Books to be inspired By

We’ve partnered with our friends at Hub City Bookshop to curate a list of books that will Delight music, book, and even art lovers alike. We hope you find something new to add to your book list. Happy Reading!

1. Inside the World of Classical Music: 205 Illuminating Mini-essays by Miles Hoffman
   ”The mini-essays in Inside the World of Classical Music are drawn from the South Carolina Public Radio program A Minute with Miles. Personal, down to earth, often funny, always fascinating—since 2011 the “Minutes” have brilliantly illuminated the world of classical music and taken us into that world. What do musicians think about while performing, and what are their nightmares? What is it about Bach’s sacred music that speaks to people of different religions, or of no religion, and what does Mozart’s character Don Giovanni teach us about truth in music? What should you say to a performer after a dreadful performance? And what music would you definitely not want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island? As you read the mini-essays you’ll find the answers to these questions and many more. Your delightful musical journey will be filled with insights and discoveries.” - Hub City Bookshop

2. Southern Women: A New Book from Garden & Gun
   ”From the New York Times-bestselling editors of Garden & Gun comes SOUTHERN WOMEN: More than 100 Stories of Innovators, Artists, and Icons, an inspiring and beautifully designed collection of original interviews, essays, and portraits of more than 100 groundbreaking Southern women whose voices paint a progressive portrait of the region today.” - Hub City Bookshop

3. Above Spartanburg by Kavin Bradner
   ”One of our city’s most creative young artists has captured an extraordinary view of home. During a period of rapid change in this growing post-industrial Southern city, Kavin Bradner quietly moved among us, his drone hovering above. He knew that rooftops tell stories we can’t see from the ground. Waiting for just the right light and weather conditions, Bradner reframed Spartanburg with photographs both simple and powerful. His images illuminate patterns below we hardly knew existed. From our parks to our parking decks, from our freight trains to the Fr8yard, Above Spartanburg will transform the way you look at this city.” - Hub City Bookshop

4. Banjos, Barbecue and Boiled Peanuts by Kirk H. Neely
   "These are stories of warmth and wit, of heart and humor. Thoroughly engaging and undeniably touching, Banjos, Barbecue and Boiled Peanuts is a delight for folks of all ages. So familiar and yet so fresh are these tales that, once you leave, you may want to come back.” - Hub City Bookshop

5. Hub City Music Makers by Peter Cooper
   ”Against the backdrop of Spartanburg's century-old classical music tradition, Music Makers tells the story of the city's other exports─ from blues and jazz musicians of the '30s, the country stars launched by WSPA Radio, to Southern Rock's own Marshall Tucker Band and beyond. Among the Spartanburg-bred musicians included in the book are the Dixie Hummingbirds, Daryle Ryce, and Joe Bennett and the Sparkletones. The book also contains an in-depth interview with the late singer/songwriter Walter Hyatt.” - Hub City Bookshop

Stop by Hub City Bookshop for even more inspired selections.