Where: Grateful Steps, Inc./159 S. Lexington Ave, Asheville
When: Friday, April 1, 7:00pm
Occasion: Book launch (reading, signing, exhibit, refreshments) for Thomas Rain Crowe’s new collection of poems from and about western North Carolina (Crack Light–Wind Publications) in collaboration with the nature photograhy of Asheville photographer Simone Lipscomb–whos photos from the book will be on exhibit for the event.
Asheville book publisher and bookstore Grateful Steps will host regional author Thomas Rain Crowe and Asheville nature photographer Simone Lipscomb to celebrate their new book of poems and photographs of western North Carolina entitled Crack Light, just released by Wind Publications near Lexington, KY. This is Crowe’s first collection of poems that are exclusively focused on the region of our western NC mountains. Combined with more than twenty original photographs by Simone Lipscomb, it is a multi-dimensional look at the landscape of these mountains, as well as it’s cultural and environmental diversity. Already, right out of the gates, Crack Light has gotten attention in the region in reviews and articles in almost all of the region’s journalistic publications. In his review of the book in the Ashville Citizen-Times on January 9th, book reviewer Rob Neufeld has this to say about the book: “Thomas Rain Crowe has become one of the most interesting writers in this region to follow. He has established a lifestyle and a voice that are both universal and local. He has invested himself in the Thoreauvian, Sufi, Celtic and Beat disciplines of peace, sensuality, jazz and simple living.” Similarly, two reviews–in the Smoky Mountain News and Blue Ridge Outdoors praised the book.
“The poems in Crack Light span decades but, according to Crowe, they all have one thing in common–they’re about place. They’re about this place–the Southern Appalachians, her beauty; her culture; her customs; her people; her poetry. This book is a must take.” -Don Hendershot/Smoky Mountain News/Feb. 2, 2011
“Crack Light is breathtakingly beautiful. The deep-rooted setting and natural imagery are incredibly powerful, and the stunning black and white photography by Simone Lipscomb has enhanced the poet’s words. TRC has nailed it with this book; it’s a mountain masterpiece. -Will Harlan/Blue Ridge Outdoors/March, 2011
