Chapter 16
A Community of Tennessee Writers, Readers & Passersby

Invincible Language

Major Jackson’s latest collection combines new and old poems to dazzling effect

Major Jackson’s sixth poetry collection, Razzle Dazzle, sets the biographical details of the poet’s life alongside the evolution of his work. Jackson will give a reading at East Tennessee State University on September 18. He’ll lead a workshop sponsored by The Porch at Vanderbilt University in Nashville on October 9, and he will appear at the 2023 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville on October 21-22.

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The Ugly Baggage of the World

Lauren Yero’s debut novel follows two teens who risk it all to challenge their unjust world

Fans of dystopian romance will likely find much to enjoy in Under This Forgetful Sky, Lauren Yero’s tale of star-crossed lovers who become caught up in the dirty politics of their homelands. Yero will discuss the book at the 2023 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville on October 21-22.

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Conflicted

Good women don’t always behave well in Halle Hill’s debut story collection

With Good Women, East Tennessee native Halle Hill has crafted a book of stories worth reading straight through from the first page. Hill will appear at Union Ave. Books in Knoxville on September 19.

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Poet for the People

Prine on Prine shines with the beloved songwriter’s heart, humor, and humanity

Put on a record, pour yourself a Handsome Johnny, and settle in with Prine on Prine. For a fan, it’ll be like going to Paradise. Holly Gleason will discuss Prine on Prine at the 2023 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville on October 21-22.

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A Different Kind of Promise

How Dolly Parton saved one woman’s life

FROM THE CHAPTER 16 ARCHIVE: In I’ve Had to Think Up a Way to Survive: On Trauma, Persistence, and Dolly Parton, New York poet Lynn Melnick blends her personal story with cultural critique to explore Dolly Parton and her work. Most of all, she credits Parton with helping her turn her life around. Melnick will appear at the 2023 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville on October 21-22.

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Growing Wilder by the Day

Lauren Groff’s The Vaster Wilds is a tale of horror and beauty

In her breathtaking seventh book, The Vaster Wilds, Lauren Groff tells the story of a young servant girl on the run in the 17th-century New World wilderness. Groff will discuss the book at Parnassus Books in Nashville on September 14 and the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville on September 15.

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