‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Why author Tayari Jones came home
Author Tayari Jones is no stranger to telling Atlanta stories.
From her debut, “Leaving Atlanta,” to the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction-winning novel “An American Marriage,” the city is and always has been a muse.
After releasing her fifth book, “Kin,” in February, Jones spoke to “It’s UATL” hosts Najja Parker and Nedra Rhone about family, friendship and why this fiction novel is her most Southern to date.
Jones also talked about coming home to spend time with her parents, and how that relationship influenced familial themes throughout “Kin.” It’s also why, she tells the hosts, the story reimagines life in 1950s and ’60s Atlanta.
“I came home to get to know them better,” she tells the hosts.
“I think this book said to me, ‘Oh you want to get to know them better? You need to get to know their era better.’”
This week’s episode
This week’s episode also includes discussion around Pinky Cole’s addition to the cast of “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Listener side note: this segment was recorded before the Slutty Vegan founder filed for and parodied her own bankruptcy.
The hosts also talk about the Black acts at Shaky Knees they’re excited to see, their take on lemon pepper wings potentially becoming Georgia’s official chicken wing and the BAFTA controversy.
Related reads from UATL and AJC
Follow the stories that inspired this week’s episode.
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Roll credits
“It’s UATL” comes from DeAsia Paige, Nedra Rhone, Najja Parker, Isabelle Kerby-McGowan, Cara Shillenn, Gavin Godfrey, Shane Beckler, Ron Williams, Matt Gannon, Keith Lovely Jr., Megan Nadolski, Samantha Stamler and Janel Davis.
About the Author
Gavin Godfrey is an editor and Team Lead for UATL, the AJC's Black culture franchise. He's an award-winning writer and editor from Atlanta who's covered everything from OutKast to the water boys. Before joining the AJC, Gavin worked for Capital B Atlanta, CNN, and Creative Loafing.