A Musical Tribute
While most of us know him for his iconic voice and musical abilities, New Orleans’ own Harry Connick, Jr. debuts his first book later this month. “Babe: Elaboratio.” The memoir/biography is a tribute to the life of his mother, Anita-Francis Livingston Connick, also known as “Babe.” Connick follows her life, from growing up in New York to her career as one of the first female judges in New Orleans. The book commemorates his mother on her 100th birthday, along with Connick’s first ever performance at Carnegie Hall. He writes, “It was her dream to see me perform at Carnegie Hall. She made this known to me at an early age. She always said it with a smile, but I knew she really meant it. I never performed at Carnegie Hall because I wanted to save it for a special occasion. That occasion finally became a reality on May 22, 2026, the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of my mom, Anita-Francis Livingston Connick.” The book features rare photos, personal memories and a unique score written by Connick.
Louisiana Celebration
The Louisiana Center for the Book at the State Library of Louisiana recently announced its selections for the 2026 National Book Festival’s theme “Great Reads from Great Places.” For adult readers, “You Are My Sunshine: Jimmie Davis & the Biography of a Song” by Robert Mann highlights the fascinating story behind the famous song. For young readers, “Soggy Like Cush Cush” by Karly Pierre with illustrations by Kristen Uroda is a “Creole culture, family, and community,” according to the state’s press release. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungessor goes on to note, “Louisiana’s stories have always captured the imagination of readers because they are rooted in culture, resilience, family, and community. From a treasured song known across the nation to the traditions of a Louisiana Creole family, these selections highlight the many ways our stories connect people.”
Culinary Tradition
“Boucherie” by Chase Cormier details everything you ever wanted to know about the timeless tradition of a whole pig roast, snout to tail, so to speak. From a history of the hunt to butchering practices and the heritage of a Louisiana community tradition, Cormier highlights the importance of this unique, shared experience. A former-butcher-turned food historian and scholar, Cormier examines the practice, Cajun history, heritage and evolution into a modern age.
Events
Sept. 5
Join Shannon Kelley Atwater, author and illustrator of “Goodnight Pothole” and “Alligators Don’t Like Flowers,” for a special story time reading of her latest picture book “Good Day, Louisiana Children’s Museum,” 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. octaviabooks.com
Sept. 15
The JCC holds is monthly book club meeting, 1:30 to 3 p.m., to discuss “The Boy from the North Country” by Sam Sussman. Free and open to the public. RSVP by Sept. 14 to attend. nojcc.org/events/2026/09/15/active-adult/september-book-club
Sept. 20
Blue Cypress Books hosts The Coterie, a literary salon exclusively for book worms, literary lovers and “the curious and marginally snooty,” 4:30 to 7 p.m. Details are TBD as of press time. RSVP to the event link for more information as it is announced. bluecypressbooks.com/event/TheCoterie/September26
Sept. 24
Writer Hallie Elizabeth Newton discusses her new novel “Agnes Lives!” from 6 to 8 p.m. at Garden District Bookshop. gardendistrictbookshop.com
Sept. 26
Join writer Marielle Songy for a coffee/author talk to discuss her new book “Coffee Culture New Orleans, hosted by the New Orleans Public Library, Norman Mayer branch, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fresh brewed coffee samples from Hey! Café will be served. nolalibrary.org
