Chapter 16
A Community of Tennessee Writers, Readers & Passersby

Stepping into Their Own Power

Destiny O. Birdsong’s protagonists are true to themselves

In Destiny O. Birdsong’s triptych novel, Nobody’s Magic, three Black women with albinism negotiate a racially complicated world. Birdsong will discuss Nobody’s Magic at a virtual event hosted by Parnassus Books in Nashville on February 8.

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A Season of Storms

Jennifer Haigh’s Mercy Street considers the battle over abortion

In Jennifer Haigh’s new novel Mercy Street, snow blankets the Boston area as characters with connections to a women’s health clinic attempt to make sense of their chaotic lives. Haigh will discuss Mercy Street in a virtual event hosted by Parnassus Books on February 7.

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No Regrets

When is it time to let go of a book?

I have donated my collection of books on writing to my local library. Why?

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My NBA Love Affairs

On finding the right team to root for

The Golden State Warriors’ broadcast on a local station was an excuse for Stanford students to congregate in common rooms and eating clubs, a break from studying and a topic of conversation. Plus, the Warriors of 1986-87 were a lovable, ragtag, perennially second-tier squad whose best player, Eric “Sleepy” Floyd, was famous for having the league’s most apt nickname.

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A Factory of Dreams

Mesha Maren’s Perpetual West is a fearless exploration of borders

Perpetual West, Mesha Maren’s second novel, follows a troubled couple from Appalachia to the U.S.-Mexico border on a perilous journey of self-discovery.

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Foot Soldier for Justice

Kathlyn J. Kirkwood discusses her memoir for young readers on the making of MLK Day

Kathlyn J. Kirkwood discusses her memoir in verse, Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round, as well as the literacy program she runs in Middle Tennessee with her husband, Alan.

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