BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CalDiscovery//caldiscovery//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH DESCRIPTION:Discovered and maintained by CalDiscovery (https://caldiscover y.com). Event details belong to their publishers. Contains information fro m CalDiscovery\, which is made available under the ODbL 1.0. SOURCE:https://caldiscovery.com/asheville-nc/literary.ics X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H X-WR-CALDESC:Discovered and maintained by CalDiscovery (https://caldiscove ry.com). Event details belong to their publishers. Contains information fr om CalDiscovery\, which is made available under the ODbL 1.0. X-WR-CALNAME:CalDiscovery - asheville-nc (literary) BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Author Event with Jose Rivera DTSTART:20260905T170000Z DTEND:20260905T190000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:0jsulki60igmkv7jd3m4oba36m@google.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join local author Jose Rivera-Garcia for a reading\, Q&A\, and book signing of his novel Trial\, a novelized version of a short film of the same name. About Trial: When a father holds on to a religious tradit ion\, and his son believes what his soul demands\, how will the faith of t he son challenge the traditions of his father? Follow this Jewish family f rom 1492 to present-day Charleston\, SC and the challenges of Jesus as Mes siah. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wilkescountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:VOICES OF OAKDALE DTSTART:20260905T190000Z DTEND:20260905T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T061926Z UID:10033786-1788620400-1788627600@visithendersonvillenc.org CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:As part of Hendersonville Theatre’s PAGE TO STAGE program of fering new work readings\, we are proud to offer this important part of ou r local history. Oakdale Cemetery reflects the city’s early commitment t o maintaining a public burial ground serving both black and white resident s. The project is In collaboration with\, and written by\, members of The Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission. After the reading\, there will be a guided discussion inviting audience input. Admission is Free. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T061926Z LOCATION:Hendersonville Theatre\, 229 South Washington Street\, Hendersonv ille\, NC\, 28739\, United States URL:https://visithendersonvillenc.org/event/voices-of-oakdale X-SOURCE-NAME:Hendersonville\, NC X-SOURCE-URL:https://visithendersonvillenc.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Political Prisoner Letter Writing DTSTART:20260906T200000Z DTEND:20260906T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3040 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an aftern oon of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of dominatio n and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they —and their sacrifices for our movements—are never far from our minds a nd hearts.\nContinuously showing up for comrades who have had large chunks of their lifetimes stolen by the State is crucial solidarity work. If you have ever sat in a jail cell—for even one night—you know how importan t it is to show folks they are not alone on the inside. If you haven't see n the inside of a prison cell (and we hope you never do!)\, you can probab ly imagine how mentally and emotionally taxing it is to lose control over your physical self and surroundings. For those facing this reality\, espec ially for years and even decades\, any reminder of support and connection from the outside means more than most of us can imagine. We know because o ur comrades tell us again and again\, it is no exaggeration: LETTERS SAVE LIVES!\nBlue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that jails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the h arms people commit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problems worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, whic h is to say they are part of a wider movement working towards an end of in carceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of just ice in our society. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3040-political-prisoner-letter-writing.ht ml X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:YS Creative Writing Club DTSTART:20260907T210000Z DTEND:20260907T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:2ouuv360t7hme9bq1v4k066s2f@google.com CATEGORIES:literary LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wataguacountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:AVL Digital Nomads - Book Club DTSTART:20260907T220000Z DTEND:20260907T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260830T184537Z UID:event_315656887@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Digital Nomads\n**September 2026 Selection - *To Have and Have Not* by Ernest Hemingway**\n[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Have-Not- Scribner-Classics/dp/0684859238/) - [GoodReads](https://www.goodreads.com/ book/show/4630.To_Have_and_Have_Not)\n\n*To Have and Have Not is the drama tic story of Harry Morgan\, an honest man who is forced into running contr aband between Cuba and Key West as a means of keeping his crumbling family financially afloat. His adventures lead him into the world of the wealthy and dissipated yachtsmen who throng the region and involve him in a stran ge and unlikely love affair.*\n\n*In this harshly realistic\, yet oddly te nder and wise novel\, Hemingway perceptively delineates the personal strug gles of both the "haves" and the "have nots" and creates one of the most s ubtle and moving portraits of a love affair in his oeuvre. By turns funny and tragic\, lively and poetic\, remarkable in its emotional impact\, To H ave and Have Not is literary high adventure at its finest.*\n\n\\-\\-\\-\\ -\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\ \-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\- \\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\ -\n\n**Welcome to our monthly Book Club!** We’re a small\, friendly grou p that gets together for fun\, thoughtful conversations about a different book each month.\n\nFinished the whole book? Great. Only made it through a few chapters? Still come. Didn’t read it at all but the discussion soun ds interesting? Honestly\, you’re welcome too.\nWe meet on the **first T uesday of every month**.\n\nOne of the best things about this group is tha t we keep it relatively small and guide the conversation\, so it doesn’t turn into three people talking while everyone else quietly questions thei r life choices. Everyone has a chance to jump in\, share their thoughts\, and explore the book’s characters\, themes\, writing\, and bigger ideas. \n\nYou definitely don’t need to be a literary expert. Whether you read constantly or you’re trying to get back into it\, this is a relaxed plac e to discover new books\, hear different perspectives\, and meet some grea t people along the way. LAST-MODIFIED:20260830T184537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-digital-nomads/events/315656887/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Digital Nomads END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Flooded Poetry & Prose DTSTART:20260907T223000Z DTEND:20260907T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260805T061713Z UID:1634-1788805800-1788809400@floodgallery.org CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Poetry & prose open mic every Monday at 6:30 PM\, starring YOU plus occasional Featured Readers!\nAll styles of poetry/spoken word are w elcome! Eight minutes per reader. Supportive listening room in a gallery s etting. \nStay for POETRY PIEROGI afterwards\, 7:30pm to 9pm\, all experim ental poetry. \n(Call Carlos at 828-273-3332 if you’d like to be a featu red poet.) \n    . \n. LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T061713Z LOCATION:Flood Gallery Fine Art Center\, 802 Fairview Rd. Suite 1200\, Ash eville\, NC\, 28803\, United States URL:https://floodgallery.org/event/flooded-poetry-prose-27/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Flood Gallery Fine Art Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://floodgallery.org/poetry END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:POETRY PIEROGI DTSTART:20260907T233000Z DTEND:20260908T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260805T061713Z UID:1644-1788809400-1788814800@floodgallery.org CATEGORIES:arts,literary DESCRIPTION:Poetry with no recipe. \nA poem can be anything.\nA whisper. A riot.\nA dream. A glitch.\nA love letter to the future.\nA bowl of someth ing\nYou’ve never tasted. \nPOETRY PIEROGI IS EXPERIMENTAL.\nALL MEDIUMS . ALL VOICES. REFUSAL REQUIRED.\nNO PERMISSION REQUIRED. \nEvery Monday af ter Flooded Poetry\, at the Flood Gallery\, 802 Fairview Rd\, Suite 1200\, River Ridge Center\, East Asheville. \nCONTACT\ninfo@poetrypierogi.com LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T061713Z LOCATION:Flood Gallery Fine Art Center\, 802 Fairview Rd. Suite 1200\, Ash eville\, NC\, 28803\, United States URL:https://floodgallery.org/event/poetry-pierogi-10/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Flood Gallery Fine Art Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://floodgallery.org/poetry END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20260908T213000Z DTEND:20260908T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The Forsyte Saga - Volume 1 - \nJohn Galsworthy DTSTART:20260908T223000Z DTEND:20260909T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221535Z UID:event_314577908@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Books That Age Like Wine\nWe will only be reading “The Man o f Property” but we can stay later and discuss the other two volumes if a nyone is interested..\n\nThe three novels which make up The Forsyte Saga c hronicle the ebbing social power of the commercial upper-middle class Fors yte family between 1886 and 1920. Galsworthy's masterly narrative examines not only their fortunes but also the wider developments within society\, particularly the changing position of women. This is the only critical edi tion of the work available\, with Notes that explain contemporary artistic and literary allusions and define the slang of the time. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221535Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/asheville-classic-books-meetup-group/events/314 577908/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Books That Age Like Wine END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Nonprofit Fundamentals: Grant Writing 101 - Fundamentals of Effect ive Grant Proposals - Sept. 9 & 10 DTSTART:20260909T133000Z DTEND:20260909T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260728T160001Z UID:17967-1788946200-1788957000@nonprofitpathways.org CATEGORIES:community,education,literary DESCRIPTION:This is a two-part workshop held online via Zoom\, three hours each day (total of 6 hours) to complete class\, September 9 & 10\; 9:30am – 12:30 pm.  Click here to register. \nWestern North Carolina nonprofi ts are carrying a heavy load right now. Hurricane Helene’s recovery is s till ongoing\, federal funding continues to shrink\, and DEI-focused grant s are harder to come by. Your community needs your organization to be reso urced\, resilient\, and ready. This important work starts with knowing how to make the ask. \nGrant Writing 101 gives you a solid foundation to writ e proposals that get a funder’s attention. Whether you’re starting fro m scratch or ready to sharpen your skills\, you’ll walk away knowing how to find aligned funders\, build a compelling narrative\, create a project budget\, and demonstrate measurable impact. We’ll also dig into how AI fits into the proposal process\, and how to use it without losing your voi ce. \nBy the end\, you’ll have the skills to write proposals that commun icate your project’s value and move funders to say yes. This class is ta ught by Simone Adams. \nCost per online class is $60 for both days. Classe s are designed to be affordable and are free for organizations with a budg et under $50K\, contact us for details. Pathways is committed to making th ese courses accessible to all nonprofit leaders in WNC. If you would like to attend\, but the cost is a barrier\, please don’t hesitate to reach o ut to us at contact@nonprofitpathways.org.  Attendance is mandatory for b oth days to attend. *we limit a maximum of 3 registrants per organization for each class. \nPlease let us know if you are in need of special accommo dations for any of our classes by emailing us at contact@nonprofitpathways .org. \nThe Nonprofit Fundamentals Certificate Program courses are offered to nonprofit organizations based in the 18 counties of western North Caro lina. Please do not register for classes if you do not meet this criteria. Thank you. LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T160001Z URL:https://nonprofitpathways.org/event/nonprofit-fundamentals-grant-writi ng-101-save-the-date/ X-SOURCE-NAME:WNC Nonprofit Pathways X-SOURCE-URL:https://nonprofitpathways.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20260909T220000Z DTEND:20260910T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_316204521@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/316204521/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Author Talk: Astra Taylor DTSTART:20260909T223000Z DTEND:20260910T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T060356Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53852027118381 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Have you been reading "Democracy May Not Exist But We'll Miss It When It's Gone"? If so\, you should come see the author\, Astra Taylor speak about the book! Even if you haven't\, this is a great opportunity to be in community and be a part of our campus-wide dialogue about democracy . LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T060356Z LOCATION:Canon Lounge in Gladfelter Student Center URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu/event/author-talk-astra-taylor X-SOURCE-NAME:Warren Wilson College Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Nonprofit Fundamentals: Grant Writing 101 - Fundamentals of Effect ive Grant Proposals - Sept. 9 & 10 DTSTART:20260910T133000Z DTEND:20260910T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260728T160001Z UID:17969-1789032600-1789043400@nonprofitpathways.org CATEGORIES:community,education,literary DESCRIPTION:This is a two-part workshop held online via Zoom\, three hours each day (total of 6 hours) to complete class\, September 9 & 10\; 9:30am – 12:30 pm.  Click here to register. \nWestern North Carolina nonprofi ts are carrying a heavy load right now. Hurricane Helene’s recovery is s till ongoing\, federal funding continues to shrink\, and DEI-focused grant s are harder to come by. Your community needs your organization to be reso urced\, resilient\, and ready. This important work starts with knowing how to make the ask. \nGrant Writing 101 gives you a solid foundation to writ e proposals that get a funder’s attention. Whether you’re starting fro m scratch or ready to sharpen your skills\, you’ll walk away knowing how to find aligned funders\, build a compelling narrative\, create a project budget\, and demonstrate measurable impact. We’ll also dig into how AI fits into the proposal process\, and how to use it without losing your voi ce. \nBy the end\, you’ll have the skills to write proposals that commun icate your project’s value and move funders to say yes. This class is ta ught by Simone Adams. \nCost per online class is $60 for both days. Classe s are designed to be affordable and are free for organizations with a budg et under $50K\, contact us for details. Pathways is committed to making th ese courses accessible to all nonprofit leaders in WNC. If you would like to attend\, but the cost is a barrier\, please don’t hesitate to reach o ut to us at contact@nonprofitpathways.org.  Attendance is mandatory for b oth days to attend. *we limit a maximum of 3 registrants per organization for each class. \nPlease let us know if you are in need of special accommo dations for any of our classes by emailing us at contact@nonprofitpathways .org. \nThe Nonprofit Fundamentals Certificate Program courses are offered to nonprofit organizations based in the 18 counties of western North Caro lina. Please do not register for classes if you do not meet this criteria. Thank you. LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T160001Z URL:https://nonprofitpathways.org/event/nonprofit-fundamentals-grant-writi ng-101-save-the-date-2/ X-SOURCE-NAME:WNC Nonprofit Pathways X-SOURCE-URL:https://nonprofitpathways.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Carolina Mountains Literary Festival DTSTART:20260910T140000Z DTEND:20260911T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260905T062010Z UID:10000838-1789034400-1789074000@www.blueridgeheritage.com CATEGORIES:festival,literary DESCRIPTION:Carolina Mountains Literary Festival is a nonprofit organizati on striving to foster community by supporting and celebrating literacy and the love of literature in the Southern Appalachians. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor 16 years\, we have brought the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival to downt own Burnsville\, NC. The festival brings writers and readers together\, an d readers and readers together. LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T062010Z LOCATION:North Carolina URL:https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/event/carolina-mountains-literary-fe stival/2026-09-10/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Blue Ridge National Heritage Area X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/asheville-art- museum END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Visiting Writers Series: Andrew McCarthy DTSTART:20260910T223000Z DTEND:20260911T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221514Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_52392357211249 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Actor\, director and bestselling memoirist Andrew McCarthy wil l open the Lenoir-Rhyne University Visiting Writers Series with a discussi on of his new book\, “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America.” Blending memoir\, travel and cultural r eflection\, McCarthy explores the complexities of male friendship and what it means to form meaningful connections throughout life.\n\nMcCarthy made his professional debut at 19 in “Class” and has appeared in dozens of films\, including “Pretty in Pink\,” “St. Elmo’s Fire\,” “Les s Than Zero\,” “Weekend at Bernie’s” and “Mannequin.” His memo ir about that period of his life\, “BRAT: An ’80s Story\,” became a New York Times bestseller in 2021.\n\nAs a director\, McCarthy has helmed nearly 100 hours of television\, including episodes of “The Blacklist\, ” “Grace and Frankie\,” “New Amsterdam” and “Orange Is the New Black.”\n\nMcCarthy also spent 12 years as an editor-at-large for Natio nal Geographic Traveler. His writing has appeared in The New York Times\, The Wall Street Journal\, the Los Angeles Times\, The Atlantic\, Time\, Tr avel + Leisure\, Town & Country\, Men’s Journal\, Bon Appétit and other publications. He was named Travel Journalist of the Year by the Society o f American Travel Writers and served as guest editor of “The Best Americ an Travel Writing” anthology. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221514Z LOCATION:P.E. Monroe Auditorium URL:https://calendar.lr.edu/event/visiting-writers-series-andrew-mccarthy X-SOURCE-NAME:Lenoir-Rhyne University Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.lr.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:PechaKucha Night AVL: v42 DTSTART:20260911T233000Z DTEND:20260912T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260901T120844Z UID:10001851-1789155000-1789162200@devilsfootbrew.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:PechaKucha Night Returns in September for Volume 42 at The Mul e!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPechaKucha Night Asheville is an evening of presentat ions by the most creative and interesting people in our city\, all followi ng the beautifully simple PechaKucha 20×20 format: 20 images\, shown fo r 20 seconds each. With 400 seconds to tell their story\, each unique pres entation is succinct. You never know what you’ll learn or who you’ll s ee at PechaKucha. Learn more at https://pechakuchaavl.org\, on Instagram  @pechakuchaavl\, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pknavl.\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nDoors: 6pm\nShow: 7:30p\n\n\n\n\n September Tickets On Sale No w! LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T120844Z URL:https://devilsfootbrew.com/event-detail/pechakucha-night-avl-v42/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Devil's Foot Beverage Company X-SOURCE-URL:https://devilsfootbrew.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Art Break | Dawn Roe DTSTART:20260912T170000Z DTEND:20260912T180000Z DTSTAMP:20260817T000257Z UID:10007622-1789218000-1789221600@www.ashevilleart.org CATEGORIES:arts,literary DESCRIPTION:Join us for an informal gallery talk with contemporary photogr apher\, Dawn Roe\, who will guide us through Poetic Exposures\, photograph s from the Collection. \nRoe\, who has three of her works featured in the exhibition\, will share her unique perspective on the history of photograp hy and her own practice. \nDawn Roe’s work has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and internationally. The recipient of honors and grants as well as numerous artist residencies\, her imagery and writing has been featured in many print and on-line publications. Roe received a BFA from Marylhurs t University and an MFA from Illinois State University. She divides her ti me between Asheville and Winter Park\, Florida where she serves as Profess or of Art at Rollins College.  \n\nRESERVE TICKETS NOW LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T000257Z LOCATION:Asheville Art Museum\, 2 South Pack Square\, Asheville\, NC\, 288 01\, United States URL:https://www.ashevilleart.org/event/art-break-dawn-roe/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Asheville Art Museum X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.ashevilleart.org/event/antique-car-show END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Sacred Anarchy Book Club DTSTART:20260913T150000Z DTEND:20260913T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3657 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:What roles do magic\, animism\, and spirituality play in our m ovements for liberation? What roles have they played historically? Why are some ideas hidden\, suppressed by the State? How do we harness these idea s for both personal transformation & collective liberation?\nParticipants in this community-led group will discuss these questions and more! This is a space for deepening both political and spiritual practices. At the Sept ember gathering\, participants will discuss Dancing with the Devil By Kris ta K. Thomason\, a book that a Firestorm collective member described as ha ving done more for them "than months of DBT." (Use promo code SACRED to sa ve 10% at checkout.)\n"What do envy\, contempt\, anger\, and Schadenfreude have in common? According to Krista K. Thomason\, we think they are the w eeds in our garden\, there to destroy life instead of encouraging growth. Thomason argues that this is the wrong way to think about bad feelings. In this accessible apologia\, she offers up a defense of negative emotions. Using the work of philosophers like Mary Wollstonecraft\, Nietzsche\, and Confucius as a guide\, she claims we should resist trying to control bad f eelings and instead listen to and interrogate them. If we do so\, we will discover that bad feelings can aid rather than inhibit a flourishing life. This is a book that skillfully convinces us to celebrate our wild emotion s."—Myisha Cherry\, author of The Case for Rage LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3657-sacred-anarchy-book-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:On The Same Page Literary Festival @ Ashe County Public Library DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260914 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260919 DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:2bludp5cksmeoig0iok9259k4i@google.com CATEGORIES:festival,literary DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a celebration of reading and writing with this year's On The Same Page Literary Festival. For more information\, visit https://as hecountyarts.org/on-the-same-page-literary-festival/.The festival is co-sp onsored by Ashe County Arts Council and Ashe County Public Library and is made possible through the generous support of SkyLine/SkyBest and the Page Turners. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:ashecountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Campus Common Read Discussion Groups DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260914 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260915 DTSTAMP:20260902T060356Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53823599437824 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:What is democracy? Discussion groups of Democracy May Not Exis t But We'll Miss It When It's Gone will be happening all over campus the w eek of Sept. 14-18. Please make sure to join one (or two)! Look for the si gn-up link in your email\; pick a group that fits your schedule\; and join the conversation. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T060356Z LOCATION:All over campus! URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu/event/campus-common-read-discussion-g roups X-SOURCE-NAME:Warren Wilson College Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20260914T223000Z DTEND:20260915T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Campus Common Read Discussion Groups DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260915 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260916 DTSTAMP:20260902T060356Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53823599437825 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:What is democracy? Discussion groups of Democracy May Not Exis t But We'll Miss It When It's Gone will be happening all over campus the w eek of Sept. 14-18. Please make sure to join one (or two)! Look for the si gn-up link in your email\; pick a group that fits your schedule\; and join the conversation. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T060356Z LOCATION:All over campus! URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu/event/campus-common-read-discussion-g roups X-SOURCE-NAME:Warren Wilson College Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20260915T213000Z DTEND:20260915T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Most Delicious Poison: a virtual book talk with Noah Whiteman DTSTART:20260915T230000Z DTEND:20260916T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221515Z UID:10000857-1789498800-1789504200@ncbg.unc.edu CATEGORIES:education,literary DESCRIPTION:Based on cutting-edge science in the fields of evolution\, che mistry\, and neuroscience\, Most Delicious Poison reveals the origins of t oxins produced by plants\, mushrooms\, microbes\, and even some animals\, the mechanisms that animals evolved to overcome them\, and how a co-evolut ionary arms race made its way into the human experience. This perpetual ch emical war not only drove the diversification of life on Earth\, but is al so intimately tied to our own successes and failures. You will never look at a houseplant\, mushroom\, fruit\, vegetable\, or even the last 500 year s of human history\, the same way again. \nThis event will take place onli ne as a Zoom webinar. Registration is required to attend.  \nFree for Mem bers of the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation\, Sarah P. Duke Gar dens\, JC Raulston Arboretum\, Durham Garden Forum\, and Durham County Mas ter Gardeners \nNon-Member Fee: $10 \nREGISTER HERE LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221515Z LOCATION:NC URL:https://ncbg.unc.edu/event/most-delicious-poison-a-virtual-book-talk-w ith-noah-whiteman/ X-SOURCE-NAME:North Carolina Botanical Garden X-SOURCE-URL:https://ncbg.unc.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Campus Common Read Discussion Groups DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260916 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260917 DTSTAMP:20260902T060356Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53823599438850 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:What is democracy? Discussion groups of Democracy May Not Exis t But We'll Miss It When It's Gone will be happening all over campus the w eek of Sept. 14-18. Please make sure to join one (or two)! Look for the si gn-up link in your email\; pick a group that fits your schedule\; and join the conversation. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T060356Z LOCATION:All over campus! URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu/event/campus-common-read-discussion-g roups X-SOURCE-NAME:Warren Wilson College Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Appalachian Flooding in Fact and Fiction DTSTART:20260916T213000Z DTEND:20260916T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260814T050907Z UID:10000114-1789579800-1789585200@www.unca.edu CATEGORIES:education,literary DESCRIPTION:In “Appalachian Flooding in Fact and Fiction\,” Nico Zegre \, Ph.D.\, explores how floods work\, what flooding looks like in Appalach ia\, and why floods are changing. He will discuss how the region’s steep topography\, narrow valleys\, and limited flat land for development contr ibute to significant flood risks\, as well as how flooding connects Appala chian communities through space and time. \nLiterary scholar Jessica Cory\ , Ph.D.\, examines representations of flooding in Appalachian literature\, from early works to contemporary depictions in twenty-first-century texts \, including the recent anthologies Had I a Dove: Appalachian Poets on the Helene Flood\, edited by Hilda Downer\, and Troublesome Rising: A Thousan d-Year Flood in Eastern Kentucky\, edited by Melissa Helton. Through mappi ng literary floods across the region\, Cory explores how water connects us \, even in disastrous ways. \nThis event is free and open to the public\; however\, registration is encouraged. Register Here \n  \n“Appalachian Flooding in Fact and Fiction” is the third event in the “Rising Waters : Writing Place and Environment” Thomas Howerton Professorship lecture s eries presented by the UNC Asheville English Department. This three-year s eries features humanities scholars in conversation with natural sciences s cholars about issues affecting us all. \nJessica Cory\nJessica Cory\, Ph.D .\, is a settler scholar and the editor of Appalachian Journal: A Regional Studies Review\, published since 1972 at Appalachian State University. Sh e holds a PhD in Native American\, African American\, and environmental li teratures from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is also the editor of Mountains Piled upon Mountains: Appalachian Nature Writing i n the Anthropocene (WVU Press\, 2019) and the co-editor (with Laura Wright ) of Appalachian Ecocriticism and the Paradox of Place (UGA Press\, 2023). Her chapbook\, Disposable\, was published in 2026 with Sheila-Na-Gig edit ions. Cory’s scholarship and creative writing have appeared in the North Carolina Literary Review\, ISLE\, North Dakota Quarterly\, Still: The Jou rnal\, and many other venues. Born and raised in the foothills of southern Ohio\, she now calls western North Carolina home. \nNico Zegre\nNicolas Z egre\, Ph. D.\, is a professor of forest hydrology and director of the Mou ntain Hydrology Lab and River Conservation & Management Program at West Vi rginia University. His research and teaching focus broadly on freshwater s ecurity at the intersection of landscape\, people\, and climate in the App alachian Mountains. He is committed to developing meaningful\, accessible\ , and actionable knowledge\, data\, tools\, and applications that inform a daptation\, enhance public discourse\, and promulgate policy. Zegre uses t ools such as field measurements\, experiments\, models\, and technology to explore how watersheds work. Likewise\, he uses participatory action and community-engaged research approaches that aim to expand participation in knowledge generation and resilience planning. He sees our world through th e lens of water shaped by a lifetime of river exploration. Zegre holds a P hD in forest engineering with a focus on hydrology from Oregon State Unive rsity. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Accessibility\nUNC Asheville is committed t o providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questio ns about access or would like to request reasonable accommodations that wi ll facilitate your full participation in the film screenings\, please cont act Stephanie Bullick\, Director of Accessibility\, at accessibility@unca .edu. LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T050907Z URL:https://www.unca.edu/event/appalachian-flooding-in-fact-and-fiction/ X-SOURCE-NAME:UNC Asheville X-SOURCE-URL:https://go.unca.edu/campus-rec/esports END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20260916T220000Z DTEND:20260917T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_316303945@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/316303945/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Campus Common Read Discussion Groups DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260917 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260918 DTSTAMP:20260902T060356Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53823599438851 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:What is democracy? Discussion groups of Democracy May Not Exis t But We'll Miss It When It's Gone will be happening all over campus the w eek of Sept. 14-18. Please make sure to join one (or two)! Look for the si gn-up link in your email\; pick a group that fits your schedule\; and join the conversation. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T060356Z LOCATION:All over campus! URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu/event/campus-common-read-discussion-g roups X-SOURCE-NAME:Warren Wilson College Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Silent Book Club Every 1st & 3rd Thursday - DURHAM DTSTART:20260917T220000Z DTEND:20260918T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260901T121931Z UID:10003865-1789668000-1789677000@dssolvr.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Silent Book Club Every 1st & 3rd Thursday – DURHAM\n\n\nThe 1st & 3rd Thursday Monthly! BYO book 🙂 – Meet & chat 6:30-7\; Silent reading 7- 8\; Chat 8 – ?\; $8 cocktails all day long! Dog Friendly. \n\ n\n\nSilent Book Club – Durham \nJoin us for an evening of literary cama raderie at DSSOLVR’s Durham taproom! Every 1st & 3rd Thursday Monthly\ , starting @ 6:30 pm\, the @SilentBookClub convenes to celebrate the joy o f reading with fellow book lovers. $8 cocktails and $6 shots all day long ! \nCome read and mingle with new\, bookish friends! Bring whatever book y ou happen to be reading\, read in companionable silence (for about an hour )\, then share about it with your table mates. \nSchedule: \n– Meet and chat until 6:30 – 7:00 \n– Silent reading 7:00 – 8:00 \n– Chat abo ut reading 8:00 – ??? \nForget your book? DSSOLVR has a community booksh elf in their taproom you can grab one from! Have some books you want to ge t rid of? Leave a few on the community bookshelf for other readers to enjo y! \nRSVP HERE!! LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T121931Z URL:https://dssolvr.com/event-detail/silent-book-club-every-1st-3rd-thursd ay-durham-2/2026-09-17/ X-SOURCE-NAME:DSSOLVR X-SOURCE-URL:https://dssolvr.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Campus Common Read Discussion Groups DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260918 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260919 DTSTAMP:20260902T060356Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53823599439876 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:What is democracy? Discussion groups of Democracy May Not Exis t But We'll Miss It When It's Gone will be happening all over campus the w eek of Sept. 14-18. Please make sure to join one (or two)! Look for the si gn-up link in your email\; pick a group that fits your schedule\; and join the conversation. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T060356Z LOCATION:All over campus! URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu/event/campus-common-read-discussion-g roups X-SOURCE-NAME:Warren Wilson College Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://events.warren-wilson.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:An Honest and Vulnerable Look at Resistance Inside Prisons DTSTART:20260918T220000Z DTEND:20260918T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3669 CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:In A Clean Hell\, Eric King presents a clear picture of surviv al under the most restrictive levels of state repression.\nThis in-store e vent with author and former political prisoner Eric King is being organize d in collaboration with the Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair (September 18-20). Presenting material from his recent book A Clean Hell: Anarchy an d Abolition in America’s Most Notorious Dungeon\, Eric will present on t he impact of resistance behind bars: what it looks like\, what consequence s prisoners face\, and the long-term effect on prisoners and their familie s. \nEric King is an anarchist who was imprisoned in 2014 for acts of sol idarity with the Ferguson\, Missouri\, uprising. While in federal custody Eric was indicted for a self-defense incident at FCI-Florence. Eric took i t to trial and is one of the few people to ever win at Federal Trial. Afte r his victory Eric was sent to the Federal Supermax\, ADX\, an experience documented in his book A Clean Hell. During his time in prison Eric coedit ed the political prisoner anthology Rattling the Cages: Oral Histories of North American Political Prisoners (AK Press\, 2023). Eric survived years of documented physical and psychological torture and made it out of prison with heart and soul intact. Eric is an activist\, antifascist\, and lovin g father and husband. He lives in Denver\, CO.\nThe Another Carolina Anarc hist Bookfair is an annual celebration of anarchist ideas and literature\, offering three days of workshops and tabling with music performances at n ight. Learn more at acabookfair.noblogs.org LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3669-an-honest-and-vulnerable-look-at-res istance-inside-prisons.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Asheville Animal Rights Reading Group DTSTART:20260919T170000Z DTEND:20260919T183000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3590 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Animals—loved\, exploited\, endangered\, revered\, killed\, abused—who are they? Can we really know\, and isn't each individual and not a representative of an entire species? Join participants to discuss th ese and many\, many other questions around the furred\, the four-legged\, the winged\, finned\, webbed\, the tiny and the large\, and humanity's int eractions with\, responsibility to and for them. This group takes an anima l-rights based philosophy\, and looks at fiction\, non-fiction\, poetry an d even articles to learn\, to enjoy\, and to figure out how we might be be st of service to helping and saving these species we share the world with. \nReading Schedule\nSeptember: Zoopolis by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka \nOctober: Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor\nPlease note: this group is aware of the intersection of oppressions and strives to find books and art icles related to animal rights and connected struggles—but as an animal rights group\, non-humans are the primary focus. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3590-asheville-animal-rights-reading-grou p.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Book + Art | Fiction and Photos of Appalachia DTSTART:20260919T203000Z DTEND:20260919T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260822T180232Z UID:10007474-1789835400-1789840800@www.ashevilleart.org CATEGORIES:arts,literary DESCRIPTION:September’s Book + Art lecture features an author and artist couple\, Stephanie and Jeff Whetstone. Stephanie will speak about her deb ut novel Deep Belly of the Earth a haunting\, intimate story of friendshi p\, marriage\, motherhood and the fierce pull of home set in a Kentucky c oal mining community\, while her husband Jeff Whetstone\, Professor of Pho tography at Princeton\, will speak about his latest collection of photogra phs of Appalachia\, including the one on the cover of Deep Belly of the Ea rth. \nSYNOPSIS of Deep Bell of the Earth\nAva Maynard makes the difficult decision to leave her small coal mining town in Eastern Kentucky to make a life for herself and her son\, Joshua\, in the city. Her husband\, Coll is\, won’t leave the mountains\, even though he has been laid off from h is job as a miner. When tragedy strikes\, Ava reluctantly slips back into her spot in this troubled world\, relying on her deepest friendships to gu ide her. \nAuthor Bio\nStephanie Whetstone earned her BA at Duke and her M FA in Creative Writing from UNC-Greensboro\, where she was Fiction Editor of the Greensboro Review. She has been a fellow at Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and Hambidge\, and a Peter Taylor Scholar at the Sewanee Wr iter’s Conference. Her fiction has appeared in Tulip Tree Review\, Wacca maw\, Waypoints\, Drafthorse\, the Anthology of Appalachian Writers\, and Narrative. A native of Kentucky\, she now lives in Brooklyn. \nJeff Whetst one imagines rural America through the lenses of mythology and biology. Wh etstone’s work has been exhibited internationally and has received revie ws in ArtForum\, Art in America\, the New York Times\, the New Yorker\, an d the Los Angeles Times. Whetstone earned his MFA from the Yale School of Photography in 2001\, where he received the George Sakier Prize for Photog raphy. A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship\, as well as a fellowship fr om the North Carolina Arts Council\, his work is in the permanent collecti on of the Metropolitan Museum of Art\, the Whitney Museum of American Art\ , the Nasher Museum\, the Nelson Atkins Museum\, the Cleveland Art Museum\ , the Yale Art Gallery\, the New York Public Library\, and the North Carol ina Museum of Art. Whetstone is a Professor of the Practice of Art at Prin ceton University. \n  \nPurchase Tickets LAST-MODIFIED:20260822T180232Z LOCATION:Asheville Art Museum\, 2 South Pack Square\, Asheville\, NC\, 288 01\, United States URL:https://www.ashevilleart.org/event/book-art-deep-belly-of-the-earth/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Asheville Art Museum X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.ashevilleart.org/event/antique-car-show END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:September - Book of Night DTSTART:20260920T190000Z DTEND:20260920T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_316120245@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Black Cat Book Club\nLet's discuss Book of Night by Holly Blac k! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/black-cat-book-club/events/316120245/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Black Cat Book Club END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20260922T213000Z DTEND:20260922T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20260923T220000Z DTEND:20260924T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T185821Z UID:event_316385545@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T185821Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/316385545/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:You Are Protected DTSTART:20260924T220000Z DTEND:20260924T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3661 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Michelle Cassandra Johnson returns to Firestorm for a dynamic conversation with Rev. Marshall K Hammer on the occasion of her newly publ ished book You Are Protected.\nJohnson knows firsthand that we can't pour out of an empty cup—that we can't show up fully in our lives\, care for others\, or hold space for change if we're not strong within. You Are Prot ected: Invoking Spiritual Support to Sustain Your Energy shares the resour ces and guidance that are available to protect us at any time. Through thi s heartfelt book\, Johnson helps us recognize and connect with that suppor t\, offering a range of potent protection practices and tools—from somat ic practices to natural curios.\nMichelle will be joined in conversation b y Rev. Marshall Hammer for a book discussion\, ritual\, and Q&A.\n“Miche lle Cassandra Johnson skillfully reminds us that we all have a right to fe el and be protected. If you struggle to meet the chaos of the world with c ourage and tenderness\, then this book is the medicine you need.”—Lama Rod Owens\, author of Love and Rage and The New Saints\nMichelle Cassandr a Johnson is a beloved teacher\, activist\, and clinical social worker wit h a background of over two decades of practice. She has led dismantling ra cism work in many settings and her work centers on healing from individual and collective trauma\, coming back into wholeness\, and aligning the min d\, body\, spirit\, and heart. She is the author of several books\, includ ing Illuminating Our True Nature.\nRev. Marshall K Hammer has served in th erapeutic environments for more than 10 years. She is the owner and sole p ractitioner of Reiki for Today and For Today Ministry\, located on the unc eded East Cherokee territory known today as Asheville\, North Carolina. He r specialty is animal reiki\, working with animals in many situations\, in cluding anxiety\, chronic pain\, aging\, and those adapting to changing ha bitats or newly adjusting to losses in the home. In addition to her animal clients\, Marshall also performs reiki for people seeking general well-be ing\, energetic balance to complement their recovery\, and those who are g rieving. She also works with queer folks and those caregiving in their car eers or in their personal lives. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3661-you-are-protected.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Skeletons in the Closet: Queer Horror Book Club DTSTART:20260926T150000Z DTEND:20260926T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3658 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Queers and horror have always gone hand in manicured hand. We know what it means to be made into a monster\, all while navigating the tr ue life terrors of conversion therapy and gender reveal parties. This quee r horror book club explores queerness from the magic to the truly macabre. This month we're turning to the past for a surreal gothic historical nove l by Cynthia Gómez\, Muñeca. (Use promo code YIKES to save 10% at checko ut.)\n"Cynthia Gómez weaves real history\, terrible magic\, and swooning romance into a story that will capture readers like a spell... or a spider web."—Lindsay King-Miller\, author of previous book club picks This is M y Body and The Z Word\nEach meeting of this book club is structured to enc ourage deep engagement with the themes of the text\, as well as facilitate connection among the participants. If you are looking to meet other queer people and/or horror lovers this is the book club for you. This month we' ll be joined for a brief virtual Q&A with the author!\nFor past book club title selections\, check out our queer horror list. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3658-skeletons-in-the-closet-queer-horror -book-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Creative Writing Workshop with Matt Cashion DTSTART:20260926T170000Z DTEND:20260926T184500Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:4u4lf28bhhf0db1r24onh912k0@google.com CATEGORIES:education,literary DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special visit from Matt Cashion\, an author with North Wilkesboro roots! Matt will facilitate a writing workshop session\, followed by a discussion of his newest book and recent essay discussing h is grandfather’s 1979 murder in Boone.Events:1:00 - 2:45: Creative Writi ng Workshop3:00 - 4:00: Author Talk and Book SigningAbout the Author: Mat t Cashion\, a North Wilkesboro native who attended Wilkes Community Colleg e\, is the author of the personal essay (and book-in-progress)\, “The La st Cashion\,” which recounts the 1979 murder of his grandfather in Boone . Cashion has published four books of fiction\, including Last Words of th e Holy Ghost and Our 13th Divorce. After graduating from UNC Charlotte\, C ashion worked as a reporter\, then earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. He taught at Mitchell Community College in Statesville\, and for the past twenty years\, he has been a Professor of Creative Writi ng at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse\, where he lives with his wife \, Heather (a librarian)\, and their herd of domestic animals. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wilkescountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:September - Tear-Jerkers DTSTART:20260926T180000Z DTEND:20260926T200000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221536Z UID:event_312037042@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Happily Ever Chapter\, A Fantasy Romance Book Club\nThis month we want to hear about romantasy novels that made you cry. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221536Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/happily-ever-chapter/events/312037042/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Happily Ever Chapter\, A Fantasy Romance Book Club END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Author Talk and Book Signing with Matt Cashion DTSTART:20260926T190000Z DTEND:20260926T200000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:1etl1g8g1vo15ev1u9rrfaqu0h@google.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special visit from Matt Cashion\, an author with North Wilkesboro roots! Matt will read from and discuss his newest book a nd recent essay about his grandfather’s 1979 murder in Boone. Events:1: 00 - 2:45: Creative Writing Workshop3:00 - 4:00: Author Talk and Book Sign ingAbout the Author: Matt Cashion\, a North Wilkesboro native who attende d Wilkes Community College\, is the author of the personal essay (and book -in-progress)\, “The Last Cashion\,” which recounts the 1979 murder of his grandfather in Boone. Cashion has published four books of fiction\, i ncluding Last Words of the Holy Ghost and Our 13th Divorce. After gradu ating from UNC Charlotte\, Cashion worked as a reporter\, then earned a Ma ster of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. He taught at Mitchell Commun ity College in Statesville\, and for the past twenty years\, he has been a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse\, where he lives with his wife\, Heather (a librarian)\, and their herd of d omestic animals. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wilkescountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Abolitionist Reading Club DTSTART:20260927T210000Z DTEND:20260927T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3126 CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:Over the past year Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross (BRABC) ha s hosted a monthly discussion of issues pertaining to incarceration and th e penal system in the USA through study and discussion of essays and zines by captured comrades and their allies. In the coming months we will expan d our discussion to include currently-incarcerated comrades through an "in side-outside study group." Now is a great time to get involved--come check out what we're up to\, and help us launch this exciting project!\nBlue Ri dge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that j ails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the harms people com mit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problem s worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, which is to say the y are part of a wider movement working towards an end of incarceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of justice in our soci ety. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3126-abolitionist-reading-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20260928T223000Z DTEND:20260929T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20260929T213000Z DTEND:20260929T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20260930T220000Z DTEND:20261001T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_phwgztyjcmbnc@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/phwgztyjcmbnc/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:"From the Clinic to the Streets" Book Discussion DTSTART:20260930T220000Z DTEND:20261001T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3673 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A participatory conversation on From the Clinic to the Streets : Psychoanalysis for Revolutionary Futures by Dr. Lara Sheehi.\nIn this st andalone book discussion facilitated by Sarah Boddy\, LCSWA\, participants will explore Dr. Sheehi's call for a new\, liberatory psychoanalysis. In From the Clinic to the Streets\, practicing psychoanalytic clinician Lara Sheehi creates a thrilling argument for how seizing the means of psychoana lysis can transform it into one of many tools in service of revolution\, s howing how psychoanalysis can help unpack how psychological and emotional processes are mobilized by political power\, capitalism\, the state\, oppr ession\, and even genocide.\nParticipants should read the book (or as much as they are able) in advance. Copies can be purchased from Firestorm with a 10% discount using promo code BOOKCLUB10. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3673-from-the-clinic-to-the-streets-book- discussion.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Choosing Peace After Loss: Israel/Palestine\, Civil Discourse\, an d the Courage to Listen DTSTART:20261004T180000Z DTEND:20261004T200000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T002859Z UID:10000128-1791122400-1791129600@www.unca.edu CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:The UNC Asheville Center for Jewish Studies presents Aziz Abu Sarah\, co-author of “The Future Is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the H oly Land.” Drawing from his experiences and work in peacebuilding\, Abu Sarah will explore nonviolence\, dialogue\, shared humanity\, and the poss ibility of choosing peace after profound loss. \nThe presentation will be followed by a book signing. This event is free and open to the public and will take place in the Blue Ridge Room of Highsmith Student Union. \nClick here to register for this event. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Accessibility\nU NC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our even ts. If you have any questions about access or would like to request reason able accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in the fi lm screenings\, please contact Stephanie Bullick\, Director of Accessibili ty\, at accessibility@unca.edu. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T002859Z URL:https://www.unca.edu/event/choosing-peace-after-loss-israel-palestine- civil-discourse-and-the-courage-to-listen/ X-SOURCE-NAME:UNC Asheville X-SOURCE-URL:https://go.unca.edu/campus-rec/esports END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Political Prisoner Letter Writing DTSTART:20261004T200000Z DTEND:20261004T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3040 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an aftern oon of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of dominatio n and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they —and their sacrifices for our movements—are never far from our minds a nd hearts.\nContinuously showing up for comrades who have had large chunks of their lifetimes stolen by the State is crucial solidarity work. If you have ever sat in a jail cell—for even one night—you know how importan t it is to show folks they are not alone on the inside. If you haven't see n the inside of a prison cell (and we hope you never do!)\, you can probab ly imagine how mentally and emotionally taxing it is to lose control over your physical self and surroundings. For those facing this reality\, espec ially for years and even decades\, any reminder of support and connection from the outside means more than most of us can imagine. We know because o ur comrades tell us again and again\, it is no exaggeration: LETTERS SAVE LIVES!\nBlue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that jails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the h arms people commit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problems worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, whic h is to say they are part of a wider movement working towards an end of in carceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of just ice in our society. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3040-political-prisoner-letter-writing.ht ml X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Mercury Stardust Meet & Greet DTSTART:20261004T220000Z DTEND:20261004T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3652 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Mercury Stardust will be joining us to autograph copies of her new book Lost and Found: A Compassionate Guide to Homeownership!\nWe stro ngly encourage you to purchase a copy of the book through our co-op in adv ance. Please specify "Pickup in-store" during checkout and we will have yo ur book available when you arrive. No registration is required for this me et & greet.\nThis event follows Mercury's comedy and DIY show\, taking pla ce on the AB Tech campus at 2pm! Registration for the show is required.\nM ercury Stardust (@mercurystardust) known as the Trans Handy Ma'am\, is a p rofessional home maintenance technician\, #1 New York Times bestselling au thor\, and award-winning activist. Mercury credits her TikTok success to h er experience teaching burlesque\, where she learned to communicate and cr eate a safe space for students who had frequently experienced trauma. She' s been featured in stories by NBC\, NPR\, Buzzfeed\, Newsweek\, The Washin gton Post\, and Pink News. Her leadership within the trans community has l ed to collaborations with such brands as Dolby\, Lowe’s\, and Point of P ride. Her #1 New York Times bestseller\, Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair\, was published in 2023. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3652-mercury-stardust-meet-greet.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:YS Creative Writing Club DTSTART:20261005T210000Z DTEND:20261005T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:2ouuv360t7hme9bq1v4k066s2f@google.com CATEGORIES:literary LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wataguacountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Reading Challenge Book Club @ Ashe County Library DTSTART:20261006T150000Z DTEND:20261006T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:1l6dsa263dkfem1hbt3q6akurn_R20260901T150000@google.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Are you participating in our Reading Challenge for 2026? Would you like to discuss the books you've read with other participants? Then j oin us for this monthly book club! This program is for adults.\n\nFor more information and to join the Reading Challenge visit https://arlibrary.li bguides.com/RCBC LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:ashecountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261006T213000Z DTEND:20261006T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:"Ferry Tales" Book Tea Tour DTSTART:20261006T220000Z DTEND:20261006T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3665 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Let's talk book tea while sipping coffee!\nJoin author Abrea A rmstrong in conversation with Cuentos y Café founder Tamara Olmedo. Along side the prettiest (and baddest) girls who read good books you'll hear abo ut Armstrong's award-winning debut novel Ferry Tales.\nFerry Tales follows a Black millennial woman on a transatlantic journey of self-discovery\, b lending travel\, romance\, humor\, and cultural reclamation as she reconne cts with her African heritage and confronts the legacies of diaspora\, ide ntity\, and corporate America. \nThe conversation with Armstrong starts p romptly at 6pm and the signing line begins no later than 7pm!\nAbrea Armst rong was born and raised in North Carolina and is a proud descendant of en slaved Africans. She earned her BA from St. John’s University in Queens\ , New York. While living in NYC\, she contributed to publications such as XXL Magazine\, Revolt TV\, and HuffPost Live\, and was awarded a private p oetry grant. Her poetry is now part of the Special Collection at the Z. Sm ith Reynolds Library at Wake Forest University. Ferry Tales is her debut n ovel\, inspired by her own life experiences. Since her first journey to th e Motherland\, she has deepened her connection to her roots and officially became a Ghanaian citizen in November 2024. Abrea currently resides in he r hometown of Winston-Salem\, North Carolina. readferrytales.com\nCuentos y Café is an Asheville based\, multicultural\, Latina woman-owned pop-up and online bookstore. We offer a curated selection of new and used books t hat center BIPOC and BIPOC LGBTQIA+ authors—celebrating the richness of our cultures\, languages\, and lived experiences through storytelling. cue ntosycafe.com LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3665-ferry-tales-book-tea-tour.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:AVL Digital Nomads - Book Club DTSTART:20261006T220000Z DTEND:20261006T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221527Z UID:event_315656930@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Digital Nomads\n**October 2026 Selection - *Drive Your Plo w Over the Bones of the Dead* by Olga Tokarczuk**\n[Amazon](https://www.am azon.com/Drive-Your-Plow-Over-Bones/dp/0525541330/) - [GoodReads](https:// www.goodreads.com/book/show/51648276-drive-your-plow-over-the-bones-of-the -dead)\n\n*In a remote Polish village\, Janina devotes the dark winter day s to studying astrology\, translating the poetry of William Blake\, and ta king care of the summer homes of wealthy Warsaw residents. Her reputation as a crank and a recluse is amplified by her not-so-secret preference for the company of animals over humans. Then a neighbor\, Big Foot\, turns up dead. Soon other bodies are discovered\, in increasingly strange circumsta nces. As suspicions mount\, Janina inserts herself into the investigation\ , certain that she knows whodunit. If only anyone would pay her mind . . . *\n\n*A deeply satisfying thriller cum fairy tale\, Drive Your Plow over t he Bones of the Dead is a provocative exploration of the murky borderland between sanity and madness\, justice and tradition\, autonomy and fate. Wh om do we deem sane? it asks. Who is worthy of a voice?*\n\n\\-\\-\\-\\-\\- \\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\ -\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\ \-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\n\ n**Welcome to our monthly Book Club!** We’re a small\, friendly group th at gets together for fun\, thoughtful conversations about a different book each month.\n\nFinished the whole book? Great. Only made it through a few chapters? Still come. Didn’t read it at all but the discussion sounds i nteresting? Honestly\, you’re welcome too.\nWe meet on the **first Tuesd ay of every month**.\n\nOne of the best things about this group is that we keep it relatively small and guide the conversation\, so it doesn’t tur n into three people talking while everyone else quietly questions their li fe choices. Everyone has a chance to jump in\, share their thoughts\, and explore the book’s characters\, themes\, writing\, and bigger ideas.\n\n You definitely don’t need to be a literary expert. Whether you read cons tantly or you’re trying to get back into it\, this is a relaxed place to discover new books\, hear different perspectives\, and meet some great pe ople along the way. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221527Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-digital-nomads/events/315656930/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Digital Nomads END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Silent (Banned) Book Club! DTSTART:20261007T210000Z DTEND:20261008T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260901T000749Z UID:3672 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:We're celebrating Banned Books Week with a silent book club at Diatribe Brewing Co!\nBanned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries\, book stores\, and schools. The annual event highlights the value of free and op en access to information and brings together the entire book community—l ibrarians\, educators\, authors\, publishers\, booksellers\, and readers o f all types—in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express idea s.\nThis year\, Banned Books Week falls on October 4–10. We're partnerin g with our neighbors at Diatribe Brewing Co on a silent book club* to cele brate our favorite banned books and bring attention to the book bans impac ting members of our community! Grab a bevvy\, snag a book from the Firesto rm table (or bring your own) and get seriously cozy.\nAs an added perk\, e very participant will receive an audio book credit courtesy of Libro.fm.\n * Silent book clubs are a simple yet revolutionary idea. Unlike traditiona l book clubs\, these gatherings don’t require assigned reading or struct ured discussions. Instead\, participants bring a book and spend time readi ng in a shared\, quiet space. After the reading session\, attendees can ch oose to socialize\, but it’s completely optional. The concept originated as a way to create a pressure-free environment where people could enjoy t heir books without the added stress of deadlines or expectations. (from wh attoreadnextblog.com) LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T000749Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3672-silent-banned-book-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20261007T220000Z DTEND:20261008T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_phwgztyjcnbkb@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/phwgztyjcnbkb/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Katherine Min Memorial Reading with Jennifer Sperry Steinorth DTSTART:20261008T220000Z DTEND:20261009T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T184651Z UID:10000131-1791482400-1791489600@www.unca.edu CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Jennifer Sperry Steinorth will visit UNC Asheville for the Kat herine Min Memorial Reading. The reading will be held in the Blue Ridge Ro om of Highsmith Student Union and is free and open to the public. \nAbout Jennifer Sperry Steinorth \nJennifer Sperry Steinorth’s books include “Boys Behind Glass\,” “Her Read: A Graphic Poem\,” and “A Wake w ith Nine Shades.” She is a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Prize\, a recipi ent of the Foreword Reviews Bronze Prize for Poetry\, and a recipient of t he Fred Whitehead Award from the Texas Institute of Letters. A poet\, educ ator\, interdisciplinary artist & licensed builder\, she has received gran ts from Yale\, Vermont Studio Center\, the Sewanee Writers Conference\, an d the Community of Writers & the Institute for Research on Women & Gender at the University of Michigan\, Ann Arbor\, where she is a lecturer in the English Department. She is currently at work on a biography of American p oet\, C.D. Wright. \nThis event is part of the 2026-27 Visiting Writers Se ries presented by the UNC Asheville English Department. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n Accessibility\nUNC Asheville is committed to providing universal acc ess to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or would like to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full p articipation in the film screenings\, please contact Stephanie Bullick\, D irector of Accessibility\, at accessibility@unca.edu. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T184651Z URL:https://www.unca.edu/event/katherine-min-memorial-reading-with-jennife r-sperry-steinorth/ X-SOURCE-NAME:UNC Asheville X-SOURCE-URL:https://go.unca.edu/campus-rec/esports END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Visiting Writers Series: Patrick Ryan DTSTART:20261008T223000Z DTEND:20261008T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221514Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_52365313905275 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Award-winning author Patrick Ryan will present his novel “Bu ckeye\,” a PEN/Jean Stein Book Award finalist and New York Times bestsel ler. Set in small-town Ohio\, the novel traces interconnected lives naviga ting family\, class and moral choices across generations\, offering a comp assionate portrait of contemporary American life. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221514Z LOCATION:P.E. Monroe Auditorium URL:https://calendar.lr.edu/event/visiting-writers-series-patrick-ryan X-SOURCE-NAME:Lenoir-Rhyne University Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.lr.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Rural Radical Resistance DTSTART:20261010T190000Z DTEND:20261010T203000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3636 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of conversation around rural radical re sistance and resilience with Ian Byers Gamber (I Come Creeping)\, Mitch Tr outman (The Bootleg Coal Rebellion: The Pennsylvania Miners Who Seized an Industry\, 1925–1942) and Gordon Simmons (Mutiny in the Mountains: West Virginia Public Workers 1969-2019)! The panel will cover the West Virginia mine wars\, historic and recent strikes in the Appalachian region\, subsi stence in the face of concentrated government repression\, how these event s have been portrayed historically\, and what can be learned from them tod ay.\nThis event is organized in collaboration with PM Press as part of the ir All We Have Is Each Other Speaker Series.\nRegister Now\nIan Byers-Gamb er is a Los Angeles based artist and art documentarian who makes work in t he service of a liberatory politic\, celebrating community within and arou nd the institutions that shape how we engage with the world.\nGordon Simmo ns is a retired union organizer and is president of the West Virginia Labo r History Association. He is now employed as an investigator for the West Virginia Human Rights Commission and lives in Charleston.\nMitch Troutman is a writer\, educator\, organizer\, and jack-of-all-trades living in Cent ral Pennsylvania. He is a direct descendent of bootleg coal miners and bel ongs to the group Anthracite Unite. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3636-rural-radical-resistance.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Pádraig Ó Tuama & Friends: An Afternoon of Words\, Music and Lig ht DTSTART:20261011T190000Z DTEND:20261011T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221514Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53046513332557 CATEGORIES:literary,music DESCRIPTION:Internationally acclaimed poet\, theologian and host of Poetry Unbound from On Being Studios\, Pádraig Ó Tuama will be joined by music ians and artists for a spirited conversation on "The Borders of Belonging. "\n\n“Putting to work poetry and gospel\, side by side with story and Ce ltic spirituality\, Ó Tuama explores ideas of shelter along life’s jour ney\, opening up gentle ways of living well in a troubled world. The reade r can’t help but be drawn in\, slip-sliding into the harbor of the autho r’s soulful words.”\n— Chicago Tribune\n\nOrganized and sponsored by the Center for Creative and Compassionate Communities as part of the Up C lose & Personal author series. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221514Z LOCATION:Grace Chapel URL:https://calendar.lr.edu/event/padraig-o-tuama-friends-an-afternoon-of- words-music-and-light X-SOURCE-NAME:Lenoir-Rhyne University Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.lr.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20261012T223000Z DTEND:20261013T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:MFA Writers’ Salon: Cynn Chadwick DTSTART:20261012T223000Z DTEND:20261012T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221514Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53754833558273 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Cynn Chadwick is a novelist whose work explores women’s live s\, relationships and communities through contemporary Southern fiction an d historical narratives. She is the author of the “Cat Rising” series and several other novels\, including “Angels and Manners\,” “As the Table Turns\,” “That’s Karma\, Baby\,” “Things That Women Do” and “The Incorrigible Rogue\,” her first work of historical fiction. H er writing has received recognition from Lambda\, Stonewall\, Golden Crown and Bywater literary awards. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221514Z URL:https://calendar.lr.edu/event/mfa-writers-salon-cynn-chadwick X-SOURCE-NAME:Lenoir-Rhyne University Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.lr.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261013T213000Z DTEND:20261013T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Zorba the Greek - Kazantzakis DTSTART:20261013T223000Z DTEND:20261014T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221535Z UID:event_316083197@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Books That Age Like Wine\n**First published in 1946\, Zorba th e Greek\, is\, on one hand\, the story of a Greek working man named Zorba\ , a passionate lover of life\, the unnamed narrator who he accompanies to Crete to work in a lignite mine\, and the men and women of the town where they settle. On the other hand it is the story of God and man\, The Devil and the Saints\; the struggle of men to find their souls and purpose in li fe and it is about love\, courage and faith.**\n\n**Zorba has been acclaim ed as one of the truly memorable creations of literature—a character cre ated on a huge scale in the tradition of Falstaff and Sancho Panza. His ye ars have not dimmed the gusto and amazement with which he responds to all life offers him\, whether he is working in the mine\, confronting mad monk s in a mountain monastery\, embellishing the tales of his life or making l ove to avoid sin. Zorba’s life is rich with all the joys and sorrows tha t living brings and his example awakens in the narrator an understanding o f the true meaning of humanity. This is one of the greatest life-affirming novels of our time.**\n\n**Part of the modern literary canon\, Zorba the Greek\, has achieved widespread international acclaim and recognition. Thi s new edition translated\, directly from Kazantzakis’s Greek original\, is a more faithful rendition of his original language\, ideas\, and story\ , and presents Zorba as the author meant him to be.** LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221535Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/asheville-classic-books-meetup-group/events/316 083197/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Books That Age Like Wine END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20261014T220000Z DTEND:20261015T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_phwgztyjcnbsb@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/phwgztyjcnbsb/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Asheville Animal Rights Reading Group DTSTART:20261017T170000Z DTEND:20261017T183000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3590 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Animals—loved\, exploited\, endangered\, revered\, killed\, abused—who are they? Can we really know\, and isn't each individual and not a representative of an entire species? Join participants to discuss th ese and many\, many other questions around the furred\, the four-legged\, the winged\, finned\, webbed\, the tiny and the large\, and humanity's int eractions with\, responsibility to and for them. This group takes an anima l-rights based philosophy\, and looks at fiction\, non-fiction\, poetry an d even articles to learn\, to enjoy\, and to figure out how we might be be st of service to helping and saving these species we share the world with. \nReading Schedule\nSeptember: Zoopolis by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka \nOctober: Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor\nPlease note: this group is aware of the intersection of oppressions and strives to find books and art icles related to animal rights and connected struggles—but as an animal rights group\, non-humans are the primary focus. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3590-asheville-animal-rights-reading-grou p.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:October - The Haunting of Hill House DTSTART:20261018T190000Z DTEND:20261018T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_316120259@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Black Cat Book Club\nLet's discuss The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/black-cat-book-club/events/316120259/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Black Cat Book Club END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261020T213000Z DTEND:20261020T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20261021T220000Z DTEND:20261022T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_phwgztyjcnbcc@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/phwgztyjcnbcc/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Visiting Writers Series: Marjan Kamali DTSTART:20261022T223000Z DTEND:20261022T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221514Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_52366003298259 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Bestselling author Marjan Kamali\, known for the beloved novel “The Stationery Shop\,” will discuss her latest work\, “The Lion Wo men of Tehran.” The sweeping novel follows two childhood friends whose l ives diverge amid political upheaval and social transformation in Iran\, c elebrating friendship\, courage and resilience. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221514Z LOCATION:P.E. Monroe Auditorium URL:https://calendar.lr.edu/event/visiting-writers-series-marjan-kamali X-SOURCE-NAME:Lenoir-Rhyne University Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.lr.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:October - Undead DTSTART:20261024T180000Z DTEND:20261024T200000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221536Z UID:event_312037048@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Happily Ever Chapter\, A Fantasy Romance Book Club\nIt's spook y season and we want to hear about books featuring vampires\, liches\, zom bies\, and other undead for love interests! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221536Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/happily-ever-chapter/events/312037048/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Happily Ever Chapter\, A Fantasy Romance Book Club END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Abolitionist Reading Club DTSTART:20261025T210000Z DTEND:20261025T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3126 CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:Over the past year Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross (BRABC) ha s hosted a monthly discussion of issues pertaining to incarceration and th e penal system in the USA through study and discussion of essays and zines by captured comrades and their allies. In the coming months we will expan d our discussion to include currently-incarcerated comrades through an "in side-outside study group." Now is a great time to get involved--come check out what we're up to\, and help us launch this exciting project!\nBlue Ri dge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that j ails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the harms people com mit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problem s worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, which is to say the y are part of a wider movement working towards an end of incarceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of justice in our soci ety. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3126-abolitionist-reading-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20261026T223000Z DTEND:20261027T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261027T213000Z DTEND:20261027T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Friends of the Library @ Ashe County Public Library DTSTART:20261028T150000Z DTEND:20261028T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:2fpf1fdhajmf3t9j9mdr49lhhg@google.com CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:This month\, the Friends of the Library welcome Kelley St. Ger main. Kelley is a videographer and producer. His projects include Appalach ian Memory Keepers\, which shares stories and videos about Appalachian his tory and culture.\n\nThis event is for adults and is free and open to the public. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:ashecountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20261028T220000Z DTEND:20261029T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_phwgztyjcnblc@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/phwgztyjcnblc/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Political Prisoner Letter Writing DTSTART:20261101T200000Z DTEND:20261101T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3040 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an aftern oon of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of dominatio n and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they —and their sacrifices for our movements—are never far from our minds a nd hearts.\nContinuously showing up for comrades who have had large chunks of their lifetimes stolen by the State is crucial solidarity work. If you have ever sat in a jail cell—for even one night—you know how importan t it is to show folks they are not alone on the inside. If you haven't see n the inside of a prison cell (and we hope you never do!)\, you can probab ly imagine how mentally and emotionally taxing it is to lose control over your physical self and surroundings. For those facing this reality\, espec ially for years and even decades\, any reminder of support and connection from the outside means more than most of us can imagine. We know because o ur comrades tell us again and again\, it is no exaggeration: LETTERS SAVE LIVES!\nBlue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that jails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the h arms people commit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problems worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, whic h is to say they are part of a wider movement working towards an end of in carceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of just ice in our society. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3040-political-prisoner-letter-writing.ht ml X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:YS Creative Writing Club DTSTART:20261102T210000Z DTEND:20261102T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:2ouuv360t7hme9bq1v4k066s2f@google.com CATEGORIES:literary LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wataguacountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Reading Challenge Book Club @ Ashe County Library DTSTART:20261103T150000Z DTEND:20261103T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:1l6dsa263dkfem1hbt3q6akurn_R20260901T150000@google.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Are you participating in our Reading Challenge for 2026? Would you like to discuss the books you've read with other participants? Then j oin us for this monthly book club! This program is for adults.\n\nFor more information and to join the Reading Challenge visit https://arlibrary.li bguides.com/RCBC LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:ashecountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261103T213000Z DTEND:20261103T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:AVL Digital Nomads - Book Club DTSTART:20261103T230000Z DTEND:20261104T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221527Z UID:event_315656987@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Digital Nomads\n**November 2026 Selection - *Klara and the Sun* by Kazuo Ishiguro**\n[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/059331817X) - [GoodReads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54120408-klara-and-the-s un)\n\n*Here is the story of Klara\, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities\, who\, from her place in the store\, watches car efully the behavior of those who come in to browse\, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choo se her. Klara and the Sun is a thrilling book that offers a look at our ch anging world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator\, and one that explores the fundamental question: what does it mean to love?*\n\n\\-\\-\\ -\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\ \-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\- \\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\ -\\-\n\n**Welcome to our monthly Book Club!** We’re a small\, friendly g roup that gets together for fun\, thoughtful conversations about a differe nt book each month.\n\nFinished the whole book? Great. Only made it throug h a few chapters? Still come. Didn’t read it at all but the discussion s ounds interesting? Honestly\, you’re welcome too.\nWe meet on the **firs t Tuesday of every month**.\n\nOne of the best things about this group is that we keep it relatively small and guide the conversation\, so it doesn ’t turn into three people talking while everyone else quietly questions their life choices. Everyone has a chance to jump in\, share their thought s\, and explore the book’s characters\, themes\, writing\, and bigger id eas.\n\nYou definitely don’t need to be a literary expert. Whether you r ead constantly or you’re trying to get back into it\, this is a relaxed place to discover new books\, hear different perspectives\, and meet some great people along the way. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221527Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-digital-nomads/events/315656987/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Digital Nomads END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20261104T230000Z DTEND:20261105T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_phwgztyjcpbgb@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/phwgztyjcpbgb/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20261109T223000Z DTEND:20261110T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:MFA Writers’ Salon: Alice Sola Kim DTSTART:20261109T233000Z DTEND:20261110T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221514Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53754895598299 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Writer Alice Sola Kim will read from and discuss her work. A r ecipient of a 2016 Whiting Award\, Kim has published short fiction in many magazines\, including “McSweeney’s Quarterly” and “Tin House.” Her story “Mothers\, Lock Up Your Daughters Because They Are Terrifying ” has been acquired for film development by Fox 2000 Pictures and 21 Lap s\, with Kim serving as executive producer. She holds an MFA in creative w riting from Washington University in St. Louis and teaches fiction writing at Sarah Lawrence College and Johns Hopkins University. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221514Z URL:https://calendar.lr.edu/event/mfa-writers-salon-alice-sola-kim X-SOURCE-NAME:Lenoir-Rhyne University Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.lr.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261110T213000Z DTEND:20261110T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court - Mark Twain DTSTART:20261110T233000Z DTEND:20261111T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221535Z UID:event_316083208@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Books That Age Like Wine\n**Mark Twain moves from broad comedy to biting social satire in this literary classic.**\n\n**Cracked on the h ead by a crowbar in nineteenth-century Connecticut\, Hank Morgan wakes to find himself in King Arthur’s England. After using his knoweldge of an u pcoming solar eclipse to escape a death sentence\, Hank must then navigate his way through a medieval world whose idyllic surface masks fear\, injus tice\, and ignorance.**\n\n**Considered by H. L. Mencken to be “the most bitter critic of American platitude and delusion…that ever lived\,” T wain enchants readers with a Camelot that strikes disturbingly contemporar y notes in this acclaimed tour de force that encompasses both the pure joy of wild high jinks and deeply probing insights into the nature of man.** LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221535Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/asheville-classic-books-meetup-group/events/316 083208/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Books That Age Like Wine END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Critique DTSTART:20261111T230000Z DTEND:20261112T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T005824Z UID:event_phwgztyjcpbpb@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Writers\nThis is the standing weekly critique. Bring anyth ing new you're working on to share with the group. If you don't have a pro ject to share\, you are most welcome to attend\, discuss\, and get inspire d.\n\nFor our group discussion\, please bring at least 8-10 printed copies of your piece. That way\, we can all read through each other's work and p rovide feedback.\n\nSharing our creative efforts is an important part of t he writing process. I'm really looking forward to reading what you've been working on. Don't worry if it's still a rough draft.\n\nIf you're having trouble finding us\, look for a placard on the table with the group's name .\n\nIf you would like to join our group email list for updates regarding contests\, events\, and more [you can sign up on our website](https://avlw riters.com/). LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T005824Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-writers/events/phwgztyjcpbpb/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Writers END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:November - Japanese Gothic DTSTART:20261115T200000Z DTEND:20261115T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221537Z UID:event_316120279@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Black Cat Book Club\nLet's discuss Japanese Gothic by Kylie Le e Baker! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221537Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/black-cat-book-club/events/316120279/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Black Cat Book Club END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261117T213000Z DTEND:20261117T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Asheville Animal Rights Reading Group DTSTART:20261121T170000Z DTEND:20261121T183000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3590 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Animals—loved\, exploited\, endangered\, revered\, killed\, abused—who are they? Can we really know\, and isn't each individual and not a representative of an entire species? Join participants to discuss th ese and many\, many other questions around the furred\, the four-legged\, the winged\, finned\, webbed\, the tiny and the large\, and humanity's int eractions with\, responsibility to and for them. This group takes an anima l-rights based philosophy\, and looks at fiction\, non-fiction\, poetry an d even articles to learn\, to enjoy\, and to figure out how we might be be st of service to helping and saving these species we share the world with. \nReading Schedule\nSeptember: Zoopolis by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka \nOctober: Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor\nPlease note: this group is aware of the intersection of oppressions and strives to find books and art icles related to animal rights and connected struggles—but as an animal rights group\, non-humans are the primary focus. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3590-asheville-animal-rights-reading-grou p.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Abolitionist Reading Club DTSTART:20261122T210000Z DTEND:20261122T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3126 CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:Over the past year Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross (BRABC) ha s hosted a monthly discussion of issues pertaining to incarceration and th e penal system in the USA through study and discussion of essays and zines by captured comrades and their allies. In the coming months we will expan d our discussion to include currently-incarcerated comrades through an "in side-outside study group." Now is a great time to get involved--come check out what we're up to\, and help us launch this exciting project!\nBlue Ri dge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that j ails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the harms people com mit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problem s worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, which is to say the y are part of a wider movement working towards an end of incarceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of justice in our soci ety. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3126-abolitionist-reading-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20261123T223000Z DTEND:20261124T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261124T213000Z DTEND:20261124T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:November - Apocalyptic Romantasy DTSTART:20261128T190000Z DTEND:20261128T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221536Z UID:event_312037054@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Happily Ever Chapter\, A Fantasy Romance Book Club\nThis month we want to hear about finding love in the apocalypse. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221536Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/happily-ever-chapter/events/312037054/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Happily Ever Chapter\, A Fantasy Romance Book Club END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Reading Challenge Book Club @ Ashe County Library DTSTART:20261201T150000Z DTEND:20261201T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:1l6dsa263dkfem1hbt3q6akurn_R20260901T150000@google.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Are you participating in our Reading Challenge for 2026? Would you like to discuss the books you've read with other participants? Then j oin us for this monthly book club! This program is for adults.\n\nFor more information and to join the Reading Challenge visit https://arlibrary.li bguides.com/RCBC LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:ashecountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261201T213000Z DTEND:20261201T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:AVL Digital Nomads - Book Club DTSTART:20261201T230000Z DTEND:20261202T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T004604Z UID:event_315657080@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:AVL Digital Nomads\n**December 2026 Selection - *When Breach B ecomes Air* by Paul Kalanithi**\n[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/When-Brea th-Becomes-Paul-Kalanithi/dp/081298840X/) - [GoodReads](https://www.goodre ads.com/book/show/25899336-when-breath-becomes-)\n\n*At the age of thirty- six\, on the verge of completing a decade’s worth of training as a neuro surgeon\, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying\, and the next he was a patient struggl ing to live. And just like that\, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi’s transformatio n from a naïve medical student “possessed\,” as he wrote\, “by the question of what\, given that all organisms die\, makes a virtuous and mea ningful life” into a neurosurgeon at Stanford working in the brain\, the most critical place for human identity\, and finally into a patient and n ew father confronting his own mortality.*\n\n*What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future\, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life\, flattens out into a perpetual present? What d oes it mean to have a child\, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundl y moving\, exquisitely observed memoir.*\n\n*Paul Kalanithi died in March 2015\, while working on this book\, yet his words live on as a guide and a gift to us all. “I began to realize that coming face to face with my ow n mortality\, in a sense\, had changed nothing and everything\,” he wrot e. “Seven words from Samuel Beckett began to repeat in my head: ‘I can ’t go on. I’ll go on.’” When Breath Becomes Air is an unforgettabl e\, life-affirming reflection on the challenge of facing death and on the relationship between doctor and patient\, from a brilliant writer who beca me both.*\n\n\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\ \-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\- \\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\ -\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\\-\n\n**Welcome to our monthly Book Club!** We’re a small\, friendly group that gets together for fun\, thoughtful conversa tions about a different book each month.\n\nFinished the whole book? Great . Only made it through a few chapters? Still come. Didn’t read it at all but the discussion sounds interesting? Honestly\, you’re welcome too.\n We meet on the **first Tuesday of every month**.\n\nOne of the best things about this group is that we keep it relatively small and guide the conver sation\, so it doesn’t turn into three people talking while everyone els e quietly questions their life choices. Everyone has a chance to jump in\, share their thoughts\, and explore the book’s characters\, themes\, wri ting\, and bigger ideas.\n\nYou definitely don’t need to be a literary e xpert. Whether you read constantly or you’re trying to get back into it\ , this is a relaxed place to discover new books\, hear different perspecti ves\, and meet some great people along the way. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T004604Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/avl-digital-nomads/events/315657080/ X-SOURCE-NAME:AVL Digital Nomads END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Political Prisoner Letter Writing DTSTART:20261206T200000Z DTEND:20261206T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3040 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an aftern oon of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of dominatio n and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they —and their sacrifices for our movements—are never far from our minds a nd hearts.\nContinuously showing up for comrades who have had large chunks of their lifetimes stolen by the State is crucial solidarity work. If you have ever sat in a jail cell—for even one night—you know how importan t it is to show folks they are not alone on the inside. If you haven't see n the inside of a prison cell (and we hope you never do!)\, you can probab ly imagine how mentally and emotionally taxing it is to lose control over your physical self and surroundings. For those facing this reality\, espec ially for years and even decades\, any reminder of support and connection from the outside means more than most of us can imagine. We know because o ur comrades tell us again and again\, it is no exaggeration: LETTERS SAVE LIVES!\nBlue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that jails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the h arms people commit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problems worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, whic h is to say they are part of a wider movement working towards an end of in carceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of just ice in our society. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3040-political-prisoner-letter-writing.ht ml X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:YS Creative Writing Club DTSTART:20261207T210000Z DTEND:20261207T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:2ouuv360t7hme9bq1v4k066s2f@google.com CATEGORIES:literary LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wataguacountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261208T213000Z DTEND:20261208T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa DTSTART:20261208T233000Z DTEND:20261209T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221535Z UID:event_316083237@meetup.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Books That Age Like Wine\n**in 1860s Sicily\, Don Fabrizio Cor bera\, Prince of Salina\, remains skeptical and stoic as he faces civil wa r and his family's loss of wealth and status. The prince's favorite nephew \, Tancredi\, who opportunistically supports the unification efforts\, mar ries Angelica\, a beautiful woman from a lower social class\, to secure hi s future. This marriage symbolizes the shifting social order and the decli ne of the aristocracy. As Don Fabrizio struggles to adapt\, he retreats in to his love of astronomy\, finding solace in the unchanging stars while hi s world crumbles around him. Ultimately\, he must decide to resist the for ces of change or come to terms with them.**\n\n**Giuseppe Tomasi di Lamped usa\, the last in a line of Sicilian princes\, drew inspiration from his o wn family's decline to write this novel in the 1950s. The dramatic sweep a nd richness of Lampedusa’s observation\, his seamless intertwining of pu blic and private worlds\, and his sure grasp of human frailty imbue The Le opard with beauty and power.** LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221535Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/asheville-classic-books-meetup-group/events/316 083237/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Books That Age Like Wine END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20261214T223000Z DTEND:20261215T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261215T213000Z DTEND:20261215T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Asheville Animal Rights Reading Group DTSTART:20261219T170000Z DTEND:20261219T183000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3590 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Animals—loved\, exploited\, endangered\, revered\, killed\, abused—who are they? Can we really know\, and isn't each individual and not a representative of an entire species? Join participants to discuss th ese and many\, many other questions around the furred\, the four-legged\, the winged\, finned\, webbed\, the tiny and the large\, and humanity's int eractions with\, responsibility to and for them. This group takes an anima l-rights based philosophy\, and looks at fiction\, non-fiction\, poetry an d even articles to learn\, to enjoy\, and to figure out how we might be be st of service to helping and saving these species we share the world with. \nReading Schedule\nSeptember: Zoopolis by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka \nOctober: Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor\nPlease note: this group is aware of the intersection of oppressions and strives to find books and art icles related to animal rights and connected struggles—but as an animal rights group\, non-humans are the primary focus. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3590-asheville-animal-rights-reading-grou p.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:December - Snowy Settings DTSTART:20261219T190000Z DTEND:20261219T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221536Z UID:event_312037065@meetup.com CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:Happily Ever Chapter\, A Fantasy Romance Book Club\nIt may or may not be snowing here\, but this month we want to hear about romantasy i n snowy settings!\n\nPlease note this event will be on the third Saturday instead of the fourth. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221536Z URL:https://www.meetup.com/happily-ever-chapter/events/312037065/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Happily Ever Chapter\, A Fantasy Romance Book Club END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261222T213000Z DTEND:20261222T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Abolitionist Reading Club DTSTART:20261227T210000Z DTEND:20261227T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3126 CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:Over the past year Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross (BRABC) ha s hosted a monthly discussion of issues pertaining to incarceration and th e penal system in the USA through study and discussion of essays and zines by captured comrades and their allies. In the coming months we will expan d our discussion to include currently-incarcerated comrades through an "in side-outside study group." Now is a great time to get involved--come check out what we're up to\, and help us launch this exciting project!\nBlue Ri dge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that j ails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the harms people com mit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problem s worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, which is to say the y are part of a wider movement working towards an end of incarceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of justice in our soci ety. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3126-abolitionist-reading-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20261228T223000Z DTEND:20261229T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20261229T213000Z DTEND:20261229T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Political Prisoner Letter Writing DTSTART:20270103T200000Z DTEND:20270103T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3040 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an aftern oon of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of dominatio n and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they —and their sacrifices for our movements—are never far from our minds a nd hearts.\nContinuously showing up for comrades who have had large chunks of their lifetimes stolen by the State is crucial solidarity work. If you have ever sat in a jail cell—for even one night—you know how importan t it is to show folks they are not alone on the inside. If you haven't see n the inside of a prison cell (and we hope you never do!)\, you can probab ly imagine how mentally and emotionally taxing it is to lose control over your physical self and surroundings. For those facing this reality\, espec ially for years and even decades\, any reminder of support and connection from the outside means more than most of us can imagine. We know because o ur comrades tell us again and again\, it is no exaggeration: LETTERS SAVE LIVES!\nBlue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that jails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the h arms people commit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problems worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, whic h is to say they are part of a wider movement working towards an end of in carceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of just ice in our society. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3040-political-prisoner-letter-writing.ht ml X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:YS Creative Writing Club DTSTART:20270104T210000Z DTEND:20270104T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:2ouuv360t7hme9bq1v4k066s2f@google.com CATEGORIES:literary LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wataguacountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Reading Challenge Book Club @ Ashe County Library DTSTART:20270105T150000Z DTEND:20270105T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:1l6dsa263dkfem1hbt3q6akurn_R20260901T150000@google.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Are you participating in our Reading Challenge for 2026? Would you like to discuss the books you've read with other participants? Then j oin us for this monthly book club! This program is for adults.\n\nFor more information and to join the Reading Challenge visit https://arlibrary.li bguides.com/RCBC LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:ashecountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270105T213000Z DTEND:20270105T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20270111T223000Z DTEND:20270112T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270112T213000Z DTEND:20270112T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Asheville Animal Rights Reading Group DTSTART:20270116T170000Z DTEND:20270116T183000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3590 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Animals—loved\, exploited\, endangered\, revered\, killed\, abused—who are they? Can we really know\, and isn't each individual and not a representative of an entire species? Join participants to discuss th ese and many\, many other questions around the furred\, the four-legged\, the winged\, finned\, webbed\, the tiny and the large\, and humanity's int eractions with\, responsibility to and for them. This group takes an anima l-rights based philosophy\, and looks at fiction\, non-fiction\, poetry an d even articles to learn\, to enjoy\, and to figure out how we might be be st of service to helping and saving these species we share the world with. \nReading Schedule\nSeptember: Zoopolis by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka \nOctober: Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor\nPlease note: this group is aware of the intersection of oppressions and strives to find books and art icles related to animal rights and connected struggles—but as an animal rights group\, non-humans are the primary focus. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3590-asheville-animal-rights-reading-grou p.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270119T213000Z DTEND:20270119T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Visiting Writers Series: Michael Finkel DTSTART:20270121T233000Z DTEND:20270122T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221514Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_52366020526084 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Visiting Writers Series concludes with journalist Michael Finkel\, whose #1 New York Times bestselling book “The Art Thief” reco unts one of the most prolific art thefts in history. The riveting narrativ e chronicles the exploits of a man who stole hundreds of masterpieces from European museums while raising compelling questions about obsession\, bea uty and the limits of human passion. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221514Z LOCATION:P.E. Monroe Auditorium URL:https://calendar.lr.edu/event/visiting-writers-series-michael-finkel X-SOURCE-NAME:Lenoir-Rhyne University Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.lr.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Abolitionist Reading Club DTSTART:20270124T210000Z DTEND:20270124T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3126 CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:Over the past year Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross (BRABC) ha s hosted a monthly discussion of issues pertaining to incarceration and th e penal system in the USA through study and discussion of essays and zines by captured comrades and their allies. In the coming months we will expan d our discussion to include currently-incarcerated comrades through an "in side-outside study group." Now is a great time to get involved--come check out what we're up to\, and help us launch this exciting project!\nBlue Ri dge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that j ails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the harms people com mit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problem s worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, which is to say the y are part of a wider movement working towards an end of incarceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of justice in our soci ety. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3126-abolitionist-reading-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20270125T223000Z DTEND:20270126T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270126T213000Z DTEND:20270126T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:YS Creative Writing Club DTSTART:20270201T210000Z DTEND:20270201T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:2ouuv360t7hme9bq1v4k066s2f@google.com CATEGORIES:literary LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wataguacountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Reading Challenge Book Club @ Ashe County Library DTSTART:20270202T150000Z DTEND:20270202T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221457Z UID:1l6dsa263dkfem1hbt3q6akurn_R20260901T150000@google.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Are you participating in our Reading Challenge for 2026? Would you like to discuss the books you've read with other participants? Then j oin us for this monthly book club! This program is for adults.\n\nFor more information and to join the Reading Challenge visit https://arlibrary.li bguides.com/RCBC LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221457Z X-SOURCE-NAME:ashecountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270202T213000Z DTEND:20270202T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Political Prisoner Letter Writing DTSTART:20270207T200000Z DTEND:20270207T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3040 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an aftern oon of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of dominatio n and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they —and their sacrifices for our movements—are never far from our minds a nd hearts.\nContinuously showing up for comrades who have had large chunks of their lifetimes stolen by the State is crucial solidarity work. If you have ever sat in a jail cell—for even one night—you know how importan t it is to show folks they are not alone on the inside. If you haven't see n the inside of a prison cell (and we hope you never do!)\, you can probab ly imagine how mentally and emotionally taxing it is to lose control over your physical self and surroundings. For those facing this reality\, espec ially for years and even decades\, any reminder of support and connection from the outside means more than most of us can imagine. We know because o ur comrades tell us again and again\, it is no exaggeration: LETTERS SAVE LIVES!\nBlue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that jails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the h arms people commit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problems worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, whic h is to say they are part of a wider movement working towards an end of in carceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of just ice in our society. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3040-political-prisoner-letter-writing.ht ml X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20270208T223000Z DTEND:20270209T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270209T213000Z DTEND:20270209T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270216T213000Z DTEND:20270216T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Asheville Animal Rights Reading Group DTSTART:20270220T170000Z DTEND:20270220T183000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3590 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Animals—loved\, exploited\, endangered\, revered\, killed\, abused—who are they? Can we really know\, and isn't each individual and not a representative of an entire species? Join participants to discuss th ese and many\, many other questions around the furred\, the four-legged\, the winged\, finned\, webbed\, the tiny and the large\, and humanity's int eractions with\, responsibility to and for them. This group takes an anima l-rights based philosophy\, and looks at fiction\, non-fiction\, poetry an d even articles to learn\, to enjoy\, and to figure out how we might be be st of service to helping and saving these species we share the world with. \nReading Schedule\nSeptember: Zoopolis by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka \nOctober: Beasts of Burden by Sunaura Taylor\nPlease note: this group is aware of the intersection of oppressions and strives to find books and art icles related to animal rights and connected struggles—but as an animal rights group\, non-humans are the primary focus. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3590-asheville-animal-rights-reading-grou p.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neurodivergent Reading Group DTSTART:20270222T223000Z DTEND:20270223T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T000820Z UID:3417 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Neurodivergent Reading Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals to come together and connect through shared reading and conversation.\nThe next book pick is\, Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod K Anderson\, tells the story of the darkest stre tch of a young person's life\, and how deliberate and meditative encounter s with plants and animals helped him see the light at every turn. Ranging from optimistic contemplations of mortality to appreciations of a single m ushroom\, Anderson has written a lyrical love letter to the natural world and given us the tools to see it all anew.\nAll neurodivergent individuals are welcome to participate\, including those who are exploring or questio ning their neurodivergent identity. Please sign up to get the discussion q uestions via email ahead of time and to let us know if you need any accomm odations to participate in this group.\nSign Up\nUpcoming Meetings\nWe're currently reading Something in the Woods Loves You.\nAugust 10: Chapters 1 - 5 (pages 1 - 89)\nAugust 24: Chapters 6 - 10 (pages 90 - 187)\nSept 14: Chapters 11 - 15 (pages 188 - 299)\nSept 28: Chapters 16 - 20 (pages 300 - 359) LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T000820Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3417-neurodivergent-reading-group.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270223T213000Z DTEND:20270223T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221507Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221507Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Abolitionist Reading Club DTSTART:20270228T210000Z DTEND:20270228T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T000756Z UID:3126 CATEGORIES:community,literary DESCRIPTION:Over the past year Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross (BRABC) ha s hosted a monthly discussion of issues pertaining to incarceration and th e penal system in the USA through study and discussion of essays and zines by captured comrades and their allies. In the coming months we will expan d our discussion to include currently-incarcerated comrades through an "in side-outside study group." Now is a great time to get involved--come check out what we're up to\, and help us launch this exciting project!\nBlue Ri dge Anarchist Black Cross is a collective of anarchists who believe that j ails and prisons\, rather than offering a solution to the harms people com mit against themselves and their communities\, instead make social problem s worse. They are a prison abolitionist organization\, which is to say the y are part of a wider movement working towards an end of incarceration and the creation of alternative\, transformative forms of justice in our soci ety. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T000756Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3126-abolitionist-reading-club.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:YS Creative Writing Club DTSTART:20270301T210000Z DTEND:20270301T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T004938Z UID:2ouuv360t7hme9bq1v4k066s2f@google.com CATEGORIES:literary LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T004938Z X-SOURCE-NAME:wataguacountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Reading Challenge Book Club @ Ashe County Library DTSTART:20270302T150000Z DTEND:20270302T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T184932Z UID:1l6dsa263dkfem1hbt3q6akurn_R20260901T150000@google.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Are you participating in our Reading Challenge for 2026? Would you like to discuss the books you've read with other participants? Then j oin us for this monthly book club! This program is for adults.\n\nFor more information and to join the Reading Challenge visit https://arlibrary.li bguides.com/RCBC LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T184932Z X-SOURCE-NAME:ashecountyarl@gmail.com X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.arlibrary.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Weekly Trans Writing Circle DTSTART:20270302T213000Z DTEND:20270302T233000Z DTSTAMP:20260904T000804Z UID:3610 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A creative writing and co-working group for trans\, non-binary \, and gender nonconforming people with independent long and short form pr ojects.\nHang out\, write\, and pick other participants' brains when you f eel blocked! This space will occasionally include workshops to boost our s hared knowledge of the writing and publishing process.\nWant to teach a wo rkshop? Reach out to facilitator Ari by whispering your idea into the wind or by coming to a session and offering it to the group! LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T000804Z LOCATION:1022 Haywood Road\, Asheville NC 28806 URL:http://firestorm.coop/events/3610-weekly-trans-writing-circle.html X-SOURCE-NAME:Firestorm Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://firestorm.coop/events/2576-asheville-animal-rights-re ading-group.html END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Inaugural Huffman Lecture: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Tim Egan DTSTART:20270303T233000Z DTEND:20270304T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T221514Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53009324947180 CATEGORIES:education,literary DESCRIPTION:Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Tim Egan will del iver the inaugural Huffman Speaker Series on Social Justice lecture at Len oir-Rhyne. His presentation\, “These Truths\, These Threats: The Promise and Peril of the Next American Era\,” is part of the university’s 202 6–2027 Bears Engage series\, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States through conversations centered on freedom\, responsibil ity and civic engagement in a diverse democracy.\n\nEstablished through th e generosity of the late Richard “Dick” Huffman and Dale Huffman\, the Huffman Speaker Series on Social Justice brings nationally recognized voi ces to campus to encourage thoughtful dialogue around social justice and c ivic life.\n\nA former national correspondent and opinion columnist for Th e New York Times\, Egan is the author of several bestselling books\, inclu ding "The Worst Hard Time" and "A Fever in the Heartland." His work explor es themes of American history\, democracy\, inequality and civic responsib ility.\n\nAdditional details\, including ticketing information\, will be a nnounced at a later date. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T221514Z LOCATION:P.E. Monroe Auditorium URL:https://calendar.lr.edu/event/huffman-lecture-author-tim-egan X-SOURCE-NAME:Lenoir-Rhyne University Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.lr.edu END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR