In a powerful collection of essays, MTSU professor Fred Arroyo remembers his immigrant father and considers his own evolution as a writer.

Staten Island Stories, the debut story collection from Vanderbilt M.F.A. grad Claire Jimenez, depicts the diverse lives of the forgotten borough. Jimenez and poet Cara Dees will discuss their work at Vanderbilt University in Nashville on March 20.

At 16, Cyntoia Brown-Long was imprisoned for murdering a much older man. Her memoir, Free Cyntoia, tells the story of her awakening to her own history of abuse and her efforts to save other young women from the horrors of trafficking.

The Truth Will Set You Free, but First It Will Piss You Off! collects selected quotes and essays from Gloria Steinem’s many books, articles, and speeches, along with a few contributions from her famous friends, including Michelle Obama and bell hooks. Steinem will discuss the book at War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville on November 1.