Appalachian State University and Boone are well represented in recent book releases.
William Hutchins, a professor in ASU's Department of Philosophy and Religion, will be holding a commemorative reading of his translated work. He was the principal translator of "Cairo Trilogy," written by the late Egyptian author and Egyptian Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz. The book is on The Society of Authors list of outstanding translations from the past 50 years.
Hutchins has been translating the works of Arabic writers since the mid-1970s, working with Iraqi, Kuwaiti and Egyptian manuscripts, among others.
To mark the release by Anchor Books of his translation of "Cairo Modern" by Mahfouz, Hutchins will read from this novel and from his translation of "The Cairo Trilogy" on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. in the bookstore of Appalachian State University in Boone.
Short selections from the original Arabic will be read by the Libyan poet Ghada Gherwash. The event, which is open to the public, also commemorates the 98th anniversary of the author's birth in Cairo on Dec. 11th.
Watauga High School graduate Ronnie Carroll has published a new fantasy novel. Carroll grew up in Boone, attended Appalachian Elementary School and graduated from Watauga High School in 1975.  He also learned to hang glide in the area.
In Carroll's "All That I Am," young Celeste assumes the throne of Diandia. Surrounded by corrupt politics, the tragedies of war and growing insurrection, she is caught in a chain of events that leads to the ruin of her country and captivation of her heart.
 After having been reared in a remote monastery for 21 years, Celeste inherits the throne of Diandia and is crowned Empress on the eve of a revolution. It is orchestrated and led by a captive of war from the neighboring country of Tritania. After 18 years in bondage, Slave 515 and thousands of his fellow captives stage riots to escape Diandia and, in the course of gaining freedom, leave it in ruin.
In her efforts to end the war with Tritania and restore Diandia to prosperity, Celeste is accused of treason by Judge Cerdo, a corrupt and powerful member of her council who views Celeste's actions as threats to his private reign of control. Through intimidation and manipulation of the council, the judge has Celeste convicted and sentenced to execution. Slave 515 learns of Celeste's imprisonment and helps her escape, but while doing so, sustains a life-threatening injury which forces the two of them to seek sanctuary at the remote monastery.
They carry their private battles with them as they flee to Tritania while Celeste's relentless inner turmoil and the slave's silent rage drive a wedge of separation deeply between them. In an explosive confrontation, they are forced to face their darkest fears and deepest heartaches.
Ronnie Carroll's poetry has appeared in "Mirage," a literary and arts magazine in southeastern Arizona, and has been featured in Songs of Honour, sponsored by the International Society of Poets, receiving "Editor's Choice" and nomination for poet of the year. She has worked as an art instructor and commissioned artist in addition to her many writing endeavors. She currently resides in Lewiston, Idaho. To read reviews, the back cover text, a chapter sample and for ordering information, visit www.ronniecarroll.com.
ASU graduate Cherie Dawn Chandler of Winston-Salem has released a book meant to inspire females.
Billed as an "expression of inner beauty, a picture of a woman's strength, and a journey to being beautiful," Chandler's new release is called "i am beautiful."
Opening with a poem, "i am beautiful" is a biographical account about building confidence to show the beauty within yourself. Designed for all women, this book shares the author's testimonies, trials, tribulations, and victories, which she hopes "serve as the mirror for the readers to see the path towards finding the beauty in the midst of life's realities-triumphs and sorrows."
"i am beautiful" also includes testimonies of women from different ethnic, socio-economic, abilities, and religious backgrounds. The book is available in hardcover and trade paperback and her Web site is www.imbeautiful.org.
Copies of my new comic book "Little Shivers" are available, featuring spooky and fun tales for ages 8 through 12. In the tone of Goosebumps, it features stories by best-selling writer J.A. Konrath (under the pen name Jack Kilborn), Bradd Parton, and more, representing artists from across the world. The cover is by Frankie B. Washington. I've contributed the story "The Pumpkin Patch" in addition to editing the book. We're sending it around to publishers but we have a limited number of proof copies available at www.hauntedcomputer.com/comics.htm.
As reported in an earlier article, former M*A*S*H and television writer Karen Hall, now co-owner of Black Bear Books, is also the author of "Dark Debts," a supernatural thriller. Hall is quite a talented writer and she immediately pulls you into the story. Signed copies are available at the store on Blowing Rock Road.
For you writers, Hall is also very welcoming, hoping to turn the store into a hangout for literary-minded folks. Stop by, say hello, have some coffee, and celebrate a love of words and books.