Now’s a great time to pick up that book by a Virginia author you always said you wanted to read, and when you’re finished with that one, we’ve got even more recommendations from renowned writers in our region! From fiction and nonfiction to cookbooks, each of these selections are either written by a Virginia author or focuses on an aspect of Virginia history. Enjoy!

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Books by A Virginia Author For Fiction Lovers

Who doesn’t like fiction? Each of these selections offers a “can’t-put-it-down” experience that’s perfect for staying in or sitting on the back porch.

• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt | Fiction
  • The Goldfinch is a haunting story of loss and art and the winner of a Pulitzer Prize. Tartt, who lives near Charlottesville, is also known for her novels The Secret History and The Little Friend.
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane | Fiction
  • A New York Times bestselling novel, Ask Again, Yes is about two neighboring families in a small town that experience tragedy, marriage and forgiveness. Keane is a University of Virginia alumna and was awarded a John S. Guggenheim fellowship for fiction writing. She also received citations from the National Book Foundation, PEN America and the Hemingway Society.
• One Good Deed by David Baldacci | Fiction
  • A historical thriller, One Good Deed shares the story about a WWII veteran forced to investigate a small-town murder or risk returning to prison. Baldacci is an alumnus of the University of Virginia School of Law and has published a total of 37 novels for adults, with more scheduled to come.

Virginia Authored Books For Nonfiction & Poetry Lovers

Enjoy either a nonfiction book based on a true story or one about Virginia’s history of beer, as well as a collection of poems by a highly recognized UVA graduate.

• Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly | Nonfiction
  • Hidden Figures is the New York Times bestselling true story of the black female mathematicians whose calculations helped fuel the American space race. Shetterly is also a graduate of the University of Virginia and a current Charlottesville resident.
• Virginia Beer: A Guide from Colonial Days to Craft’s Golden Age by Lee Graves | Nonfiction
  • Virginia has a long history as a key player in the beer boom. In his book, Graves traces the history of Virginia beer and brewmasters from Jamestown to present day. He is an award-winning beer writer and the author of Richmond Beer: A History of Brewing in the River City and Charlottesville Beer: Brewing in Jefferson’s Shadow.
• Anagnorisis: Poems by Kyle Dargan | Poetry
  • Kyle Dargan’s book is a collection of poems that explores the complications of life as African Americans centered on James Baldwin’s recognition that an African American may never be considered an equal in citizenship or humanity. Dargan is a University of Virginia graduate, and the winner of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize, the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award and grants from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Favorite Cookbooks by A Virginia Author

All four locally inspired cookbooks are available at the Charlottesville Wine & Country Shop, which is now offering virtual shopping and no-contact pick up, so go ahead and mix-up your menu.

• Red Truck Bakery Cookbook by Brian Noyes | Cookbook
  • Red Truck Bakery out of Marshall, VA, is known across the country for its incredible baked goods. From sweet potato pie to double chocolate moonshine cake, this cookbook has earned bakery nods from the Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern, among others. Learn about the history of baking while trying any of the 85 mouth-watering recipes by owner and baker Brian Noyes.
• Hoos in the Kitchen by Melissa Palombi | Cookbook
  • Charlottesville’s booming food scene is loved by students and locals alike, inspiring Melissa Palombi to create a cookbook of over 60 recipes curated by members of the UVA community. It’s a great ode to UVA favorites, including everything from the Virginian’s Stumble Down Mac ‘n Cheese to clams cooked with Bold Rock Hard Cider.
• Tavola by Michael Keaveny | Cookbook
  • One of Charlottesville’s many beloved restaurants, Tavola is known for its excellent Italian food. In this cookbook, chef Michael Keaveny shares favorite recipes along with wine and music pairings for each, rounding out the full dine-in atmosphere of Tavola.
• The Imbible by Micah LeMon | Cocktail Guide
  • The Imbible brings Micah LeMon’s two decades of bartending experience right into your home. Focusing on the four main components of a drink (spirit, sweet, and sour or bitter), LeMon explains the way each contributes to the flavor and balance of a cocktail. Including over 40 cocktail recipes, The Imbible also covers the best bartending tools and techniques to educate even the most novice of bartenders.

For more great local reads written by a Virginia author, be sure to follow the “Culture Notes” in each issue of Wine & Country Life and stop by our Charlottesville Wine & Country Shop. For more great reads, explore Books on Every Wine Lovers List. ~