Wondering what to read this spring and summer? Here are the newest book releases by Nashville authors, from local activity guides to weedy gardens.
“Salomé” by Leslie Baird
This delightfully weird gothic novel reexamining the biblical figure through a modern feminist lens releases today! Celebrate with the author at The Lipstick Lounge on May 26.
“Nonviolent” by Rev. James Lawson Jr. & Emily Yellin
Before his death in 2024, Rev. James Lawson — a central player in Nashville’s Civil Rights Movement — collaborated on this memoir with journalist Emily Yellin. If you’ve been meaning to learn more about this pivotal figure in U.S. history, now’s the time. Also check out “Expelled,” about Vanderbilt University’s decision to expel Lawson.
“Moon Tennessee” by Margaret Littman
Looking for local summer adventure ideas? Check out this updated “Moon Tennessee” travel guide written by our very own City Cast Nashville contributor, Margaret Littman! From whitewater rafting to distillery tours, she’s got you covered.
“Asian Smoke” by Andrew Ho, Andrew Samia, & Sean Wen
If you can’t get enough of Curry Boys BBQ, then this cookbook is for you. The three chefs behind the popular Texas BBQ plus Thai curry chain are revealing their secrets in this photo-rich cookbook.
“Stuck in Space” by Barry “Butch” Wilmore
Retired Mt. Juliet astronaut Barry Wilmore shares his experiences as a NASA astronaut stranded aboard the International Space Station for nearly a year, and how his relationship with God helped him become who he is today. While you wait for the book to arrive, listen to our interview with Butch while stuck in space!
“Won't Back Down” by Erin Osmon
Local music journalist Erin Osmon delves into the origins of heartland rock and its influence on musicians in the 1980s. From “American Girl” to “Born in the U.S.A.,” Osmon argues these rock classics played a vital role in opposing ’80s conservatism.
“Kissing the Sky” by Lisa Patton
Follow college student Suzannah in the summer of 1969 when an illicit trip to Woodstock transforms her life. This is local author Lisa Patton’s fifth novel.
“The Story of Us” by Olivia Levin
Author Olivia Levin launched her @SwiftiesforEternity account when she was just 13, and now she’s turned her Taylor Swift love into a book! “The Story of Us” celebrates the Swiftie fandom, from unexpected friendships to Ticketmaster drama.
“American Men” by Jordan Ritter Conn
How are the menfolk doing? That’s the central question in this sociological examination of what it means to be a man in America today through a deep dive into the lives of four men, and why so many people ask, “What’s wrong with men?”
“DnDoggos: Spells Like Trouble” by Scout Underhill & Liana Sposto
Middle school and adult D&D gamers alike will enjoy this graphic novel series about anthropomorphized dogs enjoying their favorite tabletop game. This is the second book in the series; read “DnDoggos: Get the Party Started” first!
“The Weedy Garden” by Margaret Renkl & Billy Renkl
Acclaimed local naturalist Margaret Renkl makes her children’s lit debut in this beautifully illustrated picture book about observing all the wondrous critters in a backyard garden. Adults can read this to the kiddos in their life, then listen to our episode with Margaret about what Nashville can learn from nature.
“Rose by the Sea” by Rebecca Rose Mooradian & Myo Yim
Nashville-based author Rebecca Rose Mooradian bases this lyrical picture book on her great-grandmother’s escape from the Armenian Genocide in the early 1900s. Follow Dzovinar as she flees her home, makes her way to France, then finally settles in the United States.
