Step into the Circle: Writers in Modern Appalachia

by Amy Greene (Editor), Trent Thomson (Editor)

In this book of photographs and short essays, some of Appalachia’s best-known writers profile each other and the place they call home. Edited by Bloodroot novelist Amy Greene and her husband Trent Thomson, this book also features Wendell Berry, Lee Smith, Crystal Wilkinson, Ron Rash, Wiley Cash, Silas House, Jason Kyle Howard, Adriana Trigiani, and others. Part photo book, part essay collection, and all praise for the mountains and valleys of the region, this book collects some of the region’s greatest literary treasures for a generation of readers.

Genres: Essays, Nonfiction

140 pages, Hardcover

Published October 29, 2019

About the author

Amy Greene's debut novel, BLOODROOT, was a national bestseller. Her second novel, LONG MAN, will be published by Alfred A. Knopf on February 25, 2014.

Reviews

[Rachel Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every minute I have spent with "Step into the Circle: Writers in Modern Appalachia." The photography is absolutely stunning, and the profiles are wonderfully written. I was already familiar with most of the interviewers and their subjects, but I was introduced to a couple of writers who were new to me. As a huge fan of Appalachian Lit, these introductions were a gift. This gorgeous book is a delight!

[Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so fortunate to have an essay about Frank X Walker included in this beautiful collection, focusing on writers speaking to and about other writers. I especially love Karen McElmurray's essay about a day visiting with Crystal Wilkinson at Lexington's Wild Fig bookstore and their discussion about mental health; Patricia Hudson's essay about George Ella Lyon and the power of our first/native language; and Amy Clark's essay about Adriana Trigiani that examines Trigiani's work and her abiding love for the region but also delves into the question of who is Appalachian? The photographs in the book are visually stunning. A must read, and a must have for book collectors.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appalachia Lovers

The essays in this book are thoughtful,poignant, and engaging. My favorite authors writing about their favorite authors and poets. The photography is amazing. I wish I could say I had a favorite , but I don't. I will say Jason Kyle Howard's essay about Lee Smith brought me to tears in a good way.

[Chrissy Packtor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me feeling really inspired about Appalachia. It’s easy to be cynical about this place—especially if most of what you’re reading about it is news about our representatives. But books like these, that highlight and explore the progress being made in the region, leave me feeling hopeful for Appalachia’s future.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read—authors talking to and writing about other authors. There were some really familiar writers dnd some less so. At times the fannishness became a bit cloying—but as I generally share the fannishness for these writers, I generally didn’t mind.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essays by contemporary, southern authors about other contemporary, southern authors.

This is a beautiful book in both words and in photographs. Each essay offers the read insight to both the subject of the essay and the writer of the essay. Each piece offers it's own nugget(s) of truth.

From the piece on George Ella Lyons, I learned, "In an essay titled 'Voiceplace,' she [GEL] wrote, 'Where you're from is not who you are, but it's an important ingredient. I believe you must trust your first voice--the one tuned by the people and place that made you--before you can speak your deppest truth.' "

From Silas House I learned, "Don't just write what you know. Write what you know to be true."

A must read for fans of Appalachian literature.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A handsomely designed and produced collection of profiles of contemporary Appalachian writers with beautifully reproduced color photographs.

[Liz W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book with beautiful photography of the Appalachian Mountains and essays written about some of my favorite authors is a keeper. I checked it out of my local library and immediately after having read it I went to my local indie bookstore and ordered a copy for my own bookshelf. Lee Smith, Adriana Trigiani, and Crystal Wilkinson are all authors that have given me hours of reading pleasure. Now to read about them and learn of others in short essays is a treat. But this book isn't just about writers from the beautiful Appalachia area (one of my favorite places on earth,) it is about the mountains and the people living there.

[Meg (reading_meg) · Rating 5 out of 5]

- this is a collection of essays written by Appalachian writers about Appalachian writers, accompanied by incredible photographs.
- this collection is great for anyone interested in Appalachian lit. My tbr grew so much while reading the essays, as many do an incredible job of highlighting other books.
- I loved the way the whole book was set up to highlight the diversity of Appalachia, from the people to the land itself.

[Ellen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visual and literary journey through the land of my first home, eastern Kentucky in beautiful Appalachia. Thoroughly enjoyed the musings of these authors and stylistic photos of my mountain home. Looking forward to watching the panel in the virtual 2020 Southern Festival of Books, coming in October!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appalachian writers writing about other Appalachian writers- I can't help feeling good about where I live right now and what's been and being put out into the literary world. I loved learning more about old favorites (Ron Rash, Silas House, Wiley Cash, Lee Smith), and about writers I want to add to my collection. Keep supporting each other here...

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and interesting stories!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of several Appalachian writers.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Step Into the Circle: Writers in Modern Appalachia edited by Amy Greene and Trent Thomson (Blair/Wren Press 2019) (810.9975) (3421). This is a series of low-key interviews with a select group of emerging Southern authors. Each interview is illustrated by photographs from up-and-coming young photographers. Of particular interest to me were the interviews with Ron Rash (my favorite young author) and Wendell Berry.

This is a beautiful book. My rating: 7/10, finished 2/20/20 (3421).

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this book highlighting some of my favorite Appalachian authors (Lee Smith, Ron Rash) and hopefully, some new favorites. The profiles are all written by writers whose words add beauty to the people highlighted, and the photos are gorgeous, too. Excited to add this one to my collection at some point.