What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor (or former neighbor). Brew up a batch of your favorite tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in Lexington.
Fiction
- “Mr. & Mrs. Witch” by Gwenda Bond | Release date: March 27, 2023 | Read the twist and turns of a pair of newlyweds who discover each other’s supernatural identities + their mission — to take each other out.
- “Lark Ascending ” by Silas House | Release date: Sep. 27, 2022 | This book places readers in the shoes of a refugee — reminding them to hold on to hope even during dark times.
- “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter ” by Kim Edwards | Release date: May 30, 2006 | Two different families are forever bound by a father’s rash decision.
- “The Natural Man ” by Ed McClanahan | Release date: Jan. 1, 1993 | This comedy documents the unlikely friendship between a high school bookworm and Hulk-ish high school basketball star.
Lexington’s own Mariama J. Lockington holding one of her many books. | Photo by Mariama J. Lockington
For the family
- “For Black Girls Like Me” by Mariama J. Lockington | Release date: July 30, 2019 | Follow along as a young adoptee learns to navigate life in a new city.
- “Mommy Goose: Rhymes from the Mountains ” by Mike Norris | Release date: Dec. 17, 2016 | Teach kids to celebrate Appalachian culture with ~50 different nursery rhymes.
- “Under the Ocelot Sun ” by Jeremy Paden | Release date: July 14, 2020 | A mother tells the story of her homeland while struggling to find her place in a new environment.
- “Mosquitoland ” by David Arnold | Release date: March 3, 2015 | This young adult novel follows a young girl searching for her mother, meeting a quirky cast of characters along the way.
Part of a series
- “The Secret Weapon” by Bradley Wright | Release date: April 26, 2020 | The first of six books, this thriller series follows the life and work of CIA agent Alexander King.
- “Bluegrass State of Mind ” by Kathleen Brooks | Release date: Nov. 17, 2013 | After witnessing a violent crime in NYC, the lead character seeks refuge in Kentucky only to find that trouble has followed her to the Bluegrass.
- “Greater Than Rubies ” by Hallee Bridgeman | Release date: Dec. 20, 2012 | A woman with a troubled past meets her match — a handsome billionaire. But is it all too good to be true?
- “The Hilltop Murder Mystery ” by Steve Demaree | Release date: Jan. 1, 2006 | This humorous murder-mystery novel follows two detectives who interview eight different suspects — all with ironclad alibis.
Tom Leach, left, and the late Mike Pratt, know a thing or two about Kentucky men’s basketball. | Photo provided by UK Sports Network
Personal stories
- “Kentucky Basketball: Two Decades Behind the Scenes ” by Mike Pratt and Tom Leach | Release date: Nov. 23, 2021 | A candid collection of intimate conversations between two longtime UK basketball analysts, Tom Leach + the late Mike Pratt — both of which are almost as famed as Rupp Arena itself.
- “My Century in History: Memoirs ” by Thomas D. Clark | Release date: Aug. 4, 2006 | This University of Kentucky history professor spent more than three decades researching, writing, and teaching about Kentucky — this is his story, in his own words.
- “Hill Women ” by Cassie Chambers | Release date: January 12, 2021 | Tracing her family lineage through the hills of Eastern Kentucky, this author tells the stories of the strong women that raised her.
Would you expect to see the king of gardens take this picture anywhere else? | Photo by Malicote Creative Co.
Learn something new
- “Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens” by Jon Carloftis | Release date: December 16, 2023 | Take a peek into beautiful world of this renowned designer where you’ll be treated to breathtaking photos of 24 of Carloftis’ gardens.
- “A New History of Lexington, Kentucky ” by Foster Ockerman Jr. ” Release date: October 11, 2021 | Lexington is so much more than the “Horse Capital of the World.” This book educates readers on the lesser-known historical events of the city.
- “Scientific Kentucky ” by Duane S. Nickell | Release date: July 18, 2022 | This book documents the scientists and inventors from the Bluegrass who made significant contributions to the world of science.
Poetry
- “Affrilachia ” by Frank X Walker | Release date: November 17, 2000 | With the publication of this book, Frank coined the term “Affrilachia” and helped pave the way for future African American poets living in the Appalachian south.
- “Bright Dead Things ” by Ada Límon | Release date: September 15, 2015 | The collection of poems in this book explore the idea of leaving your world behind to find something new — a finalist for the National Book Award.
Crystal kicks off her 17-stop book tour tonight at Joseph-Beth Booksellers. | Photo courtesy of Crystal Wilkinson
Cookbooks
- “Just a Few Miles South” by Ouita Michel | Release date: | Read the stories behind + learn the recipes of Holly Hill & Co.'s famous menu items including TKTK
- “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts” by Crystal Wilkinson | Release date: January 23, 2024 | This award-winning author takes us inside the heart and kitchen of her Appalachian upbringing.
Need more recommendations? Stop by Joseph-Beth Booksellers
, Black Swan Books
, Glover’s Bookery
, or SQecial Media
, to get expert advice from Lexington’s local booksellers. 📚