Ron Rash

Hickory – Acclaimed author Ron Rash will be the focus of a literary event in Hickory on Thursday, August 8th. This book reading and discussion, a free event with no tickets required, will take place at the SALT Block’s Drendel Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening for general admission seating at 6:00 p.m.

Ron Rash, known for his PEN/Faulkner finalist and New York Times bestselling novel Serena, will engage attendees with insights into his extensive body of work. Rash’s acclaimed novels include “The Risen,” “Above the Waterfall,” “The Cove,” “One Foot in Eden,” “Saints at the River,” and “The World Made Straight.” In addition to his novels, Rash has authored five poetry collections and seven story collections, including “Burning Bright,” which won the 2010 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award; “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” a New York Times bestseller; “Chemistry and Other Stories,” a finalist for the 2007 PEN/Faulkner Award; and “In the Valley.” His works have been translated into seventeen languages, and he is a three-time recipient of the O. Henry Prize and currently teaches at Western Carolina University.

Ed Southern, the NC Writers’ Network executive director, and an award-winning author, will facilitate the evening. New author David Dickson will also debut his first short story collection, “Down to the Root: Stories,” published by Redhawk Publications.

Rash has deep connections to Hickory, where his family lived while his father taught at Lenoir Rhyne University. He later returned as LRU’s writer-in-residence. “Hickory is where Ron began his writing in earnest. And while he used to visit the area many times over the years, we haven’t had him back here since the mid-2010s. It’s great to see him return to his literary birthplace,” said North Carolina poet and friend Tim Peeler.

A highlight of the evening will be the paperback release of Rash’s 2024 book, “The Caretaker.” From 7:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Rash will be available to sell and sign copies of his new book, providing a unique opportunity for the audience to meet the author. Authors Dickson and Southern will also have their books available for purchase.

Join Ron Rash and friends for a memorable Thursday, August 8th evening at the Drendel Auditorium in Downtown Hickory, located at 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601.