Diverse Reading 2018 “Books All Georgians Should Read” lists revealed

Georgia Center for the Book (GCB) has selected the works of prize-winning authors and illustrators with Georgia connections for the 2018 “Books All Georgians Should Read” and “Books

All Young Georgians Should Read” lists.

“The lists are valuable tools for parents, teachers, librarians and readers of all ages across our state,” said Joe Davich, Executive Director of the GCB. “We believe these lists can help guide readers to some of the finest writing that can be found in Georgia’s libraries and bookstores.”

Davich continued: “Georgia and Georgia’s literary landscape are more diverse than ever before. These lists show Georgia’s pride in its diversity. They show that however different we are, we all are connected to this place. As readers, we all share in the same experience by picking up these books. We become more connected as a literary family by sharing the stories in these books. Georgians will easily find themselves at home among these books.”

The new list of “Books All Georgians Should Read” includes four works of fiction, three of non-fiction, a collection of poetry and, for the first time, two cookbooks.

The list of “Books All Young Georgians Should Read” includes three picture books, three books for middle school readers, three books for young adults and one graphic novel.

Both 2018 lists are the result of months of discussions by the Advisory Council, which considered over 80 books by Georgians, or about Georgia.

2018 Books All Georgians Should Read

■ Anthony Grooms—The Vain Conversation: A Novel

■ Tayari Jones—An American Marriage: A Novel

■ Joshilyn Jackson—Almost Sisters: A Novel

■ Tayari Jones, editor—Atlanta Noir

■ David Peisner—Homey Don’t Play That: The Story of In Living Color and the Black Comedy Revolution

■ Maryn McKenna—Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats