Members have fun and raise money at KFTC Book Reading with authors Ed McClanahan and Gurney Norman

A windy Sunday in Berea was no deterrent for KFTC members and friends who turned up to Ground Effects Coffee Shop to hear two of the state's native sons Ed McClanahan and Gurney Norman.  The afternoon started with a rousing introduction of the two authors by George Brosi, Madison County KFTC member and editor of the Appalachian Heritage Magazine.  George pointed out that KFTC has a rich history of supporting artistic activism and welcomed both of the afternoon's featured authors.

Ed's tremendously animated reading of "O The Clear Moment" had the audience rolling in laughter.  Gurney read from Ancient Creek that parodied Appalachia's history of resource extraction with a fable about "King Condominium."  His work has both poignant comparisons along with amusing references.

Teri Blanton, KFTC Canary Project Fellow, then spoke about the work KFTC is doing around Mountaintop Removal.  She announced that Wendell Berry and Bill McKibben have called for Civil Disobedience in Washington in early March.  She also spoke about more local work such as I Love Mountains Lobbying Day, which will take place again this February.  Stay tuned for more details about that event.  Megan Naseman, a Madison County KFTC member, told the audience that she loved KFTC because they really do respect the wisdom of ordinary people and have a lot of fun organizing.

Madison County KFTC would like to thank Robie and Robie bookstore for bringing Ed and Gurney's books to sell, as well as Ground Effects Coffee Shop for opening up on a Sunday to host the event.

Gurney Norman grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky and southwest Virginia.  He has been described as "one of the most powerful and compelling personalities ever to come out of the Appalachian Mountains.â€  He is currently the Director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Kentucky.  Two of his most noted works are "Divine Right's Trip,â€ a novel, and "Kinfolks,â€ a collection of short stories.

Ed McClanahan, born in Brooksville, Kentucky, is an American novelist, essayist, editor and the author of several books, including "The Natural Man" and "Famous People I Have Known." He has taught English and creative writing at Stanford University, Oregon State University, and the University of Kentucky.  His latest book is "O The Clear Moment.â€