“One of the major misconceptions about Hare Krishna is that it’s a cult and it’s totally controlled by certain gurus,” says local author Rishi Waterman. “That’s not the fact.”
Smart Bets: NC Writers’ Network Spring Conference
Registration is open for the May 2-4 summit.
Off the Shelf: Yes, this is a thriller — but it’s also so much more
As part of Xpress’ new monthly feature, “Off the Shelf,” we ask local residents to offer a book recommendation. This month’s suggestion comes courtesy of Kayla Pressley Seay, site manager at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
Poet Michael Dechane explores loneliness and transformation in his debut collection
In his debut collection, The Long Invisible, poet Michael Dechane examines broken relationship and starting anew. Many of the works are set in Florida, where Dechane grew up, as well as Western North Carolina, where he now resides.
Smart Bets: Big World, Small Delights with Ross Gay
The poet and essayist will offer a reading, discussion and Q&A to benefit the Asheville City Schools Foundation on Feb. 27.
New photography book documents Black experiences in Appalachia
Chris Aluka Berry’s book of photographs explores the sometimes hidden world of Black people in Western North Carolina and other parts of Appalachia.
Debut novel examines the lasting impact of sexual assault
Author Melissa Connelly’s debut novel, What Was Lost, tells the story of Marti Farrell in two parts — as a young teen navigating sexual abuse in the 1970s and later as an adult still coping with the trauma of her past.
Local poets on the benefits of slowing down
As part of Xpress’ annual Wellness Issues, we asked six local poets to share their thoughts on the benefits of slowing down and being present in the moment.
Off the Shelf: An epic novel set during the construction of the Panama Canal
From humor to a historical setting, Cristina Henríquez’s 2024 work of literary fiction, The Great Divide, has something for everyone.
Andrew K. Clark’s new horror novel honors Appalachian ancestors
The author’s debut novel effectively blends horror, magical realism and folklore.
Smart Bets: Voices of Impact
Six speakers will participate in the evening of storytelling, big ideas, connection and inspiration on Feb. 7.
Smart Bets: Ricochet
Local author Kellyn Carni will read from and discuss her new young adult historical fantasy novel at a Feb. 4 event at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café.
Smart Bets: The Deep End of Hope
A Feb. 1 event at Gerton Fire Station celebrates the release of the Tropical Storm Helene memoir by local trauma chaplain Emma Churchman.
Smart Bets: Queer Girls Literary Reading
The Jan. 26 event at Eulogy features original essays, prose and poetry from seven local and regional writers.
Terry Roberts visits 1924 Asheville in new novel
The Asheville-based author continues Stephen Robbins’ saga in “The Devil Hath a Pleasing Shape,” which was published on Oct. 1.
Smart Bets: Moth StorySLAM
Sign up to tell a story or just enjoy the show on Jan. 16 at The Grey Eagle.
Smart Bets: Readings from author Brian Lee Knopp
This month, the former private investigator will read from his new collection of essays at two WNC bookstores.
Smart Bets: Story Parlor presents Good Grief!
The Dec. 20 event features stories, poetry and music from four local creatives.
Middle school student shares a poem about Helene’s impact on the RAD
Alexander Steere, a seventh grader at Francine Delany New School, discusses his love for the River Arts District.
Debut memoir explores the intractability of memory
Like any exquisitely crafted narrative, local author Rachel M. Hanson’s debut memoir, The End of Tennessee, encapsulates the story’s fundamental ache within the book’s opening lines.
Unstoppable: An ecosystem of literacy access
“The majority of local students, no matter their race, background and socioeconomic status, were not reading on grade level prior to the storm, and they just lost another month-plus of critical instruction,” says Jessica McLean, co-executive director of Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe