Since we have spent most of the year curled up inside our houses, binge-watching the latest Netflix series and implementing a series of home improvement projects, it’s time to try something new: reading a book! Even better, here are some books with Memphis flair, so that you can have all the joys of recognizing local establishments, street names and areas while you are reading! 

If you love reality TV, family drama and pop culture, try: 

American Pop: A Novel by Snowden Wright

Follow the rise-and-fall of the Forster family, inventors and owners of the world’s best-selling soft drink, as they rise to the level of the Rockefellers, encounter a world war and lose sight of what’s truly important in their lives – all while fiercely protecting the secret ingredient to their cola recipe. Spoiler alert: the first chapter takes place in Memphis’ very own Peabody Hotel! 

If you love historical fiction, the supernatural and current events, try: 

Voices of The Dead by John Babb

The 1878 yellow fever epidemic is ravaging Memphis, wiping entire families and businesses from the area. Nurses, doctors and many others volunteer from all over the Mid-South to help the sick and poor survive the worst of the disease – but only one person in Memphis can hear the many voices of the dead. Fun fact: John Babb lives in Collierville! 

If you love classic literature, Southern gothics and award-winning novels, try: 

The Reivers by William Faulkner 

A young boy, Lucius Priest, from Mississippi goes with a family-friend to Memphis, where he experiences all the temptations and vices of the big city – gambling, horse-racing and Beale Street in full regalia. Lucius’ ability to deal with everything he encounters outside his country home transforms him from a boy into a man. Despite the seriousness of his adventures, Faulkner takes a light-hearted tone and (spoiler!) there’s a happy ending to be had by all. 

If you love Collierville celebrities, biographies and the excitement of the rodeo, try: 

Lecile: This Ain’t My First Rodeo by Lecile Harris and Rex Allan Jones 

This is the perfect book to honor the late great Lecile Harris during the holiday season! Full of tidbits and fun anecdotes, Lecile reminisces on his favorite stories from his rodeo career, as well as his hometown and how he got his start. There’s tons of pictures from Lecile’s life to see as well, so it makes a wonderful coffee table book as well.  

If you love the Peabody ducks, children’s literature and illustrations, try: 

John Phillip Duck by Patricia Polacco 

If you don’t already have this one at home, it’s a great addition to any children’s shelf! Edward’s pet duck follows him everywhere – including the Peabody Hotel’s lobby. When he’s told by the hotel owner not to bring the duck anymore, Edward agrees, unless he can teach the duck how to march in and out of the lobby fountain, inspiring generations of ducks to come. The illustrations that accompany the funny tale are also just exquisite!