On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

The Southern Literary Trail is now accepting nominations for books that the group will be reading in February, 2026.

We will consider books with a southern literary theme that have not been read by the group in the last 24 months. The two categories are books originally published in or before 1990 or those published after 1990. In the latter case, we will no longer consider nominations for new books unless they have been available for at least four months prior to the date we begin reading the book. You may make one nomination in each category. Authors may not nominate their own works. Please post your nominations below and specify which category you are nominating them for.

Nominations will stay open for one week or until we receive six nominations in each category. Voting will take place in the first ten days of next month.

The eligible nominations received will be listed below:

Books originally published in or before 1990
1. Early from the Dance, by David Payne
2. The Earl of Louisiana, by A.J. Liebling
3. Airships, by Barry Hannah
4. Journey for Joedel, by Guy Owen
5. To Make My Bread, by Grace Lumpkin
6.
Books originally published after 1990
1. Sleeping at the Starlite Motel: and Other Adventures on the Way Back Home, by Bailey White
2. The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree, by India Hayford
3. Miss Jane, by Brad Watson
4. The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans
5.
6.

It has been close to 30 years since I read this book. My memory tells me it was an excellent read, which is why I've kept it. It has sat on my living room bookshelf ever since. Over the years, as I occasionally scanned the book spines, I would smile to myself when I noticed it, thinking about how good a read it was. A couple of weeks ago, I began thinking and planning what I wanted to read in this upcoming year. Re-reading has been a priority for the last couple of years. So, I looked over my treasured collection and spotted this one. When I picked it up, I drew a complete blank. I don't remember it. How is it possible to forget something you are sure was terrific? I plan on rereading this. I also noticed that it fits this group. The author is Southern-born. The book is set in North Carolina. The book also, does not currently exist on the group shelf. And my lackluster memory swears it is a worthwhile read.
I know I am usually a quiet wallflower here, but I would like to nominate-

Early From the Dance by David Payne, published in 1989

post 1990 - Sleeping at the Starlite Motel: and Other Adventures on the Way Back Home by Bailey White

pre 1990 - The Earl of Louisiana by A.J. Liebling

Bob wrote: "It has been close to 30 years since I read this book. My memory tells me it was an excellent read, which is why I've kept it. It has sat on my living room bookshelf ever since. Over the years, as I..."

Glad that you decided to come off the wall and make this intriguing nomination.

I would like to nominate for the post-1990 read, The Song of the Blue Bottle Tree by India Hayford.

Post 1990 - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Great book Lexy!

Pre 1990: Airships by Barry Hannah.

pre 1990 Journey for Joedel; A Novel

Pre 1990 To Make My Bread Grace Lumpkin
Post 1990 The Correspondent Virginia Evans

Ill try nominating this one again for pre-1990.
Terms of Endearment published 1975.