Fiction

• “Death’s Pale Flag” by Gary Simonds | Release date: June 27, 2023 | Look behind the curtain of modern neurosurgery and dive into the paranormal in this psychological thriller that follows a brain surgeon and unlikely war hero as he starts to see apparitions.
• “Other Birds” by Sarah Allen Addision | Release date: Aug. 30, 2022 | Secretive neighbors, unresolved longings, unwritten stories — Zoey gets more than she bargained for when she claims her deceased mother’s apartment on a tiny South Carolina island. Plus, you can see the author talk about book in the “Books Across America” documentary.

For the family

• “Four Months Past Florence” by Emily Paige Wilson | Release date: May 30, 2023 | This heartwarming but gripping young adult novel follows aspiring journalist and high schooler Millie Willard as Hurricane Florence brews off the coast of South Carolina.
• “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.

Learn something new

• “Biltmore Industries & Tryon Toy-Makers” by Bruce E. Johnson | Release date: July 22, 2023 | After a decade of research, Johnson shares the biographies of Eleanor P. Vance and Charlotte L. Yale, who operated a woodworking and weaving business for the Vanderbilts before starting their own company — inside, you’ll find never-before-published information + photographs.
• “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.

• “Healing Us” Special Screening | Monday, Nov. 6 | 7 p.m. | Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy St., Ste .10, Asheville | $8 | Watch the documentary, then join Healthcare for All WNC for a panel discussion and Q&A with doctors, nurses, and others in the healthcare industry.
• Best Ever Karaoke | Monday, Nov. 6 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Fleetwood’s, 496 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Start your week off right by channeling your inner superstar for a wild karaoke night.

• Intro to Senior Games Sports | Tuesday, Nov. 7-Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | West Asheville Park, 11 Vermont Ave., Asheville | Free | Start practicing now for the 2024 Senior Games in the spring — each week covers a different sport.
• Book Tok | Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Dr., Asheville | Free | Discuss Tik Tok’s favorite books then play some trivia and get more reading recommendations — November’s book is “The Deal” by Elle Kennedy.

• Dot Dot Dot: A New Musical | Wednesday, Nov. 8-Thursday, Nov. 9 | Times vary | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $11-$12 | Part of the theater’s Student Series, this new musical is based on a series of award-winning picture books.
• Apples to Apples: Preserving the Harvest | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 6-7:30 p.m. | WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Asheville | $30 | Learn how to use apples in a variety of ways — from sweet to savory dishes, beverages and desserts.

• The Magic of Indigo | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 10-11:30 a.m. | NC Cooperative Extension - Buncombe County Center, 49 Mt. Carmel Rd., Asheville | Free | Presented by the Learning Garden, this demonstration will show you the art of dyeing fiber with indigo — registration is required.

• Douglas Ellington’s art deco influences
• Follow the Vagabonds’ epic roadtrip to Asheville
• Marcy Gallagher is beginning a brand new career

• Effective yesterday, Sunday, Nov. 5, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office issued an open burn ban until further notice. High fire danger, low humidity + strong gusty winds means no burning yard waste or debris and no land-clearing burns — but contained fires (like in a grill, pit, or chimney device) are okay.

• No. 2. That’s where Urban Orchard Cider Co.'s Vacation Station cider falls on the USA TODAY 10Best list of the nation’s must-taste cider picks. Ciders were narrowed down by a panel of experts then voted on by readers all over the country. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Applications have reopened for the Clean Water Fund Grant Program to provide funds for organizations working to improve water quality in Buncombe County. With $100,000 allocated in the FY24 budget, the fund is expected to support one to three projects. Submissions are due Monday, Jan. 29.

• Home sweet home. Along with celebrating its 40th anniversary, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is dedicating the final six homes in phase one of New Heights, Habitat’s largest neighborhood to date. Volunteers, homeowners, and community members will meet in the neighborhood on Friday, Nov. 10 for the dedication.

• This Wednesday, Nov. 8 and Thursday, Nov. 9, NCWorks Career Center Asheville will be hosting a Veterans Job and Resource Fair. Each day, six different employers will be on site as well as community resource organizations. From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., the event is exclusive to veterans, but the general public can attend 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Gather for good food and great community. Asheville Parks and Recreation is inviting neighbors to two Friendsgiving events to share dishes and traditions. On Thursday, Nov. 16, bring your favorite holiday dessert to Grove Street Community Center, and stop by Burton Street Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 18 for a potluck.

• Spark your sense of adventure. No Man’s Land Film Festival will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing. Presented by MountainTrue, Mosaic Realty, and Altura Architects, the free all-women adventure film festival showcases conservation-focused documentary shorts.

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