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Books by the River

Explore the inspiration and passion that it takes to create a Southern story. Host Holly Jackson engages with Southern Authors through in-depth interview as they tell humorous and heartwarming stories, share their love of reading, and offer advice for aspiring writers. This season, take a deeper look into what it takes to write Southern stories.

Latest episode

Leonard Pitts Jr.

Season 1 Episode 104 | 26m 47s | CC

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.

Episodes

Distributed nationally by American Public Television