#176: Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead: Appalachians React

Apr 4, 2023

Bestselling author Barbara Kingsolver discusses her book 'Demon Copperhead' set in Appalachia. The podcast covers topics such as Appalachian representation in media, a train derailment in West Virginia, ask reddit prompts, conspiracy theories, flaws in the missile defense system, spring festivals in Appalachia, food festivals and events, the impact of medical marijuana legalization in Kentucky, and thoughts on 'Demon Copperhead'.

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ANECDOTE

Bookstore Encounter

Kendra Winchester witnessed a man buy the last copy of "Demon Copperhead."
This shows the book's popularity in the Appalachian region.

INSIGHT

Retelling and Social Commentary

"Demon Copperhead" is a modern Appalachian retelling of Charles Dickens's "David Copperfield."
It aims to provide social commentary similar to Dickens's work but focused on Appalachia.

INSIGHT

Target Audience

Cali believes Kingsolver wrote "Demon Copperhead" for outsiders to better understand Appalachians.
She feels it challenges assumptions about the region for both insiders and outsiders.

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[Sorry about the messed up audio earlier! Should be fixed now!]

Welcome to our special crossover episode for Appalachian Bookshelf, a joint project between Read Appalachia and Appodlachia.

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Timestamps

00:01 - Monologue about TN legislature
08:22 - AskReddit warm-up
08:00 - List Background: Kirk Cameron a "growing pain" in the liturgical ass
17:22 - Weekly List: Best Spring Festivals in Appalachia
35:13 - Demon Copperhead Discussion
01:23:07 - Under-the-radar: CSX Derailment in West Virginia

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Interviews/Podcasts Mentioned

Interview with Barbara Kingsolver on the Australian podcast The Book Show: “Barbara Kingsolver finds the hillbilly in Charles Dickens” https://tinyurl.com/mtmhaudr
Appodlachia’s Episode about the Foster Care System: https://tinyurl.com/te899svx
Foster (documentary) https://www.hbo.com/movies/foster
Not Your Average IV User (podcast) https://tinyurl.com/bd8uuecv

Books Mentioned

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens https://tinyurl.com/DaveCoppBook
Demon Copperhead https://tinyurl.com/BookshopDemon
The Poisonwood Bible https://tinyurl.com/PoisonwoodBab

Discussion Questions

What are your initial thoughts on the book?
What are your initial thoughts on Demon as a narrator?
What did we think of the times when Kingsolver “steps in”, as it were?
What are your feelings on Barbara Kingsolver’s discussion of the word “hillbilly” starting on page 68?
What are your thoughts on the portrayal of social workers and foster care portrayed in the book?
We have allread different nonfiction books about the opioid crisis in Appalachia. What do we think of the portrayal of addiction and recovery in this novel?
Now that we have discussed the book, who do you think this book is for?
Would you recommend this book?

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