Dolen Perkins-Valdez shares the riveting history behind her new book, Happy Land, the research surprises she uncovered, and how urgency drives her storytelling.

In today's Book Gang episode, New York Times bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez joins me to discuss Happy Land, a transporting novel inspired by the true story of a lost kingdom built by freed people in the hills of North Carolina. 

This dual-timeline story explores land, lineage, and the courage it takes to reclaim what is yours. Dolen's excavation process informs this sweeping novel—even uncovering a few historical inaccuracies along the way. The result is a stunning celebration of Black heritage and a poignant reclamation of overlooked American history that has captivated her readers.

In this moving conversation, Dolen and I discuss:

• Why Dolen feels an urgency behind each book she writes—and how it drives her to shape her manuscripts
• The immersive research that brought the Kingdom community to life, including conversations with local historians and surprising archival discoveries.
• How the concept of royalty and reclamation shaped the story—and why the roles of Black women in these communities are long overdue for deeper recognition.

BONUS BOOK LIST: This week, I'm sharing a companion list of 27 Historical Fiction Book Club Books to Check Out Now, featuring new releases and timeless backlist picks that will spark incredible conversations within your book club.

Meet Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Dolen Perkins-Valdez is the New York Times bestselling author of Wench, Balm, Take My Hand, and her newest novel, Happy Land. Her work has earned honors from the NAACP, the American Bar Association, and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, and she's been recognized as one of the most vital voices chronicling American historical life.

In addition to her writing, Dolen is an associate professor of literature at American University. She has introduced modern editions of Twelve Years a Slave and Behind the Scenes, bringing an unflinching dedication to uncovering hidden histories and amplifying overlooked Black stories. She lives in Washington, DC, with her family.

 Mentioned in this episode:

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Download Today's Show Transcript

Join the June Book Club Chat (The Reckless Oath We Made)

BONUS BOOK LIST: 27 Historical Fiction Book Club Books For Your Next Meeting

Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Take My Hand Book Club Discussion on Patreon

Ocean Vuong

Black History Research Committee

Sadie Smathers Patton

The Black Utopians by Aaron Robertson

Blue Ridge Archive Web Exhibit

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

The Queen of Sugar Hill by Rashonda Tate

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