What to Get for the Book Lover Who Has Everything? One of These Local Authors’ Books That’s What!
Looking for the perfect gift for your book lover this Christmas? Give your reader a gem this holiday season: a story written by one of the many talented writers who claim the DMV as their home. #FrayLife put together a list of local authors who will satisfy all your reading lover’s literary needs this winter, no matter what genre they prefer.
Laura Hillenbrand
Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the American soldier whose plane crashed into the Pacific, leaving him adrift in the wide open ocean for 47 days before being captured by the Japanese? That’s right! The author of the best-selling book, Unbroken, grew up right here in DC. Having written another best-selling piece titled Seabiscuit, it is safe to say Hillenbrand is best known for her work in non-fiction.
George Pelecanos
If you’re looking for a book set in or around the DC area, detective fiction writer George Pelecanos has got you covered. Having spent a brief time as a private investigator, Pelecanos will keep your mind active through fast-paced plots of his 20+ novels. He also dabbles in television writing, collaborating with David Simon on the HBO series The Wire and Treme. Pelecanos recently published a novel in September titled The Man Who Came Uptown, a story about a man released from prison into the modified version of the DC he remembers, with the attraction to crime still being prominent.
Carolyn Parkhurst
Having received an MFA in fiction from American University, Parkhurst decided to continue her life in DC after graduation to do what she loves most: write. Well-known for having written best selling 2003 novel The Dogs of Babel, Parkhurst’s most recent 2016 release, Harmony, tells an emotionally tolling story of a family who lives in DC and faces an unnatural problem that alters them forever. Parkhurst still resides in the District with her husband and two kids, and her works of fiction are sure to satisfy mature readers across the board.
Sarah Pekkanen
Having grown up in Bethesda, Maryland, Pekkanen had a long journey on her way to becoming an international best seller. She started as a journalist on Capitol Hill and moved around to various other reporting jobs before writing a column at a magazine in Bethesda and finally moving on to novel writing, an art she does particularly well. Some of her most well-known titles include The Best of Us and The Perfect Neighbors, as well as 2018 release The Wife Between Us. Pekkanen is set to publish another book in 2019, so give your book lover a relatable work of fiction from a current author from the DMV!
David Baldacci
Chances are you recognize the name of this author from Richmond, Virginia, who specializes in mystery novels and thrillers. Having graduated law school at the University Virginia, Baldacci went on to practice law in DC for nine years when he turned to novel writing at the tail end of his law career. He published his first international best seller, Absolute Power, in 1996, and has written over 30 novels to date. Some of his most famous works include The Innocent and Split Second, as well as 2018 release The Fallen.
Tom Clancy
Perhaps one of the most well-known writers of military and espionage was novelist Tom Clancy. Former resident of our neighboring city, Baltimore, Maryland, Clancy was, at one point, part owner of the Baltimore Orioles. He has written various bestsellers including his first novel published in 1984, The Hunt for Red October, as well as Red Storm Rising and Patriot Games. Clancy is the go-to author for your military and spy enthusiasts.
Odds are everyone has a book lover on their Christmas list, but why give them just any old book? Give the gift of local this holiday season and support the authors of the DMV! To take your reading experience to the next level, check out our article on local book clubs.
View More Articles By Haley Dick