Two novels, one a classic Western set in 1885 Nevada, the other centered on Barcelona and the aftermath of the Spanish Civil war, snagged my attention this past week. I was busy, but every time I caught a break, I was on the front porch, enjoying the May weather and turning the pages.  

Local author Pamela Volpert will read from her book, “The Tribes of the Littles,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 

Author Sarah Dean will host a special reading and signing from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 

For me mystery novels are summer. They are captivating, enjoyable and the perfect thing to read on a vacation.

Periodically I like to share some of the books I’ve been reading.  Would love to hear what’s on your Kindle or nightstand so be sure and email me: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

I’m a minimalist. I don’t want much, nor do I care to ever have much. As long as I’m surrounded by shelves of books and stacks of vinyl records, a comfy recliner and some cold suds in the fridge in my humble abode of a one-bedroom Waynesville apartment (that also has a porch with mountain views, thankfully), I’m good to go.  

Sometimes, it feels like we’re just nowhere in this life. It was like that for me in the early 1980s.

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy….” So begins one of the George Gershwin’s greatest songs, an aria in “Porgy and Bess” reproduced by scores of musicians ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Willie Nelson to Norah Jones.

The best gift my mother ever gave me was a love of reading. From the time I can remember, I always had books surrounding me and for that I am forever grateful. 

Swain County commissioners recently approved about $200,000 in funding for the school system in an effort to improve student reading levels.