Kristin Hersh has written a heartfelt, no holds barred, ode to her close friend and fellow singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt. This book will bring him closer to all those who share an awe of his talent and who know of the tragedy of his too-short life. Hopefully others will discover this man’s brilliance though this powerful little book. – Karen Hayes
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Just when I thought I’d read every kind of apocalypse there is — pandemic, economic, government conspiracy, black hole eats Florida, memory loss, death-by-fire, etc. — here comes Claire Vaye Watkins with drought apocalypse. The genius of Gold Fame Citrus comes from Wakins’s extensive research on the history of California and the way she seamlessly integrates it into the barren future. Watkins has created a novel that is equal parts beautiful and devastating. Meet Claire Vaye Watkins at the Southern Festival of Books on Oct. 10. – Lindsay Lynch
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This is the story of Gustavo Sanchez Sanchez’s teeth. They are good teeth and it is a good story. I read it and I think you should, too. – Lindsay Lynch
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Funny, wise, and surprising. Girl With Gun unveils one ‘didn’t see that coming’ after another. I simply love these characters. A literary page-turner of the first degree. – River Jordan
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The author’s voice is subversive, droll, and insightful in this quirky, somewhat unstructured, and totally original novel. If you’re looking for a straight-ahead novel on family relationships, this might not be for you, but I loved it and so did the National Book Foundation which just nominated it for this year’s award. – Mary Grey James
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The life of Dmitri Shostakovich was filled with controversy, as well as undisputed drama. Was he a lock-step Communist and Stalin supporter or was he a courageous and brilliant composer rallying an entire country during decades of suppression? After all, his life spanned a period of history in which evasion and untruths were often the way that Russians stayed alive. That makes a well-researched, meticulously documented work such as this a valuable resource, as well as a page-turning story of one of the 20th century’s great artists. This book is intended for older teens; however, a reader of any age will experience how music enables a country to survive while contributing to the world’s canon of great compositions. – Mary Grey James
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This is the extraordinary life of Nell Stillman, from tiny Harvester, Minnesota — third-grade teacher and lover of literature, whose quiet, everyday life is transformed by books. This speaks to most of us! A beautiful, easy read with a universal story. – Kathy Schultenover
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Take this moment to fall in love with Erin Bow, her gorgeous writing, and her heart-stealing characters. The Scorpion Rules is ultimately about true and terrifying love — love of self, of family, of country, and of course of that special person who opens your eyes to the world. Don’t miss her at the Southern Festival of Books on Saturday, Oct. 10! – Grace Wright
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Bats of the Republic: An Illuminated Novel
Trust me when I say you have never seen anything like this — but if you loved J.J. Abrams’ S. and/or Nick Bantock’s Griffin & Sabine, this book is for you. The best of a number of genres, Bats of the Republic twists you around and sucks you in with irresistible prose and stunning illustrations. – Grace Wright
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A light, fun read (about bookselling!) that’s super-relatable for adults who are in that phase of life where they’re juggling kids, parents, friends, and career. Perfect for anyone who likes to keep a book on hand to read during a commute or in a waiting room. – Ginger Nalley
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I carry this around with me all the time lately. Set in a garden, flowers, gardener, and divine creator speak in a conversation about suffering, joy: the mystery of being alive. It is strange, moving, and beautiful. Open, read one poem, any poem. I dare you. – Margie Roark
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This is the beautiful story of a French family during World War II. What they did to survive, what they did to help and how their lives were changed by the war. – Ginger Nalley
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The University of Georgia Press has released this incredible collection of photographs from national parks, which also includes a full biography of the first chief photographer of the National Park Service (who knew there was such a position?), George Alexander Grant. After reading this volume, I think you will agree that Grant should be ranked among the greatest American landscape photographers. – Andy Brennan
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The Fourth Dimension of a Poem is the most substantial book of reflection on literature that I have encountered in years. While reading it, I had the distinct experience of finding something I already thought and felt articulated in remarkable ways–or of being instantly transported into a new perspective. – Nathan Spoon
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In his late years, Donald Hall explains, the ability to write poems has “abandoned” him. Fortunately he is still writing essays. I have loved his essays since I first read Principle Products of Portugal in the late 90s. One of my favorites from this collection is inspired by the number of honorary degrees he has received. Whatever Mr. Hall’s topic, his essays always fill me with delight. – Nathan Spoon
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You could give someone a “You Can Do It!” card or a motivational poster of a kitten hanging on a branch. Or you could give them this book, which is better, more colorful, and includes a funny anecdote about Ann Patchett. – Mary Laura Philpott |
It’s October, and I simply love to be scared. (This fascinating account of the Salem Witch Trials is written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the bestseller, Cleopatra.) – Sissy Gardner
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Dumplin‘ is the story of the incomparable Willowdean Dickson and her quest to enter and win the Miss Clover City beauty pageant. It’s a book with a heart as big as the Texas sky. This is the book I wish I could go back in time and give to my teenaged self. If you are a person with a body, you need to read this book. – Stephanie Appell
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Suzy “Zu” Swanson’s best friend, Franny, drowned over summer vacation, after the girls had spent most of the school year drifting apart. Zu’s grief expresses itself in silence — a refusal to say things that aren’t important — and she becomes obsessed with proving that her friend’s death was the result of an extremely rare and fatal jellyfish sting. As silent as Zu is to those around her, her voice leaps off the page for the reader, smart and odd and funny and in so much pain, so weighed down by guilt and confusion at her friend’s death. Benjamin’s narrative is masterfully constructed, but it’s Zu’s voice that makes this sing. – Stephanie Appell
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