<a href="https://introvertedreader.com/southern-literature-2021/" target="_blank"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/tYfMauF.jpg" alt="2021 Southern Literature Reading Challenge Button" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> During my first book blogging stint, I hosted a few reading challenges, as much for my own benefit as for anyone else’s. One of the challenges I’ve decided to resurrect is the Southern Literature Reading Challenge 2021, focusing on books and authors from the southeastern region of the United States. Table of Contents: Definition of "The South"RulesBIPOC AuthorsReading SuggestionsLevelsSpread the WordSign Up PostsReview LinksWrap Up Posts Definition of "The South" Definitions of the South are flexible, so I’ve decided to base my definition on the current makeup of the Southern Legislative Conference: AlabamaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaKentuckyLouisianaMississippiMissouriNorth CarolinaOklahomaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVirginiaWest Virginia That said, I'm not looking for a debate and I'm flexible. These are only guidelines so use your best judgment. Rules Read books by Southern authors set largely in the SouthYou can read any genre, including fiction or nonfiction, classics or modern worksYou can read books meant for any age groupCrossovers with other challenges are fineAny format that you choose is also acceptableThe challenge will run from January 1 through December 31, 2021A blog is not required for participation; you can also link to reviews on other sites such as GoodReads or LibraryThingSign up anytime throughout the yearI’ve tried to keep this simple but if you have any questions, reach out in the comments, via social media (links in my sidebar), or my contact form.Most importantly, have fun! BIPOC Authors As a White woman from the South, I debated whether I should revive this challenge because of the ongoing racial injustices throughout the country. Some of our books glorify slavery, racism, Jim Crow laws, the Civil War, and the issues surrounding them, each of which I wholeheartedly condemn. Ultimately, I decided that, while these flaws must not be ignored and are a…