What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor (or former neighbor).
Brew up your favorite tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally-written books in Nashville.
Fiction
“Tom Lake ” by Ann Patchett | Release date: Aug. 1, 2023 | An exploration of love, family, and self-discovery unfolds as Lara shares stories from her past at the family’s orchard in Northern Michigan.
“Do Tell ” by Lindsay Lynch | Release date: July 11, 2023 | The golden age of Hollywood comes to life through actress turned gossip columnist Edie O’Dare’s eyes, revealing a world of secrets.
“The Other Year ” by Rea Frey | Release date: Aug. 15, 2023 | Kate Baker confronts the alternate paths her life could have taken after a near-tragic incident involving her daughter, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience in parallel timelines.
“Lies Like Wildfire ” by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez | Release date: Sept. 7, 2022 | Alvarez’s debut thriller follows five friends and the deadly secret that could send their lives up in flames.
“Atomic Love ” by Jennie Fields | Release date: Nov. 30, 2021 | Love, desire, and betrayal fuel this plot set against a backdrop of post-World War II Chicago.
“Her Dark Lies ” by J.T. Ellison | Release date: March 9, 2021 | Jack and Claire travel from Nashville to an idyllic island off the coast of Italy to exchange vows, but be warned, this is a destination wedding no one will forget.
For the family
“I’ll Meet You in Your Dreams ” by Jessica Young (author) and Rafael Lopez (illustrator) | Release date: March 9, 2021 | A child and parent journey through life together in this heartwarming book with dreamy illustrations.
“Inaugural Ballers ” by Andrew Maraniss | Release date: Sept. 13, 2022 | Learn more about the first women’s basketball team to compete in the Olympics in 1976.
“The Summer of June ” by Jamie Sumner | Release date: May 31, 2022 | This is the summer of new beginnings for 12-year-old June Delancey.
Learn something new
“Prine on Prine: Interviews and Encounters with John Prine ” by Holly Gleason | Release date: Sept. 12, 2023 | Gleason, who knew John Prine for decades, offers a glimpse into the world of the late singer-songwriter through compiled interviews.
“Butcher on the Block ” by Matt Moore | Release date: May 9, 2023 | Moore’s latest cookbook delves into the world of butchers, offering 125+ recipes, stories, and tips from people behind the counter.
“Greetings from New Nashville ” by Steve Haruch (editor) | Oct. 15, 2020 | This collection features essays about Nashville’s growth from the perspective of local authors and journalists. Bonus: Haruch’s first edited book was a collection of the late Jim Ridley’s writings.
“I’ll Take You There ” by Amie Thurber (editor) and Learotha Williams (editor) | Release date: May 15, 2021 | Williams, a historian and professor at Tennessee State University, collaborated with Thurber on this book exploring Nashville’s social justice sites.
“Baseball’s Leading Lady ” by Andrea Williams | Release date: Jan. 5, 2021 | This read tells the story of Effa Manley, the first and only woman inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
“A History of Nashville’s Warner Parks ” by F. Lynne Bachleda | Release date: Nov. 1, 2021 | The book includes over 175 maps, photographs, illustrations, and stories about the 3,000-acre public park.
Personal stories
“The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year ” by Margaret Renkl | Release date: Oct. 24, 2023 | Renkl takes readers on a year-long journey through her backyard, meditating on nature’s joys and sorrows with the changing of the seasons. Bonus: The book features 52 original color artworks by her brother, Billy Renkl.
“Soul Food Love ” by Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams | Release date: Feb. 3, 2015 | This mother-daughter duo shares cooking traditions and 80+ recipes.
“Maybe We’ll Make It ” by Margo Price | Release date: Oct. 4, 2022 | Singer-songwriter Margo Price recounts the ups and downs of her music industry journey.
“I Miss You When I Blink ” by Mary Laura Philpott | Release date: April 2, 2019 | In this collection of personal essays, Philpott shares her experiences with wit and heart.
“Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss ” by Margaret Renkl | Release date: March 30, 2021 | Nature, family, and “the cycles of joy and grief” are just a few of the topics explored in Renkl’s debut release.
YA releases
“I’ll Stop The World ” by Lauren Thoman | Release date: April 1, 2023 | This coming-of-age mystery unravels as Justin and Rose, separated by time, must work together to solve a decades-old murder and seize control of their intertwined destinies.
“In the Wild Light ” by Jeff Zentner | Release date: Aug. 10, 2021 | Fans of John Green’s “Looking for Alaska” will enjoy this coming-of-age tale about two best friends whose friendship is tested when they leave their small town for an elite prep school.
“This Will Go Down on Your Permanent Record ” by Susannah Felts | Release date: Feb. 28, 2008 | Two teens strike up a friendship, and Nashville’s Dragon Park serves as the backdrop.
Need more recommendations? Stop by Parnassus Books
, Novelette Booksellers
, The Bookshop
, and Landmark Booksellers
to get expert advice from local booksellers.