Columbia SC is a vibrant city bursting with forward thinkers, modern attitudes, and a robust arts scene. It’s only natural that gifted writers and storytellers would call the capital city home. If you’re looking for your next must-read, look no further, we got you covered.
Calling all foodies! We all know that Southern cooking is the unmatched heart of American cuisine (well, that’s our opinion). Dive into the history of the food that we love with Southern Provisions by Dr. David Shields. Shields shares with readers the evolution of Southern cooking, and his mission to recover flavors and diversity of dishes that our ancestors once enjoyed.
Here in the heart of South Carolina, we take pride in our Columbia native band, Hootie & The Blowfish. For those who want to know more about how the UofSC alums became a Grammy award-winning band, author Michael Miller tells the story of how this band achieved unlikely success in his book Hootie! How the Blowfish Put Pop Back into Pop Rock. Get your hands on this rockin’ book by ordering a hardcover copy, or through Kindle.
Chivalry isn’t dead, and blogger/local influencer Kelvin Davis proves that in his book Notoriously Dapper: How to Be a Modern Gentleman with Manners, Style and Body Confidence. Davis breaks down how to navigate being a gentleman in the modern era with practical advice, as well as inspiring others to join the body positive movement for men.
If romance is your genre of choice, you’re in luck. Synithia Williams has been an avid reader of romance novels since the age of 13, and she flipped the script when she turned from reader to writer. Williams has written numerous novels throughout her career, including one of her most recent novels The Promise of a Kiss, that’s available in eBook formats. If you like a bit of suspense with your romance, His First Lady by Kym Davis Boyles is the perfect addition to your library. Boyles takes pride in empowering women and showcasing women who overcome challenges through faith in her writing.
Local author, James D. McAllister, brings Columbia SC to life in his novel Let The Glory Pass Away. Readers will take bliss in the familiarity of the imagery McAllister describes in his book that follows the three lives of a novelist, singer-songwriter, and legendary rock superstar. For young adults who like a little suspense with a Columbia SC twist, The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown will send chills down your spine. Brown’s story, inspired by Randolph Cemetery, even received praise from the late Kobe Bryant.
If poetry is more your speed, check out the works of Ed Madden, Columbia’s inaugural poet laureate. His third poetry book, Nest, is digital friendly for those who prefer to get lost in a good book with E-readers.
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the kids! In The Secret Species by Marius Valdes, children can let their imaginations run wild with 52 pages of vibrant artwork, and an adorable story of a girl who discovers some friendly creatures. For a fun, virtual experience, head over to The Magic Purple Circle with Mr. Darion on YouTube and listen to actor/storyteller Darion McCloud read some of his favorite children’s literature.
