Georgia Magazine - May 2022 - 8

GEORGIA News
Compiled by Jennifer J. Hewett
Recommended reading
A
lice Walker, Flannery O'Connor, Ferrol Sams and
Margaret Mitchell are some of the names that come to
mind when people think of Georgia authors. While these
writers deserve every accolade they have received, Georgia
claims many more authors whose books also deserve a
prominent place on every bookshelf.
The Georgia Center for the Book (GCB), based in
Decatur, supports the literary arts in Georgia by annually
compiling Books All Georgians Should Read and Books All
Young Georgians Should Read lists. The 2022 lists have 20
books in total-10 for all Georgians and 10 for young Georgians.
There is something for everyone, with works including
nonfiction, fiction, poetry and graphic novels, as well as
books for young children, middle
schoolers and young adults.
These lists are a way for people from
all sides of the literary world to connect.
" As a writer and reader myself,
I became familiar with the program
when I moved to Atlanta and kind of got
into the writing world, " says poet Julie
E. Bloemeke. Her first book, " Slide to
Unlock, " was chosen as a 2021 Book All
Georgians Should Read. " It's been such
a welcoming community. And I've also
found that with many of the authors that
were nominated and selected. It's a way
to give a visibility to a sense of community
and just show that range of writing that's going on. "
The 2022 lists' reach extends beyond the state's borders
The Georgia Center for
the Book selected the
works of prize-winning
authors and illustrators
with Georgia connections
for the 2022 Books All
Georgians Should Read
and Books All Young
Georgians Should
Read lists.
" Peach State " by Adrian Su was chosen as
one of this year's Books All Georgians Should
Read. Her poems explore her hometown of
Atlanta and its transformation from the mid20th
century to today, as seen and shaped by
the Chinese American immigrant experience.
Rembert on the book until his death a
year ago; she then completed her work
with his wife, Patsy.
" I think this recognition from [the GCB] has helped us to
to include authors who have told the stories of notable
Georgians. One such book is " Chasing Me to My Grave: An
Artist's Memoir of the Jim Crow South " by Winfred Rembert,
as told to Erin I. Kelly.
Kelly is a philosophy professor at Tufts University in
Medford, Mass. She has been focusing her research on criminal
justice for the last several years. She worked closely with
connect with other people in Georgia, " Kelly says. " We could say
that we had been chosen by [the GCB] for their list, and I think
that was helpful in gaining recognition for the book. "
Each month from February to November, the GCB will
feature one book from each of the two lists. Copies of the books
can be found at bookstores and libraries throughout the state.
The full lists can be found online at bit.ly/garead22.
-Tara Woodin
Toasting UGA's victory
T
he Coca-Cola Co. released its limited-edition six-pack of cans in April
to commemorate the University of Georgia's (UGA) 2021 College
Football Playoff National Championship win. Shoppers can begin
finding six-packs of commemorative 8-ounce glass bottles on store shelves
in August.
8 Georgia Magazine May 2022
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH PRESS
COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. UNITED
http://www.bit.ly/garead22
Georgia Magazine - May 2022

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