What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor.
Brew up a batch of your favorite cup of tea from the Charleston Tea Garden or grab a latte from Mercantile & Mash and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in Charleston.
Fiction
- “If You Don’t Tell ” by Alana Sommers | Release date: Jan. 4, 2022 | A debut novel from Charleston resident Alana Sommers, this twisty mystery about secrets on an island town will have you page-turning until the thrilling conclusion.
- “A Flicker in the Dark ” by Stacy Willingham | Release date: Jan. 11, 2022 | A thriller about a woman who is coping with the aftermath of her father’s confession to serial murders… in the midst of an investigation of a missing teenager.
- “The Book of Longings ” by Sue Monk Kidd | Release date: April 21, 2020 | The story follows Ana, an educated woman who marries Jesus Christ and is often left alone while he begins his ministry.
- “In Polite Company ” by Gervais Hagerty | Release date: August 17, 2021 | Sneak a peek behind the veil of Charleston aristocracy in this local’s debut novel.
- “South of Broad ” by Pat Conroy | Release date: August 11, 2009 | Follow the story of Charleston teenager + outcast Leopold Bloom King who navigates life through the bond of friendship.
For the family
- “Black Music Is ” by Marcus Amaker | Release date: July 1, 2021 | Children can learn more about Black music + history through this illustrated poetry book featuring Bebop the cat.
- “Teddy Spaghetti ” by Dorothea Benton Frank | Release date: May 12, 2020 | The first children’s book by New York Times Bestselling Author Dorothea Benton Frank is about a spaghetti-loving kid who learns to stick up for himself.
- “Heyward the Horse ” by Andrew Barton | Release date: Oct. 5, 2021 | A history-loving carriage horse takes children back in time to learn about the beginnings of Charleston.
- “Different: A Story About Loving Your Neighbor ” by Chris Singleton | Release date: June 10, 2020 | This novel celebrates differences and is a tribute to the author’s mother, who was one of the victims of the Emanuel AME Church shooting in 2015.
Expand your worldview
- “Psychological Secrets for Emotional Success ” by Dr. Kelly Rabenstein | Release date: Aug. 30, 2022 | Learn how to unlock your potential + find greater success from this book written by a licensed psychologist.
- “American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place ” by Virginia Christian Beach | Release date: March 28, 2022 | A historical nonfiction which examines the exploitation of enslaved people and the preservation of Middleton Place’s history.
- “The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James ” by Bob Deans | Release date: March 15, 2007 | Learn about the history of the James River and how the history of the nation is rooted in its shores.
- “Voices of Black South Carolina ” by Damon L. Fordham | Release date: Feb. 1, 2009 | A collection showcasing the stories of notable Black South Carolinians, some of whom were never recognized.
Part of a series
- “The House on Tradd Street ” by Karen White | Release date: Nov. 4, 2008 | A chilling series about a young woman who can see ghosts involving romance, old houses, and even murder.
- “Folly Beach Mysteries ” by Michele Nutwell | Release date: June 2, 2011 | A fast-paced jaunt full of murder and mystery.
- “The Summer of Lost and Found ” by Mary Alice Monroe | Release date: May 11, 2021 | The latest installment of the best-selling Beach House Series by New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe.
Personal stories
- “Monsoon Mansion ” by Cinelle Barnes | Release date: May 1, 2018 | In this engrossing memoir, Charleston resident Cinelle Barnes recounts her family’s rise and fall in the Philippines.
- “The Water Is Wide: A Memoir ” by Pat Conroy | Release date: Oct. 1, 2002 | Based on New York Times bestselling author Pat Conroy’s experiences as the only teacher in a two-room schoolhouse.
- “A Memoir of James De Veaux ” by Robert W. Gibbes | Release date: Aug. 16, 2012 | Originally published in 1846, this biography + collection of letters and diary entries chronicle the life of a Charleston artist who died young.
- “Heaven Is a Beautiful Place: A Memoir of the South Carolina Coast ” by Genevieve C. Peterkin | Release Date: April 1, 2000 | Born and raised in Murrells Inlet, Genevieve Peterkin explores the struggles for racial equality, faith, and acceptance.
Need more recommendations? Stop by Blue Bicycle Books
, Itinerant Literate Bookshop
, or The Village Bookseller
to get expert advice from the Holy City’s local booksellers. 📚