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20 Famous North Carolina authors and their must-read books
Explore North Carolina's literary gems! From David Sedaris's humor to Maya Angelou's powerful prose, discover 20 authors and their must-read works.
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By Kaila Curry, Audience Engagement Producer
North Carolina boasts a rich Southern literary tradition, producing both classics and contemporary bestsellers. From native writers to those who grew up, relocated or vacationed in the state, North Carolina has been a wellspring of literary talent. In this article, we'll explore 20 of the best and most famous authors from North Carolina, along with some of their must-read books.
1.Judith Turner-Yamamoto
Featured Book: Loving the Dead and Gone
Growing up in a small mill town in North Carolina, Judith Turner-Yamamoto's writing career began as an art historian. Her debut novel, Loving the Dead and Gone, is a 20th-century period drama that alternates between two women brought down by bereavement, offering a rich portrayal of the state.
2. David Sedaris
Featured Book: Happy-Go-Lucky
David Sedaris, an American humorist, comedian and author, was born in Johnson City, New York and moved to Raleigh, where he spent his formative years. In his latest book, Happy-Go-Lucky, Sedaris humorously reflects on the global pandemic, offering sharp observations of daily life.
3. Brendan Slocumb
Featured Book: The Violin Conspiracy
Brendan Slocumb, a classically trained violinist from Fayetteville, delves into the world of music in his debut novel, The Violin Conspiracy. The book follows a young musician whose life is disrupted when he discovers that his antique violin is a priceless Stradivarius.
4. Megan Shepherd
Featured Book: The Secret Horses of Briar Hill
Growing up in a bookstore in Asheville, Megan Shepherd's The Secret Horses of Briar Hill is a magical middle-grade novel about a young girl who discovers an injured winged horse. The book was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and showcases Shepherd's enchanting storytelling.
5. Randall Kenan
Featured Book: A Visitation of Spirits
Randall Kenan, who spent much of his life between New York and North Carolina, is known for his novel A Visitation of Spirits. The story follows a gay teenager with dreams beyond small-town North Carolina, exploring themes of identity and acceptance.
6. Maya Angelou
Featured Book: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou, a prolific writer, poet, and activist, spent a significant part of her life in North Carolina. Her groundbreaking autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is a powerful narrative that tackles themes of racism and abuse with brutal honesty.
7. Adele Myers
Featured Book: The Tobacco Wives
Adele Myers, a rising literary star from Asheville, drew inspiration from her grandmother's stories for her debut novel, The Tobacco Wives. Set in postwar Winston-Salem, NC, the book explores the social complexities of the town and its tobacco industry.
8. F. Scott Fitzgerald
Featured Book: The Great Gatsby
While F. Scott Fitzgerald is not a native of North Carolina, he spent time in Asheville during the 1930s. Living in various hotels while his wife received treatment, Fitzgerald wrote short stories and drank excessively. The Great Gatsby, his iconic novel, remains a classic of American literature.
9. Zelda Fitzgerald
Featured Book: Save Me the Waltz
Zelda Fitzgerald, often overshadowed by her husband F. Scott, was also a celebrated author. Save Me the Waltz, her own novel, reflects the spirit of the Jazz Age. Sadly, Zelda's life came to a tragic end at Highland Hospital in Asheville.
10. Nicholas Sparks
Featured Book: The Notebook
Nicholas Sparks, a globally recognized author, settled in New Bern, NC. The Notebook, one of his most famous works, is a poignant love story that has captivated readers worldwide. Sparks continues to contribute to the literary scene from his North Carolina home.
11. Megan Miranda
Featured Book: The Last to Vanish
Megan Miranda, originally from New Jersey, settled in North Carolina. Her book The Last to Vanish is a thrilling tale set in a mountain resort in Cutter’s Pass, NC, plagued by mysterious disappearances. Miranda's books are known for their intrigue and tension.
12. Thomas Wolfe
Featured Book: Look Homeward, Angel
Born and raised in Asheville, Thomas Wolfe is a legendary figure in North Carolina literature. His novel Look Homeward, Angel drew heavily from his experiences in Asheville, causing a stir upon its publication. Wolfe's literary legacy is commemorated in his hometown.
13. Carl Sandburg
Featured Book: Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years & the War Years
Known as the "Poet of the People," Carl Sandburg is a highly acclaimed North Carolina author. His comprehensive biography, Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years & the War Years, is considered a definitive source on Lincoln's life, earning Sandburg the Pulitzer Prize.
14. Denise Kiernan
Featured Book: The Girls of Atomic City
Denise Kiernan, an Asheville resident, is known for her historical non-fiction. The Girls of Atomic City explores the lives of women working on the Manhattan Project during World War II. Kiernan's meticulous research and engaging storytelling bring history to life.
15. Dale Neal
Featured Book: Appalachian Book of the Dead
Dale Neal, an Asheville-based author, offers a poignant portrayal of the region in Appalachian Book of the Dead. The novel weaves together the lives of diverse characters, exploring themes of loss, redemption and the human connection to the Appalachian landscape.
16. Sarah Addison Allen
Featured Book: Garden Spells
Sarah Addison Allen, a beloved North Carolina author, is known for her enchanting novels. Garden Spells is a magical tale set in a small Southern town, where the Waverley family possesses unique magical abilities. Allen's whimsical storytelling and vibrant characters make for a delightful read.
17. John Ehle
Featured Book: The Land Breakers
John Ehle, a prolific author and Asheville resident, is celebrated for his historical fiction.The Land Breakers is the first novel in his Appalachian series, offering a vivid depiction of pioneers in the region. Ehle's novels capture the essence of the Appalachian landscape and its people.
18. Wilma Dykeman
Featured Book: The Tall Woman
Wilma Dykeman, a prominent voice in Appalachian literature, contributed significantly to the region's cultural heritage. The Tall Woman is a novel that explores the complexities of life in Appalachia. Dykeman's works reflect her commitment to environmental and social issues.
19. David Drake
Featured Book: Lord of the Isles
David Drake, a science fiction and fantasy writer, spent part of his life in North Carolina. Lord of the Isles is the first book in his fantasy series, blending elements of magic, war and adventure. Drake's contributions to speculative fiction have earned him a dedicated readership.
20. Inglis Fletcher
Featured Book: Roanoke Hundred
Inglis Fletcher, a historical novelist known for her Carolina Series. Roanoke Hundred is part of this series, offering a historical narrative set in colonial North Carolina. Research about her maternal ancestors in Tyrell County, North Carolina, sparked Fletcher's interest in eastern North Carolina, which led her to research and write the novels within her Carolina Series. Fletcher's novels provide a glimpse into the state's past.
These 20 authors represent just a glimpse of the literary talent that North Carolina has produced. Whether delving into historical dramas, magical fantasies or powerful autobiographies, these authors have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Share your favorite North Carolina authors and books in the comments and let the exploration of this rich literary tradition continue.
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