Later sunsets, warm evenings, the sound of crickets, fireflies flickering and maybe an iced tea — early summer is the perfect time to sit outside with a good book.
Here, we’ve rounded up several books either set here in Alexandria or written by people with strong connections to our area. Some of the books are brand new, but some are older ones you may have missed!
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list — we know we could fill many, many more pages. But, we would love it if you sent us a note at info@alexandrialivingmagazine.com to add your book or Alexandria author suggestions to our list online. Or, send us a book report and tell us what you thought of these!
FICTION
The Wraith and the Rose
by C. J. Brightley
“The Wraith and the Rose is a delightful reimagining of The Scarlet Pimpernel in a Victorian-inspired setting with dangerous Fair Folk and a love worth dying for,” according to the book’s publisher. Brightley, who lives in Alexandria with her husband and two children, is also author of The Lord of Dreams, the Erdemen Honor book series and a number of other fantasy books. Brightley’s started her career in nuclear policy. Now an author full time, Brightley also bakes, makes jewelry and teaches karate. (Don’t mess with her — she’s a black belt in taekwondo.)
You Will Never Dance Alone
by Ross Murphy
You Will Never Dance Alone is set in Alexandria and follows the life of a young immigrant who takes a keen interest in boxing. “He is America’s ‘golden boy’ until fate tragically strikes his life a mortal blow and tests his faith and his sanity to their limits,” according to the publisher. Author Ross Murphy grew up in the Alexandria area and attended Thomas Edison High School. He passed away in 2022.
The Revenge of Magic
by James Riley
Alexandria resident James Riley has published three fantasy novel series: Half Upon a Time, Story Thieves and his latest series, The Revenge of Magic. The latest series focuses on a boy named Fort who attends a government-run school of magic and works with other children to banish the evil Old One. Riley was born in Connecticut, attended Georgetown University and lived in California before moving to Virginia.
Hazel Falls
by John Adam Wasowicz
This new release from local mystery author John Adam Wasowicz tracks the giant tunnel boring machine Hazel (being used in reality for Alexandria Renew’s RiverRenew project) — but in this fictional book, the machine unearths skeletal remains that could be connected to a decades-old cold case. Wasowicz lives in the Mount Vernon neighborhood with his wife. He has three grown sons and is the author of several locally-set mystery novels, including Slaters Lane and Jones Point. By day, he’s an attorney.
The Old Town Horror
by Edward P. Moser
A series of gruesome murders occur at Alexandria’s historic sites during the pandemic — and then criminals start breaking into local banks and townhomes associated with the lives of George Washington, Robert E. Lee and figures from the Civil Rights era. Who’s behind the crimes? The Old Town Horror is Edward Moser’s first fiction book, released in March 2023. Moser lives in Alexandria and has had a long, storied history as a writer, including working for Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” and as a presidential speechwriter. His other published books include The Lost History of the Capitol and The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood.
NON-FICTION
Natural Causes: An Epidemic of Wellness, the Certainty of Dying, and Killing Ourselves to Live Longer
by Barbara Ehrenreich
Longtime Alexandria resident Barbara Ehrenreich’s last book, written after she herself was diagnosed with cancer, focuses on all the ways humans try to live healthier and longer lives. “We may buy expensive anti-aging products or cosmetic surgery, get preventive screenings and eat more kale, or throw ourselves into meditation and spirituality. But all these things offer only the illusion of control. How to live well, even joyously, while accepting our mortality -- that is the vitally important philosophical challenge of this book,” according to the publisher. Ehrenreich is best known for her book Nickle and Dimed, in which she takes a series of minimum-wage jobs and tries to make ends meet. She also won awards for Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking has Undermined America, Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream and This Land is Their Land: Reports from a Divided Nation. Ehrenreich passed away in 2022.
HISTORY
Ghosts of Alexandria
by Michael Lee Pope
Ghosts of Alexandria brings readers through the stories behind Alexandria’s most haunted places. Ghosts includer a Revolutionary War spy, Union and Confederate soldiers, the Female Stranger of Gadsby’s Tavern and spirits at the historic Woodlawn Plantation. Pope is a longtime Alexandria resident. (Also consider reading Haunted Alexandria & Northern Virginia, by J.J. Smith.)
Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture
by Lindsay M. Chervinsky
Presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky’s latest book, Mourning the Presidents, looks at “how different generations and communities of Americans have eulogized and remembered U.S. presidents since George Washington's death in 1799,” according to the publisher. Chervinsky also wrote The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution. Chervinsky lives in Alexandria.
MEMOIRS
Impossible Odds
by Jessica Buchanan
Jessica Buchanan’s original memoir, Impossible Odds, is the harrowing tale of when Jessica and a male colleague were kidnapped by Somali land pirates. The book also details Jessica’s husband’s efforts from afar to rescue her and the eventual arrival of Seal Team VI. Buchanan now speaks nationwide about her ordeal, overcoming challenges and more. Her follow-up book, Deserts to Mountaintops, is a collection of inspiring essays by women who have overcome addiction, abuse and more. Buchanan lives in Alexandria and is co-host of the podcast We Should Talk About That.
Remember This Titan: The Bill Yoast Story — Lessons Learned from a Celebrated Coach's Journey
As told to Steve Sullivan
The real defensive coordinator of the 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team, Bill Yoast passed away in 2019 — but not before telling his story to Steve Sullivan. Yoast was born in Alabama in the 1920s and served in the Army Air Corps before starting his career in physical education. Yoast stayed at T.C. Williams High School until his retirement in 1996 and had much to share in this book about inspiration, integration and intelligence. (Sullivan is a motivational speaker who lives in Connecticut.)
I am NOT
by Rachel Boehm
The award-winning memoir by Alexandria resident Rachel Boehm details her struggles and triumph over a variety of challenges from abuse to eating disorders. “I Am NOT [is] a memoir of triumph over verbal and emotional abuse, bullying, disordered eating, and societal norms. A journey of self-deprecation and the promise of continued growth. An anecdotal warning of the challenges kids, teens, and adults still face today,” according to the publisher. Boehm is now a successful consultant and wellness coach, and she is working toward her Ph.D.
Sobrietease and Sobrietease 2: Make It a Double
by Martha Carucci
Martha Carucci, the executive director at the National Breast Center Foundation, released Sobrietease in 2016 and followed up with Sobrietease 2: Make It a Double in 2020. Carucci writes about her life as a suburban mom and recovering alcoholic in a way that’s relatable and funny — twice. Carucci lives in Alexandria.
