New Books by Local Authors Shine this Fall in the Heart of Birmingham
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, Birmingham residents are embracing the cozy season by delving into a range of captivating novels penned by local authors. From business advice to historical thrillers, there is no shortage of reading material for those looking to snuggle up with a good book this season.
Business Know-How from Donna Atkinson Bonnett
If you’ve ever dreamt of starting your own business, Donna Atkinson Bonnett has released a new novel that serves as a crucial guide on how to get started. Her book emphasizes that while investing time in creating high-quality products is important, equally significant is the attention one must give to sales and marketing strategies. “You cannot be passive about your sales and marketing processes or you will get left behind,” Bonnett advises. “People often dedicate too much time to product development and not enough to how they attract customers.”
She stresses the importance of evaluating your audience, fostering creativity, and getting your staff involved to keep a business thriving. Her book is available at local bookstores, making it a fitting companion alongside a warm cup of cider during this fall season.
A Historical Rivalry in “Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899”
Attention football fans and historical novel lovers alike should check out “Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899”, a new release that takes readers back to the intense rivalry between two prestigious universities in the late 19th century. The book captures the journey of students navigating academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal ambitions on the picturesque Sewanee campus.
The authors, who include notable documentary filmmaker Norman, leverage their deep research into Sewanee’s historical archives to tell a riveting story. Norman reflects on his previous work: “Several years ago, I coproduced a documentary film about the most amazing season in college football history. The film was about the Sewanee football team of 1899 who traveled 2500 miles by train and played five games in six days.” This blend of lively storytelling and historical elements makes for an engaging read.
Insights from the Glass Cabin
For those who appreciate poetry and the beauty of sustainable living, authors James and Tina Braziel have crafted a collection of poems reflecting their experiences living off-grid in a unique glass cabin. With three of four walls made from tempered glass once belonging to a church, their home is as much a testament to creativity as it is to environmental consciousness.
The Braziels’ poetry shares honest accounts of their lifestyle choices and the journey of building their cabin with recycled materials. “Our poems describe what it is like to live in our home as we built it, how we live without running water, and how, now that the cabin is mostly complete, we want to spend as much of our time outside,” they explain. It’s a gentle invitation to readers to consider the joys of simple living and connection to nature.
Thrills for Halloween with Aimee Hardy
As Halloween approaches, those in search of thrills should look no further than Aimee Hardy‘s latest work, which dives into the life of a character named Eddy Sparrow. Facing extraordinary circumstances when she discovers a deceased body in her house, this story promises to captivate suspense enthusiasts.
Reflective Stories from the South
Rounding out the list is Joey McClure’s collection titled “Real Stories from a Fictitious Man”, which presents a series of short stories inspired by the vibrant characters found throughout rural Alabama. McClure’s work integrates poetry and photography, celebrating the storytelling traditions that are deeply rooted in Southern culture.
As we embrace this colorful fall season, these local authors are providing Birmingham residents with a wealth of reading options. Their diverse works not only entertain but also inspire—something you might want to consider adding to your reading list this October. If you know of any other local authors who may have been overlooked, feel free to share and tag us on social media. Happy reading!
