What We're Reading: Charleston Books for August
From immersive fiction that brings the lowcountry to life, to historical perspectives on some of the Holy City’s most colorful characters, we love books that add new depths to our understanding of the stories and experience of Charleston. Shop our Bookshop.org list to find our top titles and support locally-owned booksellers.
Here’s what we’re reading:
In Polite Company by Gervais Hagerty
Confession: we haven’t actually read this one yet, but we’ve been eagerly awaiting its release! This is the debut novel of Tyler’s friend and local author Gervais Hagerty. It is the consummate insider's perspective of Charleston society, and all the trials and tribulations of breaking the unspoken rules of the polite company a prominent family keeps. We can't wait to get our hands on it!
South of Broad by Pat Conroy
Who doesn't love diving into a Pat Conroy novel? While many Binyahs may turn up their nose at this book, it was a great primer for a newcomer to Charleston. The landmarks became familiar and the characters were true characters - just how we like it! NB: this novel is also notable for its grueling but accurate description of the lonely deaths of AIDS victims.
Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden by Emily Whaley
Mrs. Whaley designed her famous garden with the input of famous landscape architect Loutrell Briggs, who designed over 100 gardens in Charleston. The garden has also benefited from the feedback of Prince Charles' horticulturalist who was invited to the garden. Today, it is tended by Mrs. Whaley's daughter, who has put her own touch on it. But don't just read about it - you can visit, too!
Eliza Lucas Pinckney: An Independent Woman in the Age of Revolution by Lorri Glover
We admit this is still on our own reading list, but we were enthralled by the author's lecture given as part of the SC Historical Society's Winter Lecture Series. ELP's impact on this city, state and country cannot be understated, and she’s an imperfect hero we find infinitely fascinating.
Why We Never Danced the Charleston by Harlan Greene
Harlan Greene is a professor and archivist at the College of Charleston, and the brilliant mind behind the Real Rainbow Row tour content. This book tells a story of the gay underground society of 1920's Charleston.
