bookmarks & inkblots

Lauren Groff Interview

Six questions for this award-winning author. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff. Riverhead Books. pp. 272. $28. Three-time National Book Award finalist and bestselling author Lauren Groff returns with a novel set in Jamestown during a period known as “The Starving Time” (1609-10). It follows a young girl in flight from the […]

by Konstantin Rega

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Brook’s sixth novel dives into the life of the great racehorse Lexington and his trainer Jarret. (Painting by Edward Troye) Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Viking. pp.416. $28 “To be alive is to be in perpetual conflict,” is Sartre being a classic cynic but also a truth-teller. Conflict is everything […]

by Konstantin Rega

TJ Klune Interview

We talk to the bestselling YA author about his teen superhero romance series and other works. Heatwave by TJ Klune. Tor Teen. pp.384. $18.99. Konstantin Rega: When did you move to Virginia? TJ Klune: Before, my partner and I were living in Tucson, Arizona. We moved here in 2013, for my job. […]

by Konstantin Rega

Amy Wright Interview

From fond farm memories to how essays can connect people. Paper Concert by Amy Wright. Sarabande Books. pp.188. $16.95. Konstantin Rega: Where in Virginia did you grow up? Amy Wright: I was born in Wytheville on a dairy farm that has been in my family for a century—at the base […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Crocodile Bride

Pedersen’s debut examines the myth and reality of female roles in the South. The Crocodile Bride by Ashleigh Bell Pedersen. Hub City Press. pp.296. $26. Deep in the Black Bayou, a ravenous crocodile feasts on everything from human bones to the surrounding physical landscape, and even the odd diamond ring […]

by Lauren Carpenter

Katharine Schellman Interview

A 1920s murder mystery with a twist. Last Call at the Nightingale by Katharine Schellman. Minotaur Books. pp.320. $27.99. Konstantin Rega: Which part of Virginia did you grow up in? Katharine Schellman: I was born in the Northern part, in Arlington. Then I went to school in Williamsburg at William […]

by Konstantin Rega

Kathryn Miles Interview

One writer’s quest to solve the Shenandoah Murders. Konstantin Rega: What drew you to this project, not being from Virginia yourself? Katheryn Miles: This book has been 25 years in the making. I was a full-time writer at Outside magazine, and it was a feature story for the 20th anniversary of the […]

by Konstantin Rega

Suzanne Stryk Interview

A celebration of Virginia’s landscapes through collage and travel. The Middle of Somewhere by Suzanne Stryk. Trinity University Press. pp.256. $27.95 Konstantin Rega: The Middle of Somewhere examines Virginia landscapes. What inspired the book? Suzanne Stryk: I’ve always been very interested in place—how to explore and “take its pulse.” […]

by Konstantin Rega

Kelly Sokol Interview

One woman’s promises to the man she loves and the boys they’re raising. Breach by Kelly Sokol. Koehler Books pp. 312. $29.95 Konstantin Rega: Breach takes place in the Hampton Roads area. How long have you been based there? Kelly Sokol: I moved here in 2003 after working […]

by Konstantin Rega

Anders Carlson-Wee Interview

A traveling poet, Carlson-Wee finds inspiration in the people he meets and the landscapes he sees. The Low Passions by Anders Carlson-Wee. W. W. Norton & Company. pp.112. $15.95. Konstantin Rega: Though you weren’t born here, you have a connection to Virginia that comes through your poetry collection. Anders Carlson-Wee: […]

by Konstantin Rega

Tied Together

Tyler returns to what she does best, writing about families and making small events paramount. French Braid by Anne Tyler. Knopf. pp. 256. $27.00. Anne Tyler has been writing about families since the 1960s. In her 24th novel, French Braid, she continues that tradition following the Garrett’s from the […]

by Konstantin Rega

Jim Minick Interview

From blueberries to ravens, local author Jim Minick celebrates nature and community. Fire Is Your Water by Jim Minick. Swallow Press. pp. 352. $26.95. Konstantin Rega: So when did you move to Virginia from Pennsylvania? Jim Minick: In 1989. I was attending grad school at Radford in the New […]

by Konstantin Rega

A Dream Deferred

An interview with bestselling, local author S. A. Cosby. S.A. Cosby is the author of the New York Times bestseller Razorblade Tears and Blacktop Wasteland, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, was a New York Times Notable Book. His works discuss race, class, and sex. When not writing, he is an avid […]

by Konstantin Rega

An Interview with Amber McBride

Showing the capacity for humans to love in 5,000 different ways. Amber McBride is an English professor at the University of Virginia and holds an MFA in poetry from Emerson College. Her poetry has been published in several literary magazines including Ploughshares and The Rumpus. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with her dog, Shiloh. Me (Moth) is […]

by Konstantin Rega

A Place of One’s Own

Morgan Thomas explores identity across several Southern landscapes—including Virginia. Manywhere By Morgan Thomas. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. pp. 224. $26.00 In Morgan Thomas’s debut short story collection, Manywhere, the titular story opens with the line: “My father walks circles around my kitchen.” We learn of a man on a journey. Yes, it’s literally […]

by Lauren Carpenter

An Interview with Erika Lewis

Lewis’ newest book about misfits and magic is perfect for kindling kids’ imaginations. Erika Lewis grew up in Virginia but now resides in the sunshine state of California. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, her list of credits straddles the comics and novel space, including Game of Shadows from Macmillan’s Tor Books, Firebrand and Acursian from Legendary Comics, and The Color of […]

by Konstantin Rega

Poetry in America

Poetry in America returns for its third season in 2022. (Host Elisa New and Olivia Gatwood; photo by Verse Video Education) Eight new half-hour episodes of Poetry in America will begin airing on public television stations nationwide (check local listings) and on the World Channel starting in January 2022 and continuing through the spring. […]

by Staff

Aboriginal Art Amazes

The Past and Present Together exhibit at the Kluge-Ruhe in Charlottesville’s tie-in art book is a gorgeous catalog of art and essays. (©Michael Jagamara Nelson; licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd.) The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia’s Irrititja Kuwarri Tjungu (Past and Present Together) exhibit is a fascinating collection of artwork from Papunya Tula Artists […]

by Staff

Remembering a Writer

Prominent Kentucky-born writer and thinker bell hooks has just passed away. bell hooks (name kept lowercase), nee Gloria Jean Watkins, died today at her home in Berea, Kentucky surrounded by family and friends at the age of 69. My first introduction to her work was in my undergraduate class. We read her […]

by Staff

Pages: 1234

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July 2, 2025

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July 3, 2025

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Eight Virginia schools received the National Blue Ribbon 2024 award for their high performances. The Exemplary High Performing Schools are Spring Hill Elementary in McLean, Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach, Bethel Manor Elementary in Hampton, and St. Andrew the Apostle School in Clifton. The Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are Central Academy Middle […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

The University of Virginia has climbed to No. 4 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, advancing one position from last year. The university maintained its No. 24 overall ranking, tying with Emory and Georgetown universities. UVA’s commitment to accessibility and student success stands out in several key metrics. […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking views, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife—the perfect prescription for nature lovers. Some spots to add to your itinerary include: This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.

by Stacy Watkins

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Lauren Groff Interview

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Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

bookmarks & inkblots

Lauren Groff Interview

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Events

June – July @ Art Works!

Waitress at Virginia Repertory Theatre

June – July @ Art Works!

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

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