Deep Dive
Why is Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains region important to the podcast host?
The host has a deep fondness for Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, which has been a recurring theme in the podcast. The area holds personal memories and has been a significant location for book events and personal visits.
What organizations are the proceeds from this episode being donated to?
The proceeds are being split evenly between BeLoved Asheville and the Binc Foundation. BeLoved Asheville provides assistance to the underprivileged and underserved in Asheville, while the Binc Foundation supports bookstores in times of disaster.
What was the host's first experience at Malaprop's Bookstore like?
The host's first visit to Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville was in November 2017, during a peak leaf season. The experience was magical, with a packed store full of enthusiastic readers and a lively literary matchmaking session.
What are some of the host's favorite North Carolina authors and books?
The host's favorite North Carolina authors include David Joy, Sarah Addison Allen, Wiley Cash, Gail Godwin, Emily Henry, and Randall Keenan. Notable books mentioned are 'Those We Thought We Knew' by David Joy, 'Garden Spells' by Sarah Addison Allen, 'When Ghosts Come Home' by Wiley Cash, 'Evensong' by Gail Godwin, 'Book Lovers' by Emily Henry, and 'If I Had Two Wings' by Randall Keenan.
How has the host's perspective on books evolved since her first visit to Malaprop's?
The host notes that while some things, like having too many books to read, haven't changed, her perspective on certain books has evolved. She reflects on how her tastes and understanding of literature have developed over the years.
What is the significance of the book 'Evensong' by Gail Godwin in the context of the podcast?
The book 'Evensong' by Gail Godwin is significant as it explores existential questions about marriage, vocation, and calling through the lens of a 30-something Episcopal priest in a North Carolina mountain town. The host finds the book's contemplative and heartfelt prose particularly compelling.
How does the host describe 'Book Lovers' by Emily Henry?
The host describes 'Book Lovers' by Emily Henry as a readerly enemies-to-lovers romance with small-town charm, big Roy Kent energy, and plenty of banter. It also explores themes of family, ambition, love, and belonging.
What is the main theme of 'Those We Thought We Knew' by David Joy?
The main theme of 'Those We Thought We Knew' by David Joy revolves around the disruption of the status quo in a small North Carolina town by two outsiders, one a KKK member and the other a Black college-aged artist activist. The book delves into questions of human nature and community.
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