From personal journeys and historical fiction to children’s adventures, University of Mary Washington alumni are leaving their literary mark with books that span genres and generations. Whether readers are seeking thought-provoking novels, heartwarming picture books or fun reads for curious kids, they’ll find it in this sample of recently published selections from Mary Wash grads who majored in everything from English to biology.
Veggie Smarts: A Doctor and Farmer Grows and Savors Eight Families of Vegetables
By Michael T. Compton ’93
Published by Regalo Press, April 2025
Part memoir, part science lesson, this book follows the journey of Dr. Michael Compton M.D., M.P.H. from urban psychiatrist to Hudson Valley farmer in eastern New York. Along the way, he digs into the history, flavor and nutritional power of eight vegetable families, offering practical wisdom and personal insight for health-conscious readers and home gardeners alike. Compton, a UVA medical school graduate, who majored in biology and religious studies at Mary Washington, is a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Bigfoot’s Big Heart
By Sarah Glenn Marsh ’10
Published by Viking Books for Young Readers, December 2024
Elementary education major Sarah Glenn Marsh is the author of 28 titles – for kids, teens and adults – that are published, in progress or under contract. In her latest picture book, Bigfoot has a big problem – he’s misplaced his carefully written valentines for fellow mythical monsters around the world. But with a little help from some unexpected friends, he might be able to spread a little love after all. This children’s tale is a celebration of kindness and the power of friendship.
Without You Here
By Jody Hobbs Hesler ’90
Published by Flexible Press, August 2024
In her début novel, Jody Hobbs Hesler introduces Noreen, a woman haunted by a tragedy involving a beloved aunt. As Noreen struggles to hold together a faltering marriage and weather an unraveling sense of self, she must confront grief, memory and the fear of repeating past mistakes. This book offers a reflection on love, loss and resilience. Hesler – an English major who also earned a master of fine arts degree – lives, writes and teaches in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The European Adventures: Digging for Trouble
By Rachel Selle ’06
Published by The Uppercase Lowercase Press, July 2024
Art history major Rachel Selle is an elementary school teacher by day and an author by night, now living in Germany. In the third installment of her European Adventures series, young sleuths Agatha Harrington and her cousins are off to England for an archaeological dig. But things quickly turn mysterious when sabotage threatens the site. Packed with secret codes, history lessons and nighttime escapades, this fast-paced mystery is for curious kids who love adventure and travel tales.
Tangleroot
By Kalela Williams ’00
Published by Feiwel & Friends, October 2024
In this young adult novel, teenager Noni Reid moves with her demanding mother to a former plantation in Virginia. Here, she uncovers buried truths about her ancestry and her town’s racial past. Noni must confront questions of identity, history and legacy in this coming-of-age novel that mixes gothic mystery with a modern twist. Kalela Williams, an English major who also earned a master of fine arts degree, lives in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
University of Mary Washington alumni who have authored books are encouraged to share their publications with Alumni Engagement for inclusion in future features or Class Notes. To connect with other readers and book lovers, consider joining Mary Washington’s Mother of All Book Clubs, which is run by the Alumni Engagement office for UMW alumni, students, families, faculty and staff.
Appreciate opportunity to contribute.
thanks,
Jerri