Chapter 16
A Community of Tennessee Writers, Readers & Passersby

Bradley Sides

The Good-Heartedness Never Leaves

George Singleton brings his gift for storytelling to the essays in Asides

In the introduction to his essay collection, Asides, George Singleton writes, “There happen to be some great essayists. I don’t count myself in this group.” Readers who dive into this lovely slim book full of dogs, writing advice, and summer jobs will disagree.

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The End of Tennessee as We Know It

David Wesley Williams pens a post-apocalyptic vision of the Volunteer State

FROM THE CHAPTER 16 ARCHIVE: David Wesley Williams takes readers on a post-apocalyptic journey from Nashville to Memphis in his latest novel, the rambunctious and rollicking Everybody Knows. Williams will appear at the 2023 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville on October 21-22.

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Absurdity and Tenderness

George Singleton’s stories sneak up on you

George Singleton’s The Curious Lives of Nonprofit Martyrs shows the storyteller in top form. Singleton will appear at the 2023 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville on October 21-22.

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Human Drama

Chris Offutt on small towns, homesickness, and whether “bad guys” exist

Chris Offutt talks with Chapter 16 about the love that goes into his rural noir thrillers.

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Something That Wants to Live

Lark Ascending finds kindness and hope in a bleak world

Silas House’s apocalyptic novel Lark Ascending is truly harrowing, yet even more deeply affecting and tender. House will appear at the 2022 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville on October 14-16 and at Union Ave. Books in Knoxville on November 12.

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Shareable Treasures

There is no better gift than a story

I used to think about the longevity of gifts. What could be given that would be cherished for more than a handful of days or a couple of weeks? Finally, after I had a few years of teaching behind me, I figured it out: stories. Stories do not fade.

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