Episode Summary: Ep 450: Asheville on Our Minds + My Favorite NC Authors

Introduction and Context

In Episode 450 of What Should I Read Next?, host Anne Bogel delves into her deep connection with Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains region. Released on October 15, 2024, this episode holds special significance as it addresses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and anticipates the impact of Hurricane Milton. Anne expresses her heartfelt concern for the community, stating at [00:25], “We've been reading the news out of the area with our hearts in our throats and can barely process the degree of devastation they've experienced.”

Anne’s First Visit to Asheville and Malaprop's Bookstore

Anne reminisces about her inaugural trip to Asheville in November 2017, highlighting her visit to Malaprop's Bookstore in downtown Asheville. She shares the excitement and warmth she felt during her first event at the store, despite battling a minor cold post-COVID. At [06:45], Anne recalls, “It was magical. This was my first time visiting Asheville and Malaprop's. My whole family went for the weekend and both were magical.”

Literary Matchmaking Session

A significant portion of the episode features a live literary matchmaking session at Malaprop's Bookstore, where Anne and guest Melanie McNair engage with the audience to recommend books based on attendees' preferences. Participants submitted slips detailing their favorite books, dislikes, and current reads. Melanie initiates the session at [13:53], saying, “Are you ready to do some literary matchmaking?”

During the session, several books are highlighted with personal anecdotes and critiques:

• "Seeing Unburied Sing" by Jesmyn Ward: Described as “a beautifully written book” that transforms difficult subjects into art ([14:11] Anne).

• "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng: Melanie shares her enthusiasm despite her bookmark being stuck since September ([15:35] Melanie).

• "You Are a Badass at Making Money" by Jen Sincero: Anne appreciates the author's entertaining and relatable approach to self-help ([16:56] Anne).

Book Recommendations and Discussions

The matchmaking event continues with diverse recommendations:

• "Resurrection of Joan Ashby": Anne mentions this chunky read with a strong voice ([19:28] Anne).

• "No One Is Coming to Save Us" by Stephanie Powell Watts: Described as a Gatsby-retold narrative set in the South ([20:09] Audience Member; [27:21] Anne).

• "Girls of Atomic City" by Denise Kiernan: Recommended for its thorough research and engaging storytelling ([24:07] Anne).

• Historical Nonfiction vs. Historical Fiction: An audience member inquires about genre distinctions, leading Anne to suggest Denise Kiernan’s works as suitable narrative nonfiction ([24:07] Anne).

• "The Almost Sister" by Jocelyn Jackson: Anne praises its exploration of faith and family dynamics ([31:13] Anne).

Melanie and Anne exchange insights on various other titles, discussing themes like strong female protagonists, character development, and the balance between literary depth and entertainment.

Favorite North Carolina Authors and Books

Anne transitions to sharing her favorite North Carolina authors, emphasizing the region's literary richness:

• David Joy: Anne’s husband, Will, is a completist of Joy’s works. She highlights "Those We Thought We Knew" (2023) as a riveting mystery set in the Waynesville area, blending local color with intricate plotting ([45:24] Anne).

• Sarah Addison Allen: "Garden Spells" (2007) is Anne’s top pick, appreciated for its magical realism and heartfelt prose. She describes the Waverly family’s edible flower magic as “just perfection” ([47:41] Anne).

• Wiley Cash: Anne discusses "When Ghosts Come Home" (2021), a literary thriller set in Oak Island, North Carolina. She lauds the book for its slow-burning narrative and compelling ending ([47:46] Anne).

• Gail Godwin: "Evensong" (1999) is noted for its existential questions and deep exploration of marriage and calling within a North Carolina mountain town ([47:46] Anne).

• Emily Henry: "Lovers" is recommended for its enemies-to-lovers romance set in Sunshine Falls, encapsulating small-town charm and sharp dialogue ([47:46] Anne).

• Randall Keenan: Anne introduces "If I Had Two Things", a short story collection praised for its humor and inventive prose, anticipating its feature in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club ([47:41] Anne).

Special Tributes and Support for Asheville

Throughout the episode, Anne emphasizes the importance of supporting Asheville’s community and literary scene. She announces that all proceeds from the episode are donated equally to Beloved Asheville and the Binc Foundation, organizations dedicated to aiding the community and supporting bookstores in times of disaster. Anne shares the donation links and encourages listeners to contribute ([00:11], [13:53]).

Conclusion

Anne wraps up the episode by reflecting on the enduring aspects of her literary journey and connection to Asheville. She underscores the timeless nature of book recommendations and the unchanging joy of sharing stories with fellow readers. At [56:58], she quotes Rainer Maria Rilke, saying, “Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading,” encapsulating the episode’s essence of community and shared love for literature.

Notable Quotes

• Anne Bogel at [00:25]: “We've been reading the news out of the area with our hearts in our throats and can barely process the degree of devastation they've experienced.”

• Anne Bogel at [06:45]: “It was magical. This was my first time visiting Asheville and Malaprop's. My whole family went for the weekend and both were magical.”

• Melanie McNair at [13:53]: “Are you ready to do some literary matchmaking?”

• Anne Bogel at [14:11]: “'Seeing Unburied Sing' by Jesmyn Ward is a beautifully written book... she transforms really hard things into art.”

• Melanie McNair at [15:03]: “I have a podcast guest on Tuesday who's going to tell you that she reads ten books at once...”

• Anne Bogel at [22:22]: “If somebody loves the same book that you love, yeah, you should hang out.”

• Anne Bogel at [47:41]: “In 'Garden Spells,' the Waverly family’s edible flower magic is just perfection.”

This episode serves as both a heartfelt tribute to Asheville’s resilience and a treasure trove of literary recommendations, making it invaluable for readers seeking their next compelling read.