Michael Perry can now add “12 Year Winner of Favorite Local Author” as a feather in his already massively adorned cap, thanks to his ongoing resonance and devotion to readers in the Valley and beyond. B.J. Hollars continues to charm readers with stories of family antics, but his most recent book, The Road South: Personal Stories of the Freedom Riders, shows that it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come and hard to grapple with how much farther we have to go. Nickolas Butler is a master at work who understands how to simultaneously evoke the fragility and strength of the human heart. He creates a sense of place that resonates with many Valley dwellers, explaining why he is beloved both locally and internationally. — Katy Hackworthy