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Stories

The image shows a dramatic artistic photograph of a wooden spoon engulfed in orange and red flames against a black background, with fire trailing from both the bowl and handle of the spoon. The composition symbolically represents the intersection of chronic illness spoon theory, trauma, and Appalachian wooden spoons through its powerful visualization of a kitchen implement transformed into something both destructive and beautiful.

Spoon Theory

Morgan DePue on how good memories, childhood trauma, and chronic pain can all rest in the hollow of that wooden spoon you hold in your hand.

“Revelation”: Flannery O’Connor Goes Zoom

Can the tradition of reviewing works of art continue in the Zoom era? Salvation South says yes, even if the production is virtual.

Hope in the Metal

Harold Rittenberry Jr., an 85-year-old sculptor in Athens, Georgia, uses welding torches and saws to find the hope inside of scrap metal.

There Is a Middle Majority, and It’s Growing

From his perch in the mountains of Northeast Alabama, Stephen Smith sees hope for people who find themselves in the middle of today’s political debate.

Understanding the Codes

Mikala Jones discovers how a bruise on your shoulder can mean very different things in Massachusetts than it does in Georgia.

Returning to Civility

Veteran Bryan Jones plans to beat conservative firebrand Matt Gaetz by running as a Republian dedicated to civility. He writes about how he plans to make it work.

Coffee and a Blessing

There is one other guy in my COVID “bubble,” and he happens to be my priest.

Don’t Fight City Hall

If you want to get something done at city hall, a Florida city commissioner argues, fighting won’t help. Talking, on the other hand, builds your odds considerably.

The Casserole Mindset

What the world needs now, is casserole, gooey casserole.

The Weight on Jimmie Allen’s Shoulders

The biggest Black star in country music knows his success puts a lot of responsibility in his lap. But he was raised right. He can handle it.

Maud Newton’s Ancestor Trouble

Maud Newton’s upcoming book, “Ancestor Trouble,” explores the problems of family, how we define who we are, and how to truly reckon with our pasts.

“Charlie, Y’all Come Home”

Charles McNair and his siblings cared for their mother in her home as she neared death. Her memories had faded, but the lessons she taught them grew stronger.

Good Mountain People

Many lessons about the values of a South we want to live in come from Marianne Leek’s recent story.