27 Views of Asheville

by Rob Neufeld (Introduction)

Building on its successful 27 Views series, Eno Publishers showcases the literary community of Asheville, North Carolina, in 27 Views of Asheville: A Southern Mountain Town in Prose & Poetry. Twenty-seven writers contribute poetry, essays, short stories, and book excerpts that focus on the fabled mountain town, offering readers a broad and varied picture of life in Asheville, past and present, as well as a sense of the town's literary breadth. Contributing authors include Sharyn McCrumb, Gail Godwin, Ron Rash, Pamela Duncan, Nan Chase, Allan Wolf, Dale Neal, Charles Frazier, and Robert Morgan. A fictionalized account of a battle between citizens and developers in the 1980s; reflections on the legacy of Thomas Wolfe; a look at Asheville's literary renaissance; and a poem by Robert Morgan recalling milkshakes at the Asheville Dairy Bar are just a few of the topics covered in this literary montage. The cover illustration is by Daniel Wallace, author of the novel Big Fish.

Genres: Poetry, Travel, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Camille McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was enjoyable to read a book of stories and poems, both nonfiction and fictional, about Asheville, since I live here. I learned a bit of history I didn't know before, and rehashed some that I was aware of in different ways. My favorites were "Hallowed Ground" about the Asheville Racetrack Motorway, "Rattlesnakes" by Wayne Caldwell, and "House of Twigs" by Heather Newton, all of which were written exceptionally well. Reading about the motorway makes me see more of the reasons people have clashed in this town. I loved the story "Rattlesnakes" about the SBA defeating the plan to turn the middle of downtown into a mall - it seems like not much has changed, truly, in local politics.
Maybe it's just because I'm not such a big fan of Thomas Wolfe at the moment but I got a little tired of hearing about him so much throughout this book. I know he's the biggest literary figure to have grown up here, but I probably could have done with a little less of him. I also really didn't like the cover, especially because it was drawn by someone from Chapel Hill - I know it was meant to be part of a series so this makes the books look more cohesive, but there are so many great local artists here in Asheville and it seemed like a lost opportunity to ask a local artist to make the cover, plus I didn't like the childish style.
This book was a very pleasant collection. I enjoyed some pieces more than others, but overall it gave me an appreciation for different aspects of Asheville and for the writers in this wonderful area.

[Amy Manikowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the different perspectives and voices portraying the histories and personalities of Asheville. Maybe a little bit too much about Thomas Wolfe! But it is evident he continues to have a great effect on writers growing up in Asheville.

[Les Gehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most collections, some entries were better than others, but overall they were quite good. In particular I really enjoyed "McCormick Field" by Michael McFee and "A Circle with No End" by Richard Chess.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Asheville, my second home. Seeing this vibrant southern mountain city in the eyes of so many different people, is truly a delight to read. It makes me miss the mountains and the people!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

27 authors talk about Asheville in prose and poetry. As a non-native of this beautiful area, it helps me to know more about the place I am living, and to feel more connected.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good feel for Asheville history, folklore, place names, etc.

[Lyndsey Hafer Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was lovely!!

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a newcomer to Asheville, I very much appreciated this book. The different perspectives on the city filled in a lot of blank spaces for me. The historical pieces were the most interesting. I enjoyed the poem about McCormick Field, which was easy to love since I am a baseball fan. The fact that the season was wiped out by COVID made it even more special. The chapter about the Raceway was really fascinating. I went to visit Carrier Park yesterday, to see the velodrome and understand that piece of history a little more. I kinda wish the Speedway was still there! I am going to visit the Thomas Wolfe house, and I might even read Look Homeward Angel. Maybe.

[Sandra Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of poems and essays written by people who know Asheville. A very interesting and well written book. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you Goodreads Giveaway for a very insightful book.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

After I received my copy of this book, I started reading it. Because my daughter once lived in Asheville, I have fond memories of many of the places written about in the book. I loved the stories about the people of Asheville. I enjoyed hearing about the city's history. I am anxious to send this book to my daughter. I am sure it will bring back pleasant memories for her. I am sure this book will do well in the tourist shops.