a few months ago, i finally - finally - finally dove into fiction written by "local" author ron rash. i've known of his work for ten years, had spotted and passed over short stories in the new yorker, and have placed his fiction on the back burner for that of other writers. what an arrogant, stupid assumption on my part, to think that his words would not be works of art i'd want to consume.
but when i was down visiting my mother in alabama back sometime last fall, she mentioned that she was reading something called Serena, and thought i'd enjoy reading it as well. while she finished her copy, i read - voraciously - another of his novels, One Foot in Eden, then quickly ordered and devoured Saints at the River. serena was next - i was haunted by it - then came The World Made Straight, then a book of his poetry, and finally i began to count down the weeks until his latest book, The Cove, was released on april 10. what i'm sharing with you here are images from a little "field book" that i made to carry as a gift for ron, who spoke and read from The Cove in the old courthouse of sylva yesterday. i felt like a giddy little school girl, making a gift for someone i'd never met. he is a southern gentleman, warm and kind, and received it with grace.
i look at these pages now and hope that what i tried to convey was clear. his words are like music; he is a poet, after all, with a grand sense of cadence and rhythm; the stories and their delivery will make your heart ache, and finally break.
it was a quiet pleasure on saturday afternoon to put this little book together for an artist of words. it was a pleasure to work with paper and glue once again, with black ink and pencil and scraps of mica and leather. a little clip from daddy's office held some bits together in a field book from september of 1912. goodbye, little book. i hope it will bring mr. rash a little comfort when his nights and days away from home are long, these coming weeks...
if you have the time, and can find it on your library shelf or have the cash to spend, be sure to read every single one of the books he has ever written. grand job, mr. rash. well done. xo
beautiful gift...
my heart is now open to read his books...
Thanks for sharing
Posted by: sandra | April 16, 2012 at 03:02 PM
What a beautiful gift ~ I'm sure he will treasure it. I will have to check out his books now as well! :)
Posted by: susanc | April 16, 2012 at 03:42 PM
his name has been on my "to read" list, but like you, others pushed their way forward....no more. how very special that you were able to hear him read in that grand and glorious old place! and i hope he knows how lucky he was, as well, to have you there! ;) hugs...xo
Posted by: Tina in McLeansville | April 16, 2012 at 04:06 PM
What a wonderful, giving thing you have done. And thanks for passing reading suggestions on to us.
vickie in kc
Posted by: vickie | April 16, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Oh, this made my heart sing! I just spent more than an hour talking on the phone about story, story, story with my oldest son - and now you introduce me to a new author! I'm headed to the library ... love ya! The field book is gorgeous, too ;0
Posted by: Barbara | April 16, 2012 at 04:25 PM
Thanks for sharing this about Ron Rash. I too have put off reading his books but will now have to check them out!
Becca
Posted by: Becca Valone | April 16, 2012 at 05:37 PM
What a beautiful gift! And thanks for sharing an author with us . . . another set of books to place on my "to read" list.
Posted by: Mary G. | April 16, 2012 at 06:50 PM
Your gift is lovely and I'm sure a true gentleman of the South will understand and treasure the thought of you gracious gesture. It is beautiful. Thanks for the suggestion to read Mr. Rash. Sadly, I'd never heard of him but will venture into these books on your recommendation. I love finding new writers through word of mouth.
XO
Posted by: Michele R. Unger | April 16, 2012 at 06:57 PM
Such a very special gift - how thoughtful and generous of you, Nina. I'm sure he will treasure your book, as you do his.
Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to begin one of his books.
xo dusan
Posted by: susan | April 16, 2012 at 07:02 PM
Your gift is so beautiful and thoughtful. Will definitely add him to my booklist. Thanks for the reccomendation.
Posted by: Carol Weiler | April 16, 2012 at 08:02 PM
Nina,
Thank you for sharing this author, I will see if the books are to had at our local library, if not, I will order one and begin to nibble upon it at your high praise. I do so love a great read.
Posted by: Sandy | April 16, 2012 at 11:04 PM
You're so very generous, Nina - not only with your lovely gift, but your thoughtful heart that is willing to publicly praise and share the spotlight with another. I'm so glad you got to hear him in person; that is always such a treat. Thank you for sharing. (My library has Serena. Yahoo!!!) Jan
Posted by: Jan | April 16, 2012 at 11:59 PM
I am anxious to go this morning to find one of his books! Thank you! And, the gift you made for him is beautiful.
Posted by: dorylyn | April 17, 2012 at 05:59 AM
If I ever get this house ready to sell, maybe, MAYBE, I can read again... I've got a list started, and now I will add your suggestions! The little book is wonderful, I hope he enjoys it!
Posted by: Lee | April 17, 2012 at 07:23 AM
what an incredibly lovely gift! and thanks for sharing of his writings which i look forward to discovering. i'm sure ron's heart was so blessed to receive so much love from such an avid follower as you nina! you are such a giver!!!
Posted by: rusted wings | April 17, 2012 at 08:46 AM
Well - What can I say except that -- I WILL! Thanks for the recommendation.
Posted by: kim | April 17, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Ron Rash is most fortunate to have that lyrical token of appreciation from your generous heart. You already know how much I admire his writing, so I love that you've created a little groundswell of interest in his books that may have librarians and bookstore clerks scratching their heads.... xoxsharron
Posted by: Sharron | April 17, 2012 at 10:58 AM
Ron Rash is most fortunate to have that lyrical token of appreciation from your generous heart. You already know how much I admire his writing, so I love that you've created a little groundswell of interest in his books that may have librarians and bookstore clerks scratching their heads.... xox
Posted by: Sharron | April 17, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Thanks for sharing about this author. I am always on the lookout for good books. And I know he appreciated your gift.
Posted by: Mary K McGraw | April 17, 2012 at 11:23 AM
What a gorgeous, thoughtful gift. He must be pleased and honored. My best friend in Salisbury gave me info early on about Ron Rash, and in turn I read Serena. Very good book, very good writer.
Posted by: Judy McGowan | April 17, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Beautiful-and it should be something he treasures-knowing that his works inspired the book. Will have to look for his work.
Posted by: donna joy | April 17, 2012 at 09:57 PM
Thanks Nina for the writer recommendation. He is so lucky to get some artwork from you!I put Serena on my booklist. I am in need of some more good writing, feel free to share your favorites, I'm sure a lot of us are interested.
Posted by: Greenstudio | April 17, 2012 at 11:56 PM
Oh, I love your little book!
What a sweet gesture, from one artist to another; a thank you for the gift he gave to you.
I have read so many wonderful things thanks to tips from Bloggers - I trust your judgement and am off in search of Mr. Rash's pen-works.
Thanks again Nina!
Posted by: Jillayne | April 18, 2012 at 12:58 AM
I love a good author/book recommendation.
Thanks Nina!
And, your book is such a treasure. I'm sure Mr. Nash will feel lucky to have it. I especially love the little clip from your daddy's office.
Posted by: Emily | April 18, 2012 at 08:31 AM
Thank you for recommending Ron Rash. I picked up a copy of Serena yesterday - can't wait to dive into it this weekend. I have a soft spot for NC writers. The book you gave Mr. Rash is wonderful - glad you shared that too. It makes me want to create something similar.
Hugs, Lori
Posted by: Lori Burek | April 18, 2012 at 09:09 AM
So glad I made a stop here at your blog this morning Nina - the beauty of this altered art book will provide much needed sustenence and inspiration on what will be a challenging day for me...
OH! What a beatiful art book you have created here Nina! I'm sure Mr. Rash will treasure his lovely gift for years to come - I know I would!!
These images are truly transporting me to a world of grace and beauty as I'm sure Mr. Rash's books have done for you =-)
Thank you for sharing this gift you made - it inspires me to continue following my passion for books of ALL kinds: artful, art filled and written ones!
Posted by: Monica | April 18, 2012 at 12:37 PM
What a lovely gift of heart ! Being a southerner... I very much, and with no shame.... love the southern voice. The use of words and phrases .... so familiar to me.. and to many of my generation ( and i hope the younger generations as well). I will surely check out the books of Mr. Rash. Thank you, Nina. On a personal note to you.. if i may.. My admiration to you for living an authentic life and opening your heart for us... giving just a little peek into the grace AND passion of an artists life.
Posted by: MaggieD (Dianne) | April 18, 2012 at 03:11 PM
It was your books that first caught my eye all those years ago. I saw it today and my heart did a happy sigh. I love your ornamental expressions: jewellery, blog, photos, words, walks, family, and yes, books. So happy. Like seeing a old friend except its new. Love you dear Nina. x
Posted by: rachelle | April 18, 2012 at 10:35 PM
I love the book you made and will definitely check out Ron Rash's work.
Posted by: Barb Karr | April 19, 2012 at 02:11 AM
The Nina Touch. What a fabulous work of art.
Posted by: Leigh | April 20, 2012 at 09:22 AM
How thoughtful - I'm sure he was touched. I'm excited to check out his work.
Posted by: Mary | April 21, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Always on the look out for a new author, thanks for your recommendation. Your gift from your heart will bring him much pleasure as his books have to you.
Posted by: Karen | April 22, 2012 at 03:20 PM