Ashley Warlick, novelist and co-founder of M. Judson Booksellers, recommends her favorite locally penned reads of 2024
The wealth of bookish talent in the Upstate is wide and deep, and this year has seen the publication of some pretty fabulous work by local Greenville writers in every genre you can think of.
Favorite 2024 Books from Local Authors
A Short History of Greenville, by Judith T. Bainbridge
This book represents the career of renowned local historian and Greenville News columnist Judy Bainbridge, and it offers an absolutely wonderful overview of just how Greenville came to be the city we love.
Wild Things of the Upstate, by Abby Moore Keith and illustrated by Carissa Grace Bowser
Locally produced by Good Printed Things, this abecedery picture book of Upstate South Carolina plants, animals, insects and fungi is gorgeous. It’s the perfect read-aloud for those little ones who like storytime, and a great jumping-off place for older kids who want to learn more about the place they live.
Jianna, by Michael Kramer
This team effort by the magnificent staff at the downtown Greenville restaurant Jianna brings home more than 100 recipes—for everything from cocktails to pasta to pastry. It illustrates our own little corner of Italy’s culinary influence. For more on the cookbook, see page xx.
When The Ocean Flies, by Heather Marshall
This novel, written by a longtime Greenville resident, tackles the complex subject of identity in a story about an adopted woman finding grace and understanding in the wake of losing her natural father. It takes place here and in Scotland, and it’s full of wisdom, strength, and beauty.
Everyone I’ve Danced With Is Dead, by Mamie Morgan
These poems are heart-stoppers of gorgeous detail—bright, sharp, funny, readable, and true. You’ll catch more than a few people, places, and emotions you recognize in this collection from local writer and teacher Morgan.
The Cottage Around the Corner, by DL Soria
This romantasy about dueling magical businesses by local author Soria is like You’ve Got Mail meets a witchy Stars Hollow. It’s full of cozy, small town enchantment, and it’s just the right kind of book for the season.
Buried Lies, by Steven Tingle
Second in a series of crime novels based on the capers of ex-cop Davis Reed, and set in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Buried Lies is what your mother called “a hoot.” It’s also a helluva page-turner.
These titles are all available (for yourself or those readers on your gift list) at M. Judson Booksellers.
