What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor. Brew up a batch of your favorite cup of tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in Asheville.
Fiction
- “The Puppeteer’s Daughters” by Heather Newton | Release date: July 26, 2022 | This humorous and heartwarming story explores family dynamics via a puppeteer father and the complex legacy he hopes to leave for his daughters.
- “Even As We Breathe” by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle | Release date: September 08, 2020 | The first novel ever published by an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this World War II-era story centers on a young Cherokee man who navigates new life roles and raises broader questions about identity, culture, and history.
- “Where All Light Tends to Go” by David Joy | Release date: March 3, 2015 | Joy’s first book, a dark tale of a young man seeking redemption, was an Edgar Award finalist for best first novel. It’s also the basis of an upcoming American crime thriller film starring Billy Bob Thornton and Robin Wright.
For the family
- “Carolina Haints: Ghosts, Folklore, and Mysteries of the Old North State” by Dan Sellers and Jeffrey Cochran | Release date: October 26, 2021 | This book explores the Tar Heel State’s legends and lore using storytelling and fun personal narratives.
- “Santa Claus Worldwide: A History of St. Nicholas and Other Holiday Gift-Bringers” by Tom Jerman | Release date: May 11, 2020 | This fascinating and comprehensive history of Jolly Old St. Nick showcases the iconic character’s diversity and evolution.
- “What I Came to Tell You” by Tommy Hays | Release date: September 24, 2013 | This young adult work of fiction about a grieving family is as satisfying for adults as younger readers.
Learn something new
- “The Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton” by Ann B. Ross | Release date: Apr. 2, 2021 I While author and documentary filmmaker Hutcheson is based in Raleigh, we’re including him for this extensive portrait of the legendary Haywood County moonshiner that features photos, essays + interviews. Bonus: There’s a foreword from Jackson County-based author David Joy.
- “Discovering the Appalachian Trail: A Guide to the Trail’s Greatest Hikes” by Joshua Niven and Amber Adams Niven | Release date: June 1, 2022| Featuring stunning original photos, the essays in this work detail the healing nature of hiking the iconic trail.
- “The Power of Scenery: Frederick Law Olmsted and the Origin of National Parks” by Dennis Drabelle | Release date: Nov. 1, 2021 | This lavish tome tells the fascinating story of how the national park movement began and spread around the world.
Part of a series
- “Miss Julia Happily Ever After” by Ann B. Ross | Release date: April 06, 2021 | The 25th and final installment of this best-selling series sees the beloved protagonist navigating all manners of struggles related to her long-awaited wedding.
- “All Together Now” by Hope Larson | Release date: August 4, 2020 | This sequel to her 2018 book, All Summer Long, explores the struggles two best friends experience growing up.
- “Seraphina and the Black Cloak” by Robert Beatty | Release date: June 14, 2016 | The first book in the Serafina introduces Serafina, a child secretly living in the Biltmore’s basement.
Personal stories
- “Family of Earth: A Southern Mountain Childhood” by Wilma Dykeman | Release date: September 6, 2016 | The famed environmentalist’s memoir chronicles her life against the backdrop of early twentieth-century Asheville.
- “Writing Appalachia: One Year of Essays” by Joshua Wilkey | Release date: April 16, 2018 | Penned by Brevard College history instructor and WNC resident, Wilkey’s book delves into Appalachian stereotypes of poverty via a scholarly and personal lens.
- “Growing Up In Asheville, North Carolina: How Music and Art Spurred a Renaissance in a Sleepy Southern Town” by Dan Lewis | Release date: December 16, 2021 | A celebration of Asheville of yore alongside coming-of-age stories and humorous misadventures.
Need more recommendations? Stop by Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, Firestorm Books & Coffee, and Downtown Books & News to get expert advice from AVL’s local booksellers. 📚