The Fayette County Public Library will host a special evening with critically-acclaimed author Ron Rash on Monday, May 5, beginning at 7 p.m. Rash is the author of the award-winning novels “Saints at the River,” “One Foot in Eden,” “The World Made Straight,” and several books of short fiction, including “Chemistry and Other Stories.” “Chemistry and Other Stories” was a 2008 finalist for the prestigious PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. The event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the Fayette County Public Library and the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library.

Rash’s powerful fiction echoes with a strong sense of place, set in the southern Appalachian mountains he calls home. His 2004 novel “Saints at the River” is the May selection for the Fayette County Public Library’s monthly book discussion group. “Saints at the River” tells the story of a Carolina mountain community, the river at its heart, and the rush of events set in motion by a tragic accident. Rash will talk about “Saints at the River” and his other books, including the much-anticipated “Serena,” a 1920s Appalachian retelling of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” scheduled for publication this fall. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions and enjoy complimentary light refreshments. The author will sign copies of his books, which will be on sale at the event.

Ron Rash’s family has lived in the southern Appalachian Mountains since the mid-1700s. He holds the John Parris Chair in Appalachian Studies at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C., where he has made his mark sharing the treasures of Appalachian culture and teaching in the English department. He also works on behalf of the university’s Mountain Heritage Center, arranging performances, readings and lectures that celebrate Appalachian culture.

The Fayette County Public Library is located behind the Fayette County administrative complex in downtown Fayetteville, at the southwest corner of Ga. highways 85 and 54. For additional information, contact the library at 770-461-8841.

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