What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor (or former neighbor). Brew up a batch of your favorite cup of tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally-written books in Louisville.
Fiction
- “The Rum Diary ” by Hunter S. Thompson | Release date: 1998 | This tangled love story follows journalist Paul Kemp through the Caribbean in the 1950s through a tunnel of coruption, jealousy + murder.
- “The Last Cowboys of San Geronimo ” by Ian Stansel | Release date: July 2017 | This contemporary Western drama follows the story of two brothers locked in a deadly feud.
- “Sister ” by Sarah Anne Strickley | Release date: January 2021 | A woman named Sister attempts to make a family out of the wreckage of her youthful indiscretions in rural Southeastern Ohio.
For the family
- “L is for Louisville ” by Gill Holland Jr. | Release date: January 2010 | Louisville artists created kid-friendly artworks to accompany 26 pieces of Louisville trivia in this abecedary.
- “Little Grump Truck ” by Amanda Driscoll | Release date: August 2021 | Ride along with a cute, but moody dump truck learning mindful tools to handle emotions.
- “Heart ” by Deedee Cummings | Release date: August 2016 | Inspired by her work with foster children, Deedee uses lyrical prose to share promises of love, life + faith.
Learn something new
- “This Used to Be Louisville ” by Kevin Gibson | Release date: September 2021 | Learn about Derby City’s past via buildings + landmarks that once were — like the old Sears Building on West Broadway.
- “Waverly Hills Sanatorium: A History ” by Lynn Pohl | Release date: June 2022 | Travel back in time to learn about Louisville’s famous sanatorium and its mixed legacy.
- “Bluegrass Brawlers: The Story of Professional Wrestling in Louisville ” by John Cosper | Release date: June 2014 | Basketball and horse racing isn’t the only sport obsession in the 502 — immerse yourself in the world of professional wrestling + the stars that got their start here in Derby City.
Part of a series
- “Horsepower ” by Joy Priest | Release date: 2020 | This breakout collection of poems about the backside of Churchill Downs is part of the Pitt Poetry Series.
- “Books & Boys ” by Shajuanda Caprices | Release date: 2020 | Character Stacy Robby comes from a shaky foundation, but her fiesty personality + friendships help her traverse a successful career and love life.
- “A is for Alibi ” by Sue Grafton | Release date: April 1982 | This is the first book in a 25 part series that follows the investigations of fictional character Kinsey Millhone.
Personal stories
- “Little Brother: A Memoir ” by Sallie Bingham | Release date: May 2022 | This memoir tells the story of Sallie’s brother Jonathan and his all-too brief life and trouble relating to his large, prominent Louisville family.
- “The Greatest: My Own Story ” by Muhammad Ali, Richard Durham | Release date: October 1975 | The heavyweight champion himself chronicles the battles in and outside the ring he faced to become a legend.
- “A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City ” by David Dominé | Release date: October 2021 | This true crime saga of the 2010 Old Louisville murder of James Carroll is told through David’s perspective as he sits in on trials + more.
Need more recommendations? Stop by Carmichael’s Bookstore or Butcher Cabin Books to get expert advice from Derby City’s local booksellers. 📚