories -- "Family Linen," "Fancy Strut," "Black Mountain Breakdown," "The Last Girls," etc. But if you only read one Lee Smith book, read her first one -- "The Last Day the Dogbushes Bloomed."

I sent Ashley a message, but I thought I would post for anyone else interested, Still a journal of the Mountain South is published three times a year, in October, February and June. "Our mission is to provide a free website that offers the finest in contemporary literary writing of Central Appalachia, or the Mountain South." http://www.stilljournal.net/ I just saw this on FaceBook this morning. Two authors I sell are fans.

Teresa, thanks for posting this. I have written a novel that takes place in the Blue Ridge mountains so I may submit something if I can pull a short story out of my novel. Other Appalachian writers are James Still, Ron Rash, Sheila Kay Adams, and Bo Ball. I wonder if "Still" is named for James Still.

Yes, Libby, in fact it is! On the About Us page on the website it says, "James Still, author of River of Earth, The Wolfpen Poems, and many other great works, is the grandfather of modern Appalachian literature and has inspired us all."

Hi Ann -

Has anyone thought of doing a show on Steampunk? It's one of those sub genres that seems to be experiencing a little renaissance.

Hi Booksexy,

Thought about it, but I've never ever read a Steampunk book. Great idea there -- we may have to wait for the appropriate guest-host, and I think I know just the one. I will try to pull it together after the New Year.