An Appalachian Life: A Storyteller’s Perspective

Everyone loves a good story.

However, storytelling, whether written or spoken, is a talent not everyone possesses. In Appalachian Life, Catherine Yael Serota shares her gift through stories about her mountain life and tales from history and her imagination.

From the awfulest Christmas tree and Peking duck to stories of an unsung war hero and a couple of mischievous boys named Bobby and Jack, Catherine’s tales are humorous and heartwarming.

Whether you grew up in the mountains or have never even seen one, you will love reading these short stories—some fact, some fiction—about life in Appalachia.

JACK OUT AWHILE IN THE WORLD

Posted: October 7, 2025 | 0 comments

Why he had jus walked around in a big ole circle!

CLOUDLAND

Posted: October 7, 2025 | 0 comments

The state line was painted white and ran down the center…

Book Details
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Flag Pond Press
Published:   September 2025
Language: ‎  English
Paperback: ‎ 230 pages
Dimensions: ‎ 5 x 0.52 x 8 inches
Paperback ISBN-13: 979-8999569806
Hardcover ISBN-13: 979-8999569813
Kindle eBook: B0FSLCD7VT 

Our Favorite Independent Book Stores
Malaprops.com Asheville, NC
Main Street Books Summerville, SC

Also Available
Ingram
Barnes & Noble
Walmart
Books-A-Million
Amazon
And other online book retailers

“I could hear the chuckles grow behind me as people realized what was going to happen. Little Bobby would be proud and so was I.”

_{Gwenda Ledbetter
WLOS Story Lady
Oracle Lifetime}

“I could not stop reading these stories and when I had finished, I wanted more. This a thoroughly moving and satisfying book. I’m hoping there will be a sequel”

_Geraldine
_{Buckley E}_lrod

_Nationally
_{Recognized Teller}

“Many artists endeavor to capture scenes of Appalachia on canvas, but Catherine paints landscapes with descriptive prose.”

_{Tim Lowry}

_Nationally
_{Recognized Teller}
_Oracle

“I’ll go anywhere to hear Catherine tell! She paints such vivid pictures. I can see them in my mind.”

_{Joy Bolt}

_{Featured Listener}
_Jonesborough
_Storytellers
_Guild

Shira

Posted: October 16, 2025 | 0 comments

A beautifully written book about Appalachian life

5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2025 Format: Kindle Verified Purchase
I just finished reading An Appalachian Life by Catherine Yael Serota Shealy and loved this beautifully written book.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
– Shira

Sherry Lovett

Posted: October 31, 2025 | 0 comments

Wonderful book!

Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2025 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Beautiful Storytelling, rich with vivid images and depth of feeling. This book is a lovely tribute to the Appalachian life, a pleasure to read and a joy to share! I highly recommend it!
– Sherry & Dave Lovett

Linda T

Posted: November 1, 2025

Joy Ride

5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Catherine’s years of storytelling experience flow onto the page. She has an impressive command of the English language that she uses to paint vivid pictures of the farms, mountain and her characters. I could almost smell the burned biscuits.
She took me on a joy ride of laughter and tears. I would recommend her book to everyone.
– Linda T

J. Bolt

Posted: November 1, 2025 | 0 comments

A Gem of a Book, With Tales Well Told

5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
The author inspired me, using language that lifted me as I traveled through the vivid landscapes she created. From mountain meadow to swamp I made new friends and recognized old and dear ones within the stories, and – ok – I really did laugh and cry along the way. Reading a book well crafted with language well utilized is such a rare and savory treat. This collection of stories entices and charms the reader – I meant to read only one story, maybe two……but where was my stopping place? I spent the day reading the book, stopping for “vittles” and doing some circle walking to think on my favorite parts. Catherine has written a treasure for us.
– J. Bolt

Bought your book, just started it tonight…howled at the Aunt Winona project. Way to go, Girl! This is gonna be a fun book, I can tell already!

– Mel Davenport

Erwin

Posted: November 2, 2025 | 0 comments

An Appalachian Life, By: Catherine Yael Serota Shealy

5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
What a delight to read! The Early Years was such a sweet, sweet story. I can just see everything I am reading is as if I were there. This is a wonderful book of stories and if you enjoy hearing Jack tales you will really like reading all about Little Bobby.
– D ebbie Erwin

Rich Carnahan PublishPros with Catherine — Rich Carnahan – PublishPros with Catherine

Lunch with my publisher, Rich is the best. Tell him I sent you (10% off.)

Three Continents

Catherine’s next book Three Continents is in development. She has performed the three stories that form the basis for the book live. The book is expected to be available in late 2026 or early 2027. The three stories are….