Okay—I’m not telling you a story, but did I get your attention? Kinfolk by Sean Dietrich (aka Sean of the South) may be the book you need in your life.
Southern, fiction, heartache, and feel good. The antidote to my nonfiction recommendations. I can’t stop recommending this book. It reminds me of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café but set in the 1970s, with a hint of Fannie Flagg and a dusting from Nashville (the TV series on CMT).
Speaking of TV—this book needs to be turned into a movie. Yes the book will be better yada yada. It still needs to be a movie. Please read this book and report back to me on who should star in the movie. I’m thinking Kevin Costner for Nub and Tom Hanks for Benny? Who else? Help.
If southern fiction is up your alley another recommendation is Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber. More of a summertime read than an autumn read (if you read seasonally) but an enjoyable southern summer novel with touches of mysticism. Both of these recommendations are on the lighthearted side. Well-written and the right amount of escapism getting ready for fall.
Local authors is the theme for recommendations for kids. Hot off the press is Livi’s Possibilities by Grady Brown. A picture book about a young gymnast who is struggling with a new skill and relies on her coach’s encouragement to overcome the challenge. A great read during such a highly anticipated Olympic season. Grady Brown is a gymnastics coach here in Arkansas—he knows what he’s talking about!
Two other picture books are by local teacher and author Tracy Peterson. Cartwheels: Finding Your Special Kind of Smart, is a book about a child’s struggle with dyslexia. Co-authored with a student, Sloane LaFrance, this book is a gem for adults who are looking for a way to have a conversation with a child about dyslexia. Also by Tracy Peterson is Beanies, Ball Caps, and Being Bald: Different Isn’t Bad, Different Is Just Different. A picture book based on a true story, it focuses on alopecia (an autoimmune condition that causes hair to fall out). Reading this in conjunction with Cartwheels is a great way to discuss differences and kindness.
Stay tuned for fall-inspired recommendations including some thrillers to get you ready for Halloween. Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on our events!
