New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
13 books by Connecticut authors to read ahead of spring
While winter drags its feet and keeps Connecticut residents bundled in coats and blankets, the Nutmeg State has plenty of authors penning new books to keep you distracted.
If you’re looking for something new to read this winter, 13 local authors have put out a variety of books to keep you entertained throughout the frosty season. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, solve a mystery or just escape between the pages of a book, Connecticut authors have a story for you.
Read on for books by 13 local authors.
Our Best Intentions, Vibhuti Jain, Fiction
Guilford native and Yale alum Vibhuti Jain’s debut novel “Our Best Intentions” was released March 14. The story follows a working class Indian American family caught in the middle of a police investigation that leads to a rift within the community. Jain’s novel explores racism, classism and community.
Our Dog Yogi With Other Stories True and Mostly True, James H. Smith, Short story
Bethel author James H. Smith published a collection of short stories about life and family lore in December called “Our Dog Yogi With Other Stories True and Mostly True.”
Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade, Kimberly Behre Kenna, Middle grade
Branford author Kimberly Behre Kenna published her environmentally conscious middle grade novel in February. “Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade” is about a young girl who calls on the ghosts of deceased ecologists to help her protect a local salt marsh. Behre Kenna pledged a portion of her book proceeds to the ecological nonprofit Save the Sound.
The Davenports, Krystal Marquis, Young adult fiction
Hartford’s Krystal Marquis published her debut young adult novel at the end of January. “The Davenports” is the first book in her duology that follows four Black women as they navigate life and social barriers in the early 1900’s. The book was selected as Barnes & Noble’s February 2023 Young Adult Book Club Pick.
Heavenly Headbutts: Reflections of Hope about Cats and Eternity, Allia Zobel Nolan, Religion
Norwalk author Allia Zobel Nolan published her book “Heavenly Headbutts: Reflections of Hope about Cats and Eternity” in December. The book looks at the loss of a pet through the lens of religion to provide comfort while grieving.
Reef Road, Deborah Goodrich Royce, Thriller
Riverside author Deborah Goodrich Royce published “Reef Road” in January. The novel was inspired by a real crime and tells the story of how an unsolved crime connects two strangers 70 years later when a severed hand washes up on a beach.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free, Sophronia Scott, Historical fiction
Sandy Hook author Sophronia Scott published her latest book “Wild, Beautiful, and Free” March 1. The novel follows a biracial woman who has to find her own way in the world after her stepmother sells her into slavery. After escaping slavery the main character tries to find a place where she belongs just before the Civil War.
The Sweet Spot, Amy Poeppel, Fiction
Kent author Amy Poeppel’s latest book “The Sweet Spot” was released in February. Three unlikely women come together to care for an infant in a strange series of events that involves a divorce, a viral TikTok and a local bar.
For Your Twenties, Anna Rodin, Self help
Cheshire’s Anna Rodin published her book “For Your Twenties: A Guide to Staying Connected Amidst the Chaos” in January. Rodin is a student at UConn and in her book she offers tips and on how to get through your 20s based on her personal struggles with anxiety and depression.
How I’ll Kill You, Ren DeStefano, Thriller
New Haven area author Ren DeStefano’s novel “How I’ll Kill You” will be published March 21. A set of identical triplets travel around the country making men fall in love with them to only murder them. When the youngest sister falls in love her sisters push her to kill the man instead of pursuing the relationship.
My Search for Meaning: The Myron Stories, Henry Alan Paper, Short story
Founder and former owner of Best Video in Hamden, Henry Alan Paper aka Hank Paper published a collection of short stories in February. “My Search for Meaning: The Myron Stories” is a series of short stories that involve a bear in the basement, traveling with grandma and body snatchers.
You Must Remember This, Kat Rosenfield, Thriller
Norwalk author Kat Rosenfield’s latest novel was published in January. “You Must Remember This” follows a whodunnit about a wealthy matriarch suffering from dementia who dies when she falls through the ice surrounding her island home and the family with too many motives to plot her death.
Healing Hearts and Minds, Tracy Livecchi, Self help
Westport social worker Tracy Livecchi cowrote “Healing Hearts and Minds: A Holistic Approach to coping Well with Congenital Heart Disease” with psychologist Liza Morton in January. Together the two authors offer guidance on how caregivers and people living Congenital Heart Disease can navigate the psychosocial effects of the disease.