BOOKS BY THE RIVER


#101 - Joseph McGill Jr & Herb Frazier
Holly Jackson sits with authors Joseph McGill Jr. and Herb Frazier to discuss Sleeping with the Ancestors. McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, discusses his experience staying overnight in former slave quarters. Frazier describes the challenges of writing on a sensitive topic. Both reflect on their journey and the book’s impact.

#102 - Mary Kay Andrews

Holly Jackson sits with author Mary Kay Andrews to discuss Summers at the Saint. Andrews shares insights into her creative process, inspired by small-town life, second chances and the power of reinvention. Summers at the Saint blends humor, romance and emotional depth, offering a heartwarming story of personal transformation and the unexpected beauty of new beginnings.

#103 - Kimberly Brock

Holly Jackson sits with author Kimberly Brock to discuss The Fabled Earth, a novel set in Southern Georgia’s Cumberland Island circa 1952. Brock discusses her inspirations for the novel, including being a frequent traveler to the Island. She also discusses her creative writing process and how she finds success in what she writes.

#104 - Leonard Pitts Jr.

Holly Jackson sits with 54 Miles author, Leonard Pitts Jr. Pitts discusses his creative process for the writing of the book and what inspired him to generate the novel’s core idea. 54 miles is set against the backdrop of racial tension and violence. The story follows Jesse, a black teenager, and Claire, a white journalist as they navigate the aftermath of a racially charged incident.

#105 - Michael Farris Smith

Holly Jackson sits with author Michael Farris Smith to discuss Lay your Armor Down. Smith's unflinching honesty and vivid storytelling capture the struggles of a generation grappling with trauma and the search for meaning. Smith also discusses his inspirations as an author, amongst other things.

#106 - Rhonda McKnight

Holly Jackson sits with author Rhonda McKnight to discuss Bitter and Sweet. McKnight's novel is a compelling romance that explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and personal growth. The story weave's themes of healing, second chances and the power of vulnerability into a heartfelt, page-turning story.

#107 - Tracey Enerson Wood

Holly Jackson sits with author Tracey Enerson Wood to discuss Katharine, the Wright sister. Wood discusses her creative process for the novel. She explains that the historical fiction follows the sister of the famous first-in-flight brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, and explores Katherine’s own struggles, sacrifices and resilience.

#108 - Susan Boyer

Holly Jackson sits with author Susan Boyer to discuss The Sullivan’s Island Supper Club. The book follows three women who meet weekly for dinner on the coastal town of Sullivan’s Island. With themes of sisterhood, love and community, Boyer’s novel offers a story about finding strength and joy in the company of true friends. Boyer also explains her writing process and inspirations for the novel.

#109 - Jeffrey Lofton

Holly Jackson sits down with author Jeffrey Lofton to discuss Red Clay Suzie. Lofton gives a compelling and personal account of living as a person who is openly gay and has a disability. The novel, based loosely off Lofton's childhood, tracks the main character through both his personal and love life.