Listen Here

Listen Here: Women Writing in Appalachia is a landmark anthology that brings together the work of 105 Appalachian women writers, including Dorothy Allison, Harriette Simpson Arnow, Annie Dillard, Nikki Giovanni, Denise Giardina, Barbara Kingsolver, Jayne Anne Phillips, Janice Holt Giles, George Ella Lyon, Sharyn McCrumb, and Lee Smith. Editors Sandra L. Ballard and Patricia L. Hudson offer a diverse sampling of time periods and genres, established authors and emerging voices. From regional favorites to national bestsellers, this unprecedented gathering of Appalachian voices displays the remarkable talent of the region's women writers who've made their mark at home and across the globe.

"A comprehensive and unsurpassed anthology of women writers from Appalachia.... Exceptional in diversity and scope." -- Southern Historian

"A giant step forward in Appalachian studies for both students and scholars of the region and the general reader.... Nothing less than a groundbreaking and landmark addition to the national treasury of American literature." -- Bloomsbury Review

"A marvelous confluence of compelling subject matter and almost perfectly executed presentation. Those who care about the literature of our region need to have this book at their fingertips because this is the authoritative guide to its subject." -- Appalachian Heritage

"A number of wonderful gems [are] sprinkled throughout the 600 plus pages." -- Red Raven Circling (redravencircling.wordpress.com)

"A remarkable accomplishment, bringing together the work of 105 female Appalachian writers saying what they want to, and saying it in impressive bodies of literature." -- Lexington Herald-Leader

"A remarkable new anthology of 105 Appalachian women writers, many of whom have been forgotten or marginalized by the mainstream literary establishment. One of the keenest pleasures in Listen Here lies in its diversity of voices and genres." -- Material Culture

"A successful anthology entices readers to move from its pages to find additional works by the writers included. Listen Here, therefore, is going to keep our libraries and bookstores busy for years to come." -- A! Magazine

"A textbook companion for anyone interested in women's literature -- or anyone interested in a more complete view of American literature than that found in most textbooks." -- Knoxville (TN) News-Sentinel

"An important contribution to Appalachian literary life." -- Mountain Eagle

"Besides introducing readers to many new voices, the anthology provides a strong counterpart to the stereotype of hillbillies that have cursed the region." -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Collectively, the 105 writers featured in Listen Here prove themselves, and their region, worthy of the wide recognition that has historically eluded them." -- Floyd County Times

"Collects work by 105 Appalachian writers, including Gail Godwin, Lee Smith, and Barbara Kingsolver, composed during the past 170 years." -- Raleigh (NC) News & Observer

"Counters the misperception that there is no significant body of Appalachian literature, particularly literature written by women, with the sheer volume of work included." -- Journal of Appalachian Studies

"Full of welcome surprises to those new to this regional literature: specifically, it includes particularly strong selections from children's fiction and a substantial number of African American writers." -- Choice

"If you haven't taken your beach vacation yet this summer, pack this book in your suitcase. Its 673 pages will keep you entertained... and the stories you read in it will nourish your mind and warm your heart throughout the coming fall and winter and far, far beyond." -- Appalachian Life Magazine

"Like a feast table piled high with samplers of everybody's best recipes." -- Appalachian Journal

"What rings true through it all is the truth of women's experiences, not only in Appalachia, but universally." -- Chevy Chaser