Order of Tayari Jones Books

Tayari Jones is an American author of popular books such as Leaving Atlanta and An American Marriage. Her first novel won the 2003 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Debut Fiction and has since been option for production as a major motion picture. Her books have won multiple awards and been recognized by multiple publications, including as a Oprah’s Book Club selection.

Jones is very educated having attended multiple colleges and eventually receiving her MFA from Arizona State University. She went on to teach creative writing at the University of Illinois and later George Washington University. She also a has a famous sibling in Bomani Jones of ESPN fame.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

If You Like Tayari Jones Books, You’ll Love…

• V.S. Naipaul
• Rebecca Makkai
• Kristin Hannah

Leaving Atlanta is Jones’ first novel. This book tells the story of three Atlanta fifth grade classmates who are heading back to school. It’s not a normal year though as this was the summer of the infamous Atlanta child murders and a new year at school means something much different this year. This book tells the story of the regular struggles to grow up combined with the difficulty to survive in this tumultuous time. A truly moving story that was highly praised at the time of it’s release.

Jones’ latest novel is An American Marriage which was an Oprah Book Club selection. This book tells the powerful story of two black newly weds who are living the American Dream in the New South. Successful and happy, they are figuring out the ins and outs of marriage when disaster strikes. Roy is falsely accused of a crime and is sentenced to twelve years in prison. His wife Celestial does her best to hold on, but life without your husband is hard and she soon founds herself unmoored. This is a powerful book that tells the effects of a wrongful conviction on a young couple.