New poetry books from Malaprop’s in Asheville, NC.
Have you noticed a theme developing on the covers of new poetry books? Dogs. Pups. Canines. Furkids. Above are the latest additions to my personal library: Mary Oliver’s Dog Songs and Billy Collins’ Aimless Love.
Last weekend was spent in one of my favorite North Carolina cities: Asheville. I facilitated a (very small) writing critique session for Asheville Writers. (This morning I received an invitation to present at a writers conference in Asheville in the spring – more details soon!)
I purchased the books above at Malaprop’s—an uber-popular Asheville book store. I discovered through facebook updates that Triangle Writers‘ Barbara Davis had just been there moments before signing her new book The Secrets She Carried. Some other places for booklovers to check out in Western North Carolina:
Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar – Asheville
I hosted a writing workshop last year. This two-floor jewel is a great place to get tipsy on both its namesakes.
Firestorm Cafe & Books – Asheville
This very hipster spot was one of the stops on my Bonnaroo book tour in 2011. Get tea with their fancy Australian presses.
City Lights – Sylva
I have been meaning to go here. Have only heard good things!
But back to my question—are you noticing a theme with poetry book covers? Any more dogs surfacing on shelves?
Write Naked 
This is indeed a disturbing trend. Which is why I put a painting of an owl on my latest book cover. Well, okay, that’s not really the reason. But it would be safe to say that I’m still disturbed!
Negative experience with dogs? I think a cute puppy must be a selling point. You are wise (pun fully intended) to choose an owl – those are pretty damn trendy now too! 😉
I love dogs! My three dogs tell me this all the time. But it is a curious trend.
I want to read both collections, but I tend to like Mary Oliver more. What did you think of them?
I finished Oliver’s in one evening and cried. Beautiful! Collins will take me longer – his book is much denser. I’m enjoying it too!
For whatever it is worth–it is known that labels with animals, esp. dogs, sell more. The study I saw was wine labels but still…
Interesting! Product design has a major influence. I’m looking forward to seeing what is trending in web design at the Internet Summit next week. Will be crazy if dogs surface there too!