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# Follow the Lemon Racing Dynasty
Take a ride through the raucous racing circuits and strip malls of South Georgia in the new novel, Can't Shake the Dust, by St. Augustine author C.H. Hooks. Throughout the year, we offer programs like Lit Chat Author Talks and Writer's Lab workshops to spotlight our local author community and inspire others to follow in their literary footsteps.
“Can’t Shake the Dust is a singular addition to the South’s raucous storytelling tradition. As much about aging as coming of age, Can’t Shake the Dust takes you beyond-the-track and into the blue-collar lives of those who can’t quit this beautiful, DIY sport. At once hilarious, strange, and tender—this brilliant novel you won’t soon forget...”—Caleb Johnson, author of Treeborne Q11
Lit Chat Interview with C.H. Hooks
He will be in conversation with Shep Shepard from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at Willow Branch Library. After the interview, there will be 20 minutes of audience Q&A followed by a book signing, with copies of his books available for sale on site by Happy Medium Books Café.
Register for this program See all upcoming
C.H. Hooks is the author of the novels Can't Shake the Dust and Alligator Zoo-Park Magic. His work has appeared in print and online publications including: The Los Angeles Review, American Short Fiction, Four Way Review, The Tampa Review, The Bitter Southerner, and Burrow Press. He has been a Tennessee Williams Scholar and Contributor at Sewanee Writers' Conference, and attended DISQUIET: Dzanc Books International Literary Program. He teaches at Flagler College, and lives in St. Augustine.
C.H. Hooks was also one of the many talented local authors who contributed a short story or essay to 15 Views of Jacksonville : Short Stories from a Bold City. The full list includes Sohrab Homi Fracis, Laura Lee Smith, Mark Ari, Teri Youmans Grimm, Tim Gilmore, Marcus Pactor, Michael Wiley, Hurley Winkler, Solon Timothy Woodward, Duncan Barlow, Tiffany Melanson, Jackie Hutchins, Nan Kavanaugh, Alex Ender and Shane Hinton.
Reminder: Reading any book by a Lit Chat author in 2025 counts toward your Jax Stacks Reading Challenge completion. Find out what authors we're hosting and join in on the fun!
#Jax Book Fest 2025
Save the Dates
Held annually at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville, Jax Book Fest is our biggest, boldest celebration of authors, authorship, and the written word. It's also a great opportunity for Jax readers to find and support local authors.
This year, the event takes place over two Saturdays, starting with Jax Book Fest: Writer's Day from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on September 13. That first weekend will focus on workshops for local writers; the second Saturday will be devoted to young readers and connecting them with books they'll love. If you've got kids and teens who love books and want to know more about the people who make them: Join us at Jax Book Fest: Youth Readers' Day from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 20.
Open Call for Local Authors
We are looking for local authors who have published books for children and/or teen readers. As one of our Jax Book Fest local authors, you'll meet new readers and have the opportunity sell and sign copies of your book(s) alongside New York Times bestselling author and U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Mac Barnett, and other authors of regional and national acclaim. If interested, please apply by Friday, August 8.
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