The Southern Literary Review celebrates Southern authors and their contributions to American literature. We feature classic writers who have defined Southern literature, and we highlight emerging authors with interviews, profiles, and book reviews. We support independent bookstores. If you subscribe to our newsletter, please add southernliteraryreview@comcast.net to your email contacts list so that the newsletter doesn’t […]
“Bloodroot: Poems” by Bill King
February 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
The bloodroot plant with its white flowers that herald spring evokes the deep forests of Appalachia, which are sacred groves for poet Bill King, who grew up in and lived his life in Appalachia. His collection Bloodroot: Poems (Mercer University Press 2023) is a record of this life, one of challenges but sustained joy buoyed by a […]
“The Athlete Whisperer: An Improbable Voice in Sports” by Andrea Kirby
February 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
To be truly captivating, a personal memoir needs to have at least these three things: an interesting baseline story, meaningful insight, and a strong voice conveyed well in quality writing. In all those ways, Andrea Kirby’s new memoir, The Athlete Whisperer: An Improbable Voice in Sports (FriesenPress 2025), excels. The baseline story tells readers how […]
Donna Meredith interviews Andy Crocker, author of “The Unconditionals”
February 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Book Summary: The Unconditionals: Five Timeless Values to Live Without Limits and Ignite Your Superpower introduces five core values—love, gratitude, integrity, accountability, and endeavor—as essential for personal fulfillment and growth. Combining timeless wisdom, scientific findings, and inspiring real-life examples, it illustrates how embracing these values unconditionally can transform our lives. More than a collection of […]
Charlotte Olson
February 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Charlotte Olson, originally from Burlington, NC, lives in Chattanooga TN, where she works at the Chattanooga Public Library. She wears many hats there, but one of her favorites is as the coordinator of a creative writing group called Write & Chatt. She also enjoys travel, reading, baking, and exploring the many cute little towns of […]
“The Coaches’ Wives” by W. Scott Jones
February 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
High school football is a world unto itself, especially in the South, especially in a small town. The Coaches’ Wives, by W. Scott Jones, draws the reader into that world, where everything revolves around the Friday night games, and where love and heartbreak, winning and losing, and success and tragedy all play a part in […]
Writing opportunities from Julie Cantrell
January 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment
THREE big opportunities for YOU to write, publish, and create in 2026. ——————- LAST CALL FOR WOMEN’S WRITING RETREAT IN FRANCE ——————– ONLY 2 spots left! Here’s your last chance to join fellow NYT bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson and me for a week of writing, relaxing, and exploring in beautiful Arcachon, France. If you’ve been needing […]