Our Stories, Told by Women: Interesting Reads Set in our Hills

Discovering the Magic of Appalachia:The World of Author Shannon Hitchcock

Hike Shortoff Mountain

Our Stories, Told by Women: Interesting Reads Set in our Hills

In the rolling, verdant landscapes of North Carolina, where the hills whisper tales of yore and the horizon blends seamlessly into the sky, a unique literary tradition has taken root. This collection of books, each penned by the deft hands of women authors, presents a tapestry of life that is as diverse as it is compelling. Spanning generations, these narratives unfold in the hills of the Tar Heel State, yet their essence lies in the intricate portrayal of strong, resilient women. From the rugged Appalachians to the gentle slopes of the Piedmont, these stories invite readers into worlds where women are not just characters but the very core of each tale. Their journeys, varied and rich, reflect the universal themes of struggle, triumph, and the unyielding power of the human spirit. As we delve into this carefully curated collection, we celebrate not only the beauty and depth of North Carolina's landscapes but the indomitable strength of women who have, across generations, shaped their destinies within these hills.

The Hill Women

The Hill Women by Cassie Chambers is a powerful memoir that chronicles the lives of strong, resilient women in the Appalachian region of Western North Carolina. The author, raised in Owsley County, Kentucky, shares the stories of her grandmother, mother, and other women in her family who faced poverty, limited access to education, and societal expectations. Through their determination and strength, they managed to break cycles of hardship, inspiring future generations. Chambers' narrative, written by a woman deeply connected to the region, highlights the importance of education, community, and female empowerment in overcoming adversity.

Purchase Here

Blight

Blight by Alexandra Duncan is a thrilling, action-adventure novel set in a dystopian future where agribusiness facilities produce genetically engineered food. The story follows seventeen-year-old Tempest Torres, a security officer at AgraStar, as she races against time to deliver a cure for a deadly toxin accidentally released into the environment. Alongside scavenger boy Alder, they uncover a deeper conspiracy behind the blight. Duncan's novel, inspired by contemporary environmental issues and genetic seed manipulation, combines elements of Atwood's "Oryx and Crake" and Farmer's "The House of the Scorpion" to create a compelling, feminist science fiction tale.

Purchase Here

Bewilderness

Bewilderness is a novel by Karen Tucker, set in the rural Appalachians of Western North Carolina. The story follows two young women, Luce and Irene, who form a deep friendship despite their differences. As they navigate the challenges of poverty, addiction, and despair, the bond between them becomes their lifeline. Tucker's novel delves into the complexities of female friendships, the opioid crisis, and the struggles faced by those living in economically disadvantaged communities. This compelling and poignant tale sheds light on the human experience amid hardship and hope.

Purchase

Even As We Breathe

Even as We Breathe is a novel by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, a Cherokee author, set in Western North Carolina during World War II. The story centers on Cowney Sequoyah, a young Cherokee man who leaves the Qualla Boundary to work at the luxurious Grove Park Inn. Simultaneously, the inn serves as an internment camp for Axis diplomats. Cowney becomes entangled in a web of intrigue when he is accused of a crime he didn't commit, forcing him to confront issues of identity, heritage, and loyalty. Clapsaddle's captivating novel provides a unique perspective on the wartime experience and the struggles of Indigenous people in America.

Purchase

Guests on Earth

Guests on Earth is a novel by Lee Smith, set in Asheville, North Carolina during the 1930s and 1940s. The story follows the protagonist, Evalina Toussaint, an orphaned pianist who becomes a patient at Highland Hospital, a real-life psychiatric facility that once housed Zelda Fitzgerald. As the narrative unfolds, Evalina interacts with various patients and staff members, witnessing both the beauty and the darkness of the human psyche. Smith's evocative novel explores themes of mental health, artistic expression, and the fragility of life, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who reside at the fringes of society.

Purchase

The Tall Woman

The Tall Woman by Wilma Dykeman is a historical fiction novel set in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. The story follows Lydia McQueen, a strong, independent woman who faces challenges and hardships in the post-Civil War era. Through her journey, Lydia becomes a symbol of resilience, determination, and hope as she grapples with the harsh realities of a divided community. Dykeman's novel, written by a woman with deep ties to the region, offers a vivid and authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by mountain families during this turbulent time.

Purchase

At Home in Mitford

At Home in Mitford is the first novel in the beloved Mitford Series by Jan Karon. Set in the charming small town of Mitford, North Carolina, the book introduces readers to Father Tim, a kind-hearted Episcopal priest, and a colorful cast of local characters. The story follows Father Tim's journey as he navigates the joys and challenges of everyday life, while offering spiritual guidance and support to his quirky congregation. Karon's heartwarming novel explores themes of faith, love, and community, delighting readers with its gentle humor and relatable, endearing characters.

Purchase

If The Creek Don't Rise

If the Creek Don't Rise is a debut novel by Leah Weiss set in the Appalachian region of Western North Carolina during the 1970s. The story revolves around Sadie Blue, a pregnant teenager trapped in an abusive marriage. The narrative is told through multiple perspectives, providing readers with a rich, multi-layered understanding of the community and its inhabitants. As Sadie seeks a way out of her situation, the resilience and strength of the characters are tested amidst hardship, poverty, and adversity. Weiss' novel presents a vivid portrayal of life in rural Appalachia, showcasing the complexities and nuances of human relationships.

Purchase

Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel is a historical fiction novel by Lori Benton, set in the late 18th century in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The story follows Ian Cameron, a Scottish-born surveyor, and Seona, a slave working at the Mountain Laurel plantation. When Ian is tasked with overseeing the plantation for his uncle, he and Seona form a deep connection that transcends societal norms and expectations. Benton's novel explores themes of love, freedom, and the harsh realities of slavery, while offering a vivid portrayal of life in the Appalachian region during that time.

Purchase

Lum

Lum, A Novel by Libby Ware tells the story of Lum, an intersex individual who has always felt like an outsider. Diagnosed at the age of eight, Lum faces a life of exclusion and is never treated as a true family member. When the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway threatens the family's farmland, tensions escalate within the community, resulting in violence and betrayal. Amidst the chaos, Lum discovers that the Parkway also brings opportunities for growth and change. Ware's novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Purchase