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Books written by authors with ties to Indianapolis

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 their community in 1936.

For the family

INDYtoday: INDY_Loudmouth books_DEC23

Loudmouth Books is a great place to shop small and support local authors.

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.
INDYtoday: INDY_Whispering Shelf bookstore_OCT24

The Whispering Shelf is one of Indy’s newest bookstores — it opened in April of 2024.

Photo by INDYtoday team

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.
  • Transangelicismby Jody Galadriel Friend | Release date: 2024 | The frontwoman of local band Public Universal Friend brings you the story of her transformation from Southern evangelist to trans punk musician.

Is there another book you love by a local author? Write in.

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