Asheville High auditorium was packed to the gills with book-toting fans of Barbara Kingsolver, who spoke and read from her new novel, The Lacuna, this evening at Asheville High School auditorium. “Let there be no doubt,” reported @mountainxpress via Twitter, “Asheville is a town of book lovers.”

I recently had a conversation with a friend about how much life babies suck out of their mamas. Yes, they suck vast quantities of milk, but also, they suck away our time, energy, sleep and general equilibrium.

A new book by photographer Tim Barnwell captures 30 year of Appalachian musicians and artisans.

Because it’s Halloween weekend and you have the fab costume and you’re all raring to go, Shoestring brings you a few extra bonus pre-weekend events at which to revel. All budget-friendly like. Lots to do, so pace yourself.

The poet, awarded for her 2006 book Native Guard, will read at Posana Café at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29

The legendary 5k shopping-cart race is coming to Asheville in November. Get your team, find your cart and start sewing the sequins on your matching capes.

The spine-tingling thrill of watching people wandering around dressed up as monsters and villains makes me happy. What makes me less tingly is the rampant consumerism around Halloween.

Correspondent Jake Frankel and photographer Jonathan Welch bring you a terrific video and photos from this fall’s LEAF.

Counting Crows and Ani DiFranco top the just-released roster.

N.C.‘s Avett Brothers just announced that their only N.C. date on their 2010 tour will be at Merle Fest in Wilkesboro. Pre-sale for tickets starts today!