Your Mississippi Summer Reading List

There's nothing quite like heading to the beach with a good book in hand. The sun, sand, and waves provide the perfect backdrop for escaping into the pages of a great book. But what if you could take that experience to the next level, allowing your summer reading list to be inspired by your surroundings? If you find yourself in Mississippi, there is no shortage of literary luminaries to choose from, and you won’t want to miss the landmarks that were instrumental in shaping their legacies.

Legendary Mississippi Authors

Mississippi has provided the foundation for some of the most prominent American authors’ works—literary giants like William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams. Faulkner's hometown of Oxford, Mississippi, inspired his fictional Yoknapatawpha County. Visitors to Oxford can explore Faulkner's former residence, Rowan Oak, as well as Oxford Square, which served as a backdrop for many of his stories. Faulkner fans also will find a marker honoring Faulkner’s legacy in addition to many others honored along the Mississippi Writers Trail

In the state capital of Jackson, The Eudora Welty House and Garden is a living monument to the writer, and stepping through its doors is like stepping into one of Welty’s stories. The house has been transformed into a museum that offers an intimate glimpse into Welty's life and work. Visitors can explore the meticulously restored interiors, which are filled with personal belongings and family heirlooms, and walk the gardens that inspired her stories. The museum also hosts exhibitions and events related to Welty's life, including writing workshops and book signings by contemporary authors.

Tennessee Williams, the masterful playwright behind classics like A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, is one of Mississippi's greatest cultural exports. His home in Columbus, Mississippi, has been transformed into a museum, the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center, which transports visitors back in time to Williams' world. The museum houses personal belongings, unpublished works, and rare photographs that provide insight into the life of the legendary playwright. 

Mississippi Book Festival Returns Aug 19

In addition to giants of the American literary canon, the diverse experiences of contemporary Mississippians means The Magnolia State supports a vibrant emerging literary scene, too. Each August, the Mississippi Book Festival showcases the diverse and vibrant literary community that thrives in the state. The festival features not only established and celebrated authors, but it also provides a platform for new and upcoming writers to showcase their works and connect with readers.

In years gone by, the Mississippi Book Festival has welcomed renowned authors including John Grisham, Jesmyn Ward, and Greg Iles, all of whom have made appearances to promote their works. These literary icons and many more provide insights into their creative processes and share inspiration for their works. Whether you're interested in exploring the settings that have inspired some of the greatest works of American literature or in discovering new and emerging voices, Mississippi delivers an indelible literary journey to those hungry for adventure—on and off the page. Learn more at https://visitmississippi.org/events/mississippi-book-festival/