Detroit-centered books are making their way to summer reading lists. BridgeDetroit has highlighted recently released books written by Detroit authors or with a thematic connection to the city.

Featured Books

Featured writings include historical novel, “A Fortune of Sand” by Ruta Sepetys, political guide, “Black Detroit Democracy Handbook” and historical fiction novel, “Divining Freedom” by Donna Givens Davidson; memoir and self-help book, “The Sketch Collection” by Andre Ebron; and queer romance novel, “Motor City Love Song” by Lisa Peers.

Givens Davidson, Ebron, and Peers discussed the inspiration for their books, how the city shaped them, and key reader takeaways with BridgeDetroit, while Sepetys walked through her process in a panel at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.

Ruta Sepetys’ Inspiration

The Roaring Twenties, Prohibition, and Detroit’s burgeoning industrial and artistic dynasties are put on display in Detroit-native and New York Times Best-Selling author Ruta Sepetys’ historical fiction novel, A Fortune of Sand.

“For me, it starts with an event,” Sepetys said. “I look for stories that I feel are underrepresented, because when history remains hidden in the shadows, the people who experience that history feel forgotten and misunderstood.”

Donna Givens Davidson’s Work

2026 is proving to be a productive year so far for Donna Givens Davidson. The president and CEO of nonprofit Eastside Community Network published two books – her debut novel, “Divining Freedom” in May and the nonfiction title, “Black Detroit Democracy Handbook” earlier this month.

Black Detroit Democracy Handbook and Divining Freedom can be found on Amazon, while Givens Davidson’s novel is also available at the recently opened Howard Family Bookstore.

Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.