Rankine’s Triage transcends genre to reflect on memory, art, and pain
In her latest book, Triage, poet, essayist, and playwright Claudia Rankine explores the devastation in Gaza, Afro-Caribbean womanhood, whiteness, and other themes through the turbulent relationship of the narrator and a nonbinary character called “the theorist.” Rankine will appear at the 2026 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville on October 17-18.
A writer finds hope in the movement to grant fresh waters the right to flow freely
In The Midnight Special, Colin Asher explores our deep fascination with prison songs and their singers
Clutch follows five women confronting midlife
Life on the Octopus Farm considers the ethical and practical challenges of mass producing an extraordinary animal for human consumption
Ways to Support the WorkChapter 16, launched in October 2009, is an online journal about books, writers, and literary events in Tennessee and serves as the state affiliate of the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress.
We cover novels set here; histories involving Tennessee events or locations; authors who live here, were born or educated here; and out-of-state writers when they give readings or participate in book signings anywhere in the state. We also publish original poems and essays by prominent Tennessee authors (including previews of their works in progress).
Your donations help us continue to engage in the stories of the past and present to build a better future for Tennesseans. Contributions help make Chapter16 possible and ensure it remains free for the community. Individual gifts, foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships help connect communities through shared stories and allow us all to build a better future for all Tennesseans.
