Fall 2025 Alumni Book Roundup
September 18, 2025
By
Shannon Raymond ’27
From murder mysteries to beachy rom coms to historical biographies, explore the latest titles published by members of William & Mary’s thriving community of alumni authors.
Analog Synthesis by Christopher Fried ’07
Fried’s second collection of poetry takes inspiration from his time serving as an advisor on the ’80s sci-fi film documentary “In Search of Tomorrow.” He currently works in Richmond, Virginia, as an ocean shipping logistics analyst.
Billy: One Family’s Insane Journey Through the Virginia Mental Health System by Woody Hawthorne ’79
“Billy” tells the story of Hawthorne’s son’s struggle with various mental disorders and addiction, and the roadblocks the family encountered along his path to recovery.
Charlie-Man by Thomas Cullen J.D. ’04
This young adult coming-of-age story follows Charlie Stewart as he struggles to distinguish himself at his prestigious high school while navigating his complex personal relationships. Brandylane Publishers describes the novel as “a heartrending but hopeful story of one boy’s journey toward manhood in the American South.”
Fatherhood: A History of Love and Power by Augustine Sedgewick ’01
Sedgewick’s examination of the evolution of what it means to be a father hit the shelves this May to critical acclaim. “Fatherhood” was named as one of the 40 best books published so far this year by The Economist.
Geographies of the Ear: The Cultural Politics of Sound in Contemporary Barcelona by Tania Gentic ’00
An associate professor in Georgetown University’s Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Gentic delves into the “language and soundscape of post-Franco Barcelona to listen for the remnants of a globalized colonial ear.” Through an examination of the language of the city, everywhere from the radio to drag performances, Gentic presents a unique analysis of Barcelona’s history, culture and future.
The Great Forgotten by Kellie Larsen Murphy ’85, P ’18
Based on a true event, this novel follows the lives of five people in the days leading up to their involvement in the deadliest train crash in U.S. history. Set against the backdrop of World War I and the Prohibition era, this book is called a “must read for lovers of historical fiction and readers all,” by award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Charles Todd.
Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman Paljug ’09
This is the final book in the author’s “Nightingale” mystery series. It follows Vivian Kelly as strangers from the Nightingale night club reenter her life.
“My Name is Not Tom": The Life of the Reverend Josiah Henson by Susan Cooke Soderberg ’67
In this meticulously researched publication, Soderberg presents a detailed biography of Josiah Henson, the man primarily known for inspiring the character of Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” “My Name is Not Tom” goes far beyond this aspect of his legacy to examine Henson’s life as a former slave, respected minister and influential figure in the abolition movement.
New Black Power: A Memoir of Kevin LaVigne Antoine by Kevin L. Antoine J.D. ’90
Antoine’s book recounts his experience running for Congress in Mississippi’s majority-white 4th Congressional District in 1996.
No Friends of Thine by James Irving J.D. ’81
The sixth installment of Irving’s successful detective series was released on Sept. 9. His work draws from his experiences being raised in New England and later living in Virginia, working as a private detective and lawyer.
Reasons To Hate Me by Susan Metallo ’10
Metallo’s debut novel follows autistic teen Jess Lanza as she navigates the challenges of love and friendship in the world of high school. On Sept. 26 from 12-1 p.m., Metallo will join students at Swem Library’s Ford Classroom for a book club discussion of the novel, hosted by the William & Mary Neurodiversity Initiative. Please email libraryoutreach@wm.edu if you would like to attend. Lunch is provided.
Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection by Corinna Barrett Lain ’92, P ’26
Lain’s latest publication is a searing indictment of the use of lethal injection as a form of capital punishment in America. According to the author’s website, “‘Secrets of the Killing State’ pulls back the curtain of secrecy, presenting a view of lethal injection that states have worked hard to hide.”
Sheepish by T. Elizabeth Bell (Tracey Braun ’83, P ’18)
Braun (under the pen name T. Elizabeth Bell) returns with another light-hearted rom-com set in Martha’s Vineyard (where she currently resides). “Sheepish” follows business-minded Aly and her blossoming relationship with fisherman Whit. The book’s synopsis invites readers to “Join Aly, Whit and an endearing cast of Vineyard characters in a charming, sea-swept tale of friendship, forgiveness and the messy, beautiful work of finding yourself — and love.
”Sister Europe by Nell Zink ’85
This critically acclaimed novel follows one whirlwind night in the lives of the attendees of a literary celebration in Berlin. Zink’s unique voice and writing style (described by The New York Times as simply “Zinkish”) are on full display in this captivating tale. The author is a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow in the fiction category.