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Books written by authors with ties to Indianapolis, IN

Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Indy.

Inside Indy Reads with a stack of books in the foreground.

Did you know Indy Reads also gives literacy classes?

Photo by INDYtoday team

What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor (or former neighbor). Brew up a batch of your favorite tea from Tea’s Me or grab a latte from Kaffeine Coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in the Indy area.

Fiction

  • Cat’s Cradleby Kurt Vonnegut | Release date: 1963 | You might have read this dark sci-fi novel that satirizes technology, religion, and science in school.
  • All Good People Hereby Ashley Flowers | Release date: 2022 | This debut thriller novel is written by the host of the wildly popular true crime podcast “Crime Junkie.”
  • When Stars Rain Downby Angela Jackson-Brown | Release date: 2021 | Explore the Deep South through this portrait of a family and its community in 1936.

For the family

Learn something new

Part of a series

  • King Makerby Maurice Broaddus | Release date: 2010 | “The Knights of Breton Court” series is a retelling of King Arthur set among rival gangs.
  • The Magnificent Ambersonsby Booth Tarkington | Release date: 1918 | The second in Tarkington’s “Growth” trilogy, the story revolves around a fictionalized version of Woodruff Place and the declining fortunes of three generations of the aristocratic Ambersons.
  • Princess Diariesby Meg Cabot | Release date: 2000 | This former IU Hoosier’s series was made popular by its film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway.

Personal stories

  • Somebody’s Daughterby Ashley C. Ford | Release date: 2021 | Explore the complicated relationship between Ashley and her mother in this New York Times bestseller set in Fort Wayne.
  • Hillbilly Queerby J.R. Jamison | Release date: 2021 | Travel through a rural landscape and watch the differences unfold between a father and son.
  • Bad Feministby Roxane Gay | Release date: 2014 | This book of essays from a former Purdue professor discusses a number of political and cultural issues.

Need more recommendations? Stop by Indy Reads, Irvington Vinyl and Books, Ujamaa Community Bookstore, or Beyond Barcodes Bookstore, to get expert advice from Indy’s local booksellers. 📚

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