On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

Since Mike's passing left a big void to fill in the group, we are pleased to announce that Sara Steger has agreed to become our fourth moderator. She is more than qualified when it comes to southern literature, as she has been a member and participator for years, and Mike himself let me know before he died that Sara would be his first choice should we need another moderator. I will let her write her own introduction, but most of you know her well already. Needless to say, Laura, Tom and I are thrilled she decided to join us.

I think mike would certainly agree he left The Trail in good hands with the addition of Sara. Thank you Sara for agreeing to be a moderator. More good reads ahead.

I'm thrilled that Sara has agreed to help out. Her book nominations and participation in discussions reveal a deep appreciation for southern literature in general and Appalachian literature and culture in particular. Her choice of the moderator handle 'Ivy Rowe', a character from the works of Lee Smith, suits her to a t. Welcome!

Wonderful news. Thank you Sara Ivy Rowe Steger ☺️

Sara, this is so exciting! I look forward to reading and discussing more southern li with you! Great choice of nickname! And we have a Lee Smith novel coming up!

Thank you all so much. As you can imagine, I was humbled to think that the mods here and Mike, in particular, thought of me for this role.

I am a Southern girl by birth and one of the things I love about authentic Southern literature is how often I recognize people I have known between the pages, good and bad traits alike. I thought I was well-read in this genre until I found this group and became introduced to a myriad of Southern writers that had escaped my attention entirely. My first read here was Rivers by Michael Farris Smith and I have never looked back. Among the gifts I have been given by The Trail are Wendell Berry, Howard Bahr and Lee Smith and, of course, a host of wonderful people to share them with.

Eternal gratitude to Lawyer Stevens, our friend Mike, for starting this group. I hope I can help in some small way to carry on the tradition he began.

Fabulous, congrats Sara!

Thanks, Franky.

Sara, I'm so glad you will be our newest moderator. You always have such wonderful insights into Southern literature. Congratulations!

Fantastic news congratulations Sara

Thank you, Connie and Dave. So happy for the support.

Sara wrote: "Thank you all so much. As you can imagine, I was humbled to think that the mods here and Mike, in particular, thought of me for this role.

I am a Southern girl by birth and one of the things I lov..."

Perfect fit, so glad you accepted Sara! Looking forward to more of your insightful reviews and recommendations.

Thanks, Helen. Very kind, indeed!

Sara, When I first started reading your reviews and posts, I knew you were one of the sharpest knifes in the Goodreads drawer. If your review is critical, it is always thoughtfully delivered, never is there malice. When your reviews are positive, it is almost a sure fire guarantee I will like or even love the book. Your natural gifts, translate to you being a great moderator, as already proved. Good luck!!

Bob, you are always so kind to me! I appreciate you so much, and the river runs both ways...you have introduced me to some of my most beloved books!

Welcome, Sara! You are a great choice!

Thanks so much, T. Rose.

Ditto what Bob said above, he nailed it. Nothing more for me to add.

My sincere appreciation, B.R. !

Thanks, Jillian.

Congratulations, Sara. And thank you for stepping up.

Thank you, BC. It was an honor to be asked.