Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, August 5, 2018
THE 2018 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER | LEONARD BERNSTEIN FESTIVAL
Aug 5 all-day
Brevard Music Center

By highlighting these and other works, Brevard Music Center is presenting some of Bernstein’s greatest output and showing a wonderful variety of his music that is at the core of American classical music experience. We spend so much time celebrating the works of European masters like Beethoven, Mozart, Mahler, and Dvôrak. And those works all deserve to be celebrated. But they must stand alongside Bernstein, Copland, and Gershwin—these masters gave American classical music its voice.

It’s wonderful for Brevard to be joining in with orchestras and institutions all around the world in celebrating the birth of one of the most compelling musicians of our time…or any other time.

THE 2018 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER   LEONARD BERNSTEIN FESTIVAL
Sun., June 24Beloved Bernstein
Mon., July 9Bernstein & Friends
Thurs., July 12: Leonard Bernstein/An American Icon (free lecture/details to come)
Fri., July 13: A Bernstein Celebration
Sat., July 14West Side Story (movie + live symphony)
Sun., July 15: Bernstein the Educator
Thurs., July 26 & Sat., July 28Candide (opera with English supertitles)
Sun., August 5: Season Finale: Bernstein’s Mass

WWW.BREVARDMUSIC.ORG/BERNSTEIN

Monday, August 6, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 6 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12
Aug 6 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Kids Clay Camp — Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Aug 6 @ 9:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp -- Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 7 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12
Aug 7 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Kids Clay Camp — Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Aug 7 @ 9:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp -- Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 8 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Mamma Mia!
Aug 8 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12
Aug 8 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Kids Clay Camp — Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Aug 8 @ 9:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp -- Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Thursday, August 9, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 9 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Mamma Mia!
Aug 9 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12
Aug 9 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Kids Clay Camp — Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Aug 9 @ 9:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp -- Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Friday, August 10, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 10 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Mamma Mia!
Aug 10 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12
Aug 10 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Twilight in the Garden
Aug 10 @ 7:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Enjoy a few Friday evenings with family at Riverbanks Botanical Garden this summer! Cool off in the Splash Zone at Waterfall Junction from 6:00pm until dusk. Then roll out a blanket on the grassy lawn and catch a movie at the Garden’s amphitheater.

Admission: $3 Riverbanks members and $5 general public.

Saturday, August 11, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 11 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Mamma Mia!
Aug 11 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Riders in the Sky
Aug 11 – Aug 12 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Come hear Grammy-winning music and comedy from America’s Favorite Cowboys. Shows at noon and 3:00 p.m.

The Archaeology of Mounds & Towns
Aug 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presented by:

Ben Steere, PhD, Assistant Professor of Anthropology
& Director of the Cherokee Studies Program
at Western Carolina University
Where: At the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA
Join Dr. Ben Steere, as he discusses the fascinating archaeology of mounds and towns in the Cherokee heartland of Western North Carolina.
Dr. Steere has been honored with the Principal Chief Leon D. Jones Award for Archaeological Excellence presented by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The award recognizes Dr. Steere’s extensive research over the past five years mapping
Cherokee towns and mounds as well as examining the native people’s evolving household construction, trade patterns and lifestyles.
Dr. Steere believes that archaeological field work, while respecting traditional Cherokee beliefs and treatment of sacred places, leads to a better understanding and preservation of the Cherokee culture.   In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Steere serves on the Southeastern Archaeological Conference Public Outreach Committee.
Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 2:00-3:30pm
Reuter Center on the campus of UNC Asheville
Tickets sold at the door: $5.00 donation, WNCHA members free
Program sponsored by the Western North Carolina Historical Association
Community Outdoor Concert
Aug 11 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Etowah UMC

Etowah United Methodist Church, 110 Brickyard Rd., Etowah, is hosting a free community outdoor concert on Saturday, August 11, from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.  Music will be provided by “Folkadelic” and food and drinks will be available for purchase.  Proceeds from refreshment sales and donations will benefit Only Hope WNC, a shelter for homeless teenage boys.  Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and friends and family for music on the lawn.  For additional information: 828-891-4360, etowahumc.org or email [email protected].

Sunday, August 12, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 12 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Mamma Mia!
Aug 12 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Monday, August 13, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 13 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 14 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Leicester Comm. Ctr. Welcome Table FREE Meal
Aug 15 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm

Susan Anderson presents Paul’s Prayers
Aug 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe

Susan Anderson presents Paul’s Prayers: A Mother’s Account of Raising an Autistic Son

Paul’s Prayers is the story of a moderately autistic young man navigating life with a spiritual intelligence that runs further than most people can walk. Written by Paul’s mother, this insightful memoir gives readers a unique look at the challenges and joys of raising her autistic son in a large Catholic family.

The first of six children, Paul’s early years were an exciting and confusing time for his parents. At the time, very little information on autism and its early signs was available, and the fact that the disorder is a spectrum ranging from mild to severe was not widely known.

Unpredictable outbursts and sensitivities to light and schedule disruptions lead Paul’s parents to refer to his condition as “The Marauder.” The Marauder sweeps over the hospital nursery as the fluorescent lights blind Paul’s eyes. The Marauder throws his black cape over the Christmas holidays, stealing four-year-old Paul’s speech for three long days. In school, The Marauder keeps other students at bay, leaving Paul isolated and alone. Finally a developmental assessment gives some clarity to the exhausted family: Paul is on the autism spectrum, and they will all have to adjust their perspectives. Small victories emerge as Paul begins to reach developmental milestones in creative ways. Six years of piano lessons lead to a dramatic improvement in reading skills. A jaunt through the mountains with his father introduces Paul to his talent for running; with his brothers, he joins the high school cross country running team, which goes on to win the state championship. After high school, Paul works for the family business and attends college.

Throughout this intimate memoir, every day is a challenge to be met with creative thinking, patience, and faith. Paul finds comfort in contemplative prayer and the support of his family when the world around him becomes too chaotic. As her son grows up, Susan Anderson learns how to cope with autism and embrace the importance of faith in the things unseen. Her family’s experience is a beacon of light for those who find themselves on a similar path.

This book is available for purchase in-store, by phone, or online by visiting https://www.malaprops.com/book/9781680993479

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Can’t make it to the store for the event? Call us or order the book on our website in advance, and we’ll get it signed for you. Make sure you write your preferences in the comments if you purchase online.

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