BOONE—Cold Mountain Review, a literary journal housed in the Department of English at Appalachian State University, offers a selection of contemporary artists in its recently released fall 2006 issue.

The journal is edited by Dr. John Crutchfield who is an assistant professor in the Department of English.

Mixing new writers like Sierra Bell and Nathan Vish with seasoned veterans Houston Baker and Deborah Tall, the issue plays on major life themes, including fear, love, hate, communication, newness, birth, death and growing up.

The collection has an eclectic mix, from the biting wit of Simone Muench’s “Tom Waits, I Hate You—” to the sanguine romance of Federico García Lorca’s “The Poet Asks His Love to Write to Him.” In addition, this volume is punctuated by Leigh Ann Henion’s poignant and unforgettable photographs of Latino children.

The issue also includes an in-depth interview with Houston Baker by Professor Bruce Dick from Appalachian’s Department of English; as well as reviews of Anne Marie Macari’s visceral poetry by Associate Professor Kristina Groover from the Department of English, Thomas Sayers Ellis’ city-funk poems by Assistant Professor Alex Pitofsky from the Department of English, and Maggie Dietz’s wintry words by Dr. Aimee Pozorski from Central Connecticut University.

Cold Mountain Review was founded in 1972 by poet R.T. Smith and other graduate students in Appalachian’s Department of English. This year marks the review’s 35th anniversary. To honor this achievement, guest editor Joseph Bathanti from the Department of English is compiling a special anniversary double issue featuring the best writing published over the years in CMR.

To celebrate, the CMR staff is planning a gala fundraising event on April 20 at the Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock to benefit the publication. It will feature a reading by co-founder R.T. Smith, who has become an award-winning author and is editor of Shenandoah: The Washington and Lee University Review.
The year will culminate with the unveiling of the anniversary issue on Oct. 27 at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on campus. For more information on these events, visit http://www.coldmountain.appstate.edu.

In addition to editor Crutchfield and guest editor Bathanti, CMR staff include managing editor Betty Miller Conway, and associate editors William “Mac” Morris and Genevieve Packer.

Cold Mountain Review is committed to bringing new writers and their works to the literary community and publishes writers from both the United States and abroad. Throughout its 35-year history, CMR has provided an audience for upcoming writers establishing their careers. CMR is also committed to expanding the audience of foreign-language writers by publishing translations. The review also features interviews, reviews, and black and white photography.

For subscription and other information about Cold Mountain Review, visit www.coldmountain@appstate.edu or contact managing editor Betty Miller Conway at conwaybm@appstate.edu.

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