2013 Community Read

On the Same Page Literary Festival announces the 2013 Community Read, hosted by Ashe County Library and Ashe County Arts Council. This year's featured book is Refuge by Dot Jackson.  

“With its descriptions of the hardships of rural mountain life in an historical setting and a strong Southern woman survivor theme, this new voice in Appalachian fiction echoes Robert Morgan (Gap Creek) and Charles Frazier. Mary Seneca ‘Sen’ Steele is born and raised in early 20th-century Charleston, but her family ties to the mountains through her father are always strong. Long after his death, she escapes an abusive and dissolute husband with two young children in tow by driving deep into the mountains with only a vague idea of where to go to find the relatives she's never met. With a lot of help from strangers who all turn out to be related, she manages to inhabit an abandoned family homestead and develop a new life. Amidst family dramas of life and death, love interests, storms, and deprivation, this regional tale with a thick local accent develops into an entertaining saga. It should find an appreciative audience in Southern fiction fans.” Library Journal

Copies of the book are available for borrowing at the library and on sale at the arts council. Everyone is invited to participate in the Community Read events.

• READ: Local historian David Van Hoy will provide background on the author and share stories of mountain tradition at a kick-off event scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on August 6, in the library's downstairs meeting room.

• SHARE: “Pickin' in the Park – the songs of Refuge” takes place at 7:00 p.m. on August 27, in West Jefferson Town Park behind the library. Musicians are encouraged to gather for a community jam session. Refreshments will be served

• REMEMBER: Dot Jackson will visit the library at 1:00 p.m. on September 17 to lead a discussion about her book. Additional copies will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Now in its 6th year, the Community Read inspires community members to experience the bond of literature by reading and discussing the same title. All Community Read programs are free and open to the public.

Visit http://www.onthesamepagefestival.org/ for more festival information.