Notable Detroit books 2023 are written by inspiring individuals with diverse backgrounds despite experiencing the same city. Detroit has a rich history, which lends itself well to the written word as there are so many individual voices to paint their own story on the mural of Detroit.
Young Detroit and metro Detroit authors are making a mark on publishing in new ways. You can also count on the traditional to leave an impact when it comes to Detroit books. Enjoy historical photographs and visual displays of how far Detroit has come, through various perspectives, including a collaboration with The Detroit News.
Detroitisit rounded up a list of notable Detroit books and the incredible authors that imagined them into being. Buying books from local bookstores helps support the Detroit community. In case you missed the Detroit Book Fest, here are Detroit books to read with online purchasing. Any way you get your hands on these books, you’ll be supporting Detroit authors.
GEORGE LATHAM IV, PHOTO @BITTYG4 ON INSTAGRAM
I CAN BE AND I CAN BE (SPORTS EDITION)-GEORGE LATHAM IV
You’ll be seeing, hearing, and reading more from this next young man. Detroitisit already featured him in a recent list of “young Detroit changemakers” if that says anything about his accomplishments! 8-year-old author George Latham IV was born from Detroit natives. His parents have helped his leadership shine ever since! Known as “Mr. President” at school, George has his sights set on becoming one (as it says so in his first coloring book: I Can Be). Detroit kids his age should feel inspired by George to read more and aim for the stars. In February 2023, he released his second sports edition of I Can Be. Learn more about George and his books on his website HERE.
LIFE LESSONS-BRILLANT DETROIT ORG
The road to publication is a journey that eventually requires helping hands/support along the way. Andy Gutman, 54, knows what it’s like to be a teenager with the pure joy of writing song lyrics and stories. Although he’s a Novi resident, his work made a spot on our list of notable Detroit 2023 books. Check out the songs that accompany each of his heartfelt books: Charlie the Caterpillar (2017), Pop Lullaby (2017), Even (2018), What Can I Be Today (2018), and Be Kind (2019). He ended up donating his book proceeds to the non-profit organization, Brilliant Detroit. Gutman helps youth in metro Detroit to help them become authors. He and 19 children from Brilliant Detroit are co-authors of the book Life Lessons from Brilliant Detroit which was published in 2022. Click HERE to purchase on the Gutcheck Books website or HERE to purchase on Amazon.
“150 YEARS OF DETROIT HISTORY: THROUGH THE LENS OF THE DETROIT
150TH ANNIVERSY OF THE DETROIT NEWS, PHOTO @DETROITNEWS ON INSTAGRAM
NEWS” (PEDIMENT PUBLISHING-MARCH 2023)
Speaking of collaborative books, get ready for “150 Years of Detroit History: Through the Lens of The Detroit News” (Pediment Publishing; $44.95). According to the Detroit News, special Detroit books like this one-of-a-kind will be a historical deep dive into Detroit’s history. The 160-page collectors’ edition features award-winning journalism and photojournalism. Flooded with historic images and headlines, this bounded treasure encapsulates the uniqueness of Detroit through the years. Flip through legendary landmarks, such as Michigan Central Station and the Ambassador Bridge. The best part is that the proceeds go to charity! Click HERE to purchase from Pediment.
MNB ’23 IN THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, PHOTO @EBONDYLADELLE ON INSTAGRAM
2023 MICHIGAN NOTABLE BOOKS
Did you know that each year, the Michigan Notable Book (MNB) list features 20 books, published during the previous calendar year? All of the books are about or set in Michigan, or written by a Michigan author. Detroit books have found their way onto several exciting lists! Here are just a couple from MNB to help spread the word even further:
Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm by Dan Charnas – MCD Books
This must be a good book, considering it has numerous “best books” lists under its belt. Detroit has a unique sound to the city in a literal sense. Discover the musicology and cultural history weaves into Dilla Time. Dan Charnas also incorporates a stunning biography of the underrated Detroit American record producer, drummer, rapper and songwriter, J Dilla. New beats were created because of his genius. Click HERE to purchase.
Ferne: a Detroit Story by Barbara Henning – Spuyten Duyvil
Detroit notable books 2023 and any year, for that matter, have a way of telling beautiful historic stories through photographs. Read Ferne: a Detroit Story for an elaborate look at the author’s mother, which can paint a picture of our own mothers’ & their lives. Ferne Hostetter died when the author was 11 years old. You’ll learn about their connection and loss through family photos, newspaper clippings, and extracts from historical sources about the 1920s through the 1950s. Click HERE to purchase.
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