Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
7 new + coming soon books from Alabama authors
Reading time: 6 minutes
Art is always flowing in Alabama, and there are several new and upcoming books to prove that.
Here are seven books — ranging from fantasy and mystery to photography and memoir — to add to your TBR list today.
Learn more about the books:
Giving Up Is Unforgivable by Joyce Vance — Released Oct. 21
“‘Giving Up Is Unforgivable’ is a clarion call to action, putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance’s message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context and the political history — and why the rule of the law still matters. At the same time, she empowers the reader to do something, both as individuals and collectively.
“Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to combat the second Trump administration and save American democracy.”
Penguin Random House
A History of Birmingham Rock & Roll by Craig Legg — Pre-order now
“‘The History Of Birmingham (Alabama) Rock and Roll’ is the culmination of one man’s mind-blowing idea to paint Birmingham, Alabama’s rock & roll history in a MASSIVE series of more than 300 paintings!!! That man is known as Craig Legg, and he spent an entire year researching and painting this collection! Now, a team has assembled to bring you ‘A History of Birmingham Rock & Roll: The Art Book’ which will feature EVERY SINGLE PAINTING from the slam dunk art exhibition of the same name that took Birmingham by storm two years ago. This is an historic, unthinkable achievement that celebrates Birmingham’s rich musical history with so much blood, sweat and tears you can practically smell it. Now is your chance to pre-order this piece of Birmingham music history.”
Craig Legg
Alabama Hope: Stained Glass by David Graves — Released Sept. 13
“Following the success of his first book Alabama Faith, Birmingham photographer David Graves, a University of Mobile graduate and Thomasville native, has released his second inspiring coffee table book, Alabama Hope. This beautifully curated volume invites readers into 60 sacred spaces across Alabama, celebrating the diversity of the state’s faith heritage and the enduring message of hope.
“Alabama Hope features over 125 photographs capturing the architectural beauty and spiritual depth of Jewish synagogues, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, United Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran, First Christian, and historic African American churches.”
David Graves
Bones at the Crossroads by LaDarrion Williams — Released July 29
“It’s Homecoming season at Caiman University, and all 17-year-old Malik Baron wants to do is be a regular college student…or as regular as he can get at a magical HBCU for young, Black Conjurers. He’s ready to go to parties, hang out with his new friends, choose a major, and talk to girls. Instead, he’s reeling from a summer of revelations, heartbreak and betrayal, and still uncovering the truth about his powers and his legacy.”
Penguin Random House
And the Dragons Do Come: Raising a Transgender Kid in Rural America by Sim Butler — Coming Nov. 4
“Around the time she turned twelve, [Butler’s] daughter’s personal struggles became political fodder. Along with other trans kids, she was outlawed from playing sports and forbidden to use the girls’ bathroom. Another law made Butler and his wife felons for seeking trans-affirming health care for her. When her charter school was featured in several gubernatorial campaign ads, local community members began driving through the parking lot to yell at the trans kids.
“Serving both as a compassionate story of one family’s struggle for acceptance and as a window onto a fraught issue that parents, grandparents, other family members, and friends are confronting across the nation, And the Dragons Do Come provides a firsthand perspective on the human cost of anti-trans sentiment.”
The New Press
Notable Women of Alabama by Joe Cuhaj— Released Oct. 14
“Women in Alabama have made an outsized contribution to both the state and the nation. Before Rosa Parks, fifteen-year old Claudette Colvin challenged segregation laws on a bus in Montgomery. Georgia Gilmore used her cooking skills to empower and support protestors during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Singer ‘Big Mama’ Thornton became the bridge between rock ‘n roll and the blues. After being crowned Miss America in 1951, the ‘Basque Spitfire’ Yolande Betbeze took a defiant stand for women, forcing changes in the pageant industry.
“Author Joe Cuhaj profiles the unique journeys, challenges and triumphs of these and many more women who have helped shape the cultural and social landscape of not only Alabama but the world as well.”
Arcadia Publishing
Chase Harlem by Elise Burke Brown — Released June 24
“In the colorful chaos of New Orleans, Chase Harlem has three essentials for happiness: her trusted red Converse, a reliable taser, and a good sense of humor to survive it all. All she wants is a simple life – morning jogs in cemeteries, jazz that soothes the soul, and enough quirky cases to pay the bills without summoning her FBI past.
“But when a priest waltzes into her office with a divine mandate to crack a grisly double homicide involving an LSU football star and his actress girlfriend, Chase’s plans for peace get thrown out like last week’s gumbo, especially when the priest’s estranged son lands square in the NOPD’s crosshairs.”
Simon & Shuster
Know of any other recently-released books? Have you read any of these? Let us know by tagging us @bhamnow on Instagram and Facebook!
