This Side of the Mountain

This Side of the Mountain George Brosi Since 1979, when I accepted the job as manager of the Council of the Southern Mountains Appalachian Book and Record Shop here in Berea, regional literature has been a central focus of my life. Subsequently, I have operated my own Appalachian book business, taught Appalachian literature and published scholarly work on the subject. Many of my friendships also revolve around this field. Now, as editor of Appalachian Heritage, this focus is reinforced even more. What is the role of regional literature, I have often asked myself. I know that books that have a familiar setting can help youngsters see reading as friendly and improve their desire to learn. My daughter, Sky Harmony, teaches third grade to the Navajo in New Mexico. Her students thrive on the Navajo books she brings them. They also appreciate Appalachianbooks which provide a window into the world of Miss Brosi, their teacher. Outstanding regional books can help somewhat older youths feel good about their backgrounds and encourage striving for high standards. Knowing that gifted and accomplished authors like Harriette Arnow come from places like Wayne County, Kentucky, can raise the aspirations of those who identify with her. Literature provides a way for all people, young and old alike, to ponder life choices more deeply. Reading can provide a sense of our heritage and enable us to sort out what traditions we want to be sure to reinforce and pass on. It also allows us to think about what aspects of our backgrounds we wish to overcome. At every step of the way regional literature serves its purposes better when it is of high quality, and it is most useful when combined with literature from other regions. Of course it should never be promoted chauvinistically as if it is inherently better than other work. My daughter, Sunshine Liberty, is doing her Ph.D. dissertation on the butternut blight, not because she thinks that butternuts are the best trees, but because she knows they are an important part of a diverse forest. Similarly, my life is focused on Appalachian literature simply because it has validity as one of many literatures that together create a beautiful tapestry that can enrich our lives. ...