Writer Stephanie Soileau embraces a rich, watery world in her debut novel “Should the Waters Take Us.” The story follows the people of Pelerin Parish as they face a natural disaster that shakes the close-knit community that relies on the Gulf waters for their work and culture. The book spans generations of Acadian families, from France to south Louisiana, to examine the meaning of home, family and the bonds that tie them all together despite hardship and adversity. Booklist noted in a starred review “Soileau deftly balances the fragility and desperation of Gulf Coast life with the resilience and pride of its people.” The Garden District Book Shop celebrates the book’s release with Soileau on July 20 at 6 p.m. gardendistrictbookshop.com/events
New Orleans Character
“Quarter Time” by James H. Dormon is a celebration and exploration of a rowdy group of characters living in late 1950s and early 1960s French Quarter. Loosely based on Dormon’s own life and experiences, the collection of short stories follows main character Jake Devlin’s encounters with “petty thieves, barflies, and artists,” according to the book’s description. Gloria K. Fiero, retired University of Lafayette professor emeritus and Dorman’s spouse, edited the collection, which was left behind after his death in 2021. The stories evoke notable authors such as William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams, with former Louisiana Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque noting, “The novel’s drift and repetition motif carries echoes of Joyce, Debussy, and Maeterlinck too as it anticipates the Quarter narratives of the likes of James Nolan and Maurice Carlos Ruffin. A gem truly worthy of the place and its stories.”
Slow Burn
Fans of paranormal romance will love the latest book by author Kristen H. Casey. “The Hands That Treat” combines murder, mystery and heartbreak and love. Set in 1930s New Orleans, Ophelia Oubre takes readers on an adventure through the supernatural and explores the world of the Louisiana traiteur, or healer in Louisiana French, as she tries to uncover the killer that is haunting her loved ones. This spicy read makes for a great July beach read. The Garden District Book Shop hosts Casey in celebration of her book on July 10 at 6 p.m., gardendistrictbookshop.com.
Events
July 1 | Jefferson Parish Library’s Old Metairie Branch hosts “A Perfect Cup of Tea Book Club,” for a discussion of “The Vaster Wilds” by Lauren Groff, 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and BYOM (bring your own mug). calendar.jplibrary.net/event/perfect-cup-tea-book-club-18319
July 14 | The New Orleans Public Library hosts a virtual author talk with New York Times bestselling writer Karin Slaughter. Slaughter will discuss her popular North Fall series. Register in advance to submit questions and for the virtual link. nolalibary.org
July 16 | Baldwin & Co. hosts authors Ocean Vuong and E.M. Tran to discuss Vuong’s latest work, “The Emperor of Gladness.” A TIME Magazine must-read book of the year, the book is, “A sprawling tale of self-discovery and chosen family, The Emperor of Gladness is a deeply sympathetic look at a disenfranchised young man learning how to care for himself and others.” The event will be held in Georges Auditorium at Dillard University, 6 to 8 p.m. For more information and for tickets, visit baldwinandcobooks.com
July 20 | Blue Cypress’ HEA Book Club meets to discuss the romance novel “Scandal of the Summer” at 6:30 p.m. The event includes lively discussion, crafts and activities and is free to attend. Book club books are 10% off in store and online with code HappilyEverAfter. To RSVP and get more information, register online in advance. bluecypressbooks.com/bookclubs/heaclub/july2026
July 23-26 | Black Lit Weekend returns for its fifth year, featuring a celebration of Black independent booksellers, publishers, storytellers, literature and more. Visit blklitwknd.com for tickets, a calendar of events and more information.
