One Book One New Orleans’ 2026 selection is “Libre” by poet Skye Jackson. The collection explores themes of freedom, family, romantic relationships and the struggles and triumphs of growing up as a young Black woman in New Orleans. “Libre” is Jackson’s debut release and has already garnered praise from fellow writers and editors. Her work has been featured in “The Southern Review,” “Rattle,” “Green Mountains Review,” and was included in the Library of Congress “Poetry 180 Project.” The nonprofit One Book One New Orleans’ supports literacy by sharing “the experience of reading and discussing a selected book each year and providing literacy resources to organizations and individuals throughout our community.” onebookonenola.org
New Orleans Sets and Sense
The (mostly) New Orleans-shot and locally produced Netflix rom-com “People We Meet on Vacation” was a huge hit for writer Emily Henry, on whose book the film was based. Fans of Henry will be pleased to learn that the streaming service is currently producing two more adaptations, “Happy Place” and “Funny Story.” Add these splashy romantic novels to your spring beach or poolside reads.
Events
March 3
Baldwin & Co. hosts entrepreneur and author of “The Soul Instinct” for an evening of conversation about her blockbuster business, The Honey Pot, what inspires her and her inspirational story, 6 to 8 p.m. baldwinandcobooks.com
March 4
The New Orleans Public Library hosts New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry, 1 to 2 p.m., for a virtual author talk titled, “Humor, Heart and Reflective Rural Stories.” Perry will discuss his memoir, “Population: 485,” and novel, “Jesus Cow.” nolalibrary.org
March 10
Stop by the New Orleans Public Library table at the Crescent City Farmer’s Market, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Batture. Learn about library resources and programs and get or renew your library card. nolalibrary.org
March 12-15
The fifth annual New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University highlights award-winning authors, documentarians, scholars and leaders from across the U.S. and New Orleans. The festival is free, with programming available for adults, as well as young readers at the Family Day Fest. bookfest.tulane.edu
March 12
Writer Kate Quinn joins the New Orleans Public Library’s Virtual Author Talk series, 6 to 7 p.m., for “Book Portals and Journeys of Literary Magic.” Quinn will discuss her latest fantasy book, “The Astral Library.” nolalibrary.org
March 25
Author Night at the Nora Navra Library hosts writers Tom Andes, Danny Cherry, Ariadne Blayde and Jon Hébert for readings and a discussion of “Mystery and Noir,” 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org
