The Bitter Southerner Magazine - issue no. 1

The Bitter Southerner Magazine

by Josina Guess (Editor)

The Bitter Southerner print magazine, more than a dozen stories printed and bound and soon to be in your hands, is a dream come true for our team.

In this first issue, you’ll spot stories from across our region. You’ll also find poetry, moments of nostalgia, amazing art, road trips, a mesmerizing Valerie June, and long-form stories of social change, our environment, and the Southern food and music for which we’ve become known.

Lolis Eric Elie, Charles Bethea, Rinne Allen, and Amy C. Evans … represented here is a mix of some of the best writers, photographers, and illustrators working today. Part of what makes doing this work so special is the talent of those contributors. On occasion, we discover a new talent that resets our expectations. Photographer Imani Khayyam is one of those talents. Do not miss his story written by Kelundra Smith.

You will also — excuse us while we steady ourselves — find a letter from one of our true heroes. President Jimmy Carter has penned a letter to all of us. We are humbled and honored to share his “Letter From Home” with you. We’ve included handwritten lyrics by Jason Isbell and poetry from Nikky Finney.

150 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Richard Bakare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember the first time I heard about The Bitter Southerner, I thought, “really, you just can’t let this go?” I assumed it was an outlet for the sons and daughters of the defeated mourning for a flavor of the South I don’t celebrate. Rebel flags, white robes, and racist chants. I was wrong then and with every new medium they touch I am glad I gave it a try.

The combination of photo journalism and long form pieces that this magazine showcases is telling a much more complete story of the South and its diversity than the news would lead you to believe. From music makers, to environmentalist, to artists, and politicians. They Bitter Southerner captures the experiences and complexities of the lives of everyday southerners from all walks of life.

It’s like a gumbo of life and perspectives in the South. It does not overly romanticize or revise any aspect of this experience. It’s these raw, emotional, and truth telling types of stories that make reading worthwhile. More importantly, in sharing a new story about what the South is, we make for a Better South and maybe a Better World.

[Carrie Ives · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the art and the stories and the smell of the ink.