Fiction
Harbor of Bitter Tears: Charleston, S. C. 1861, Thomas Sprankle, 2005
A southern socialite drags her wealthy family into a foreign conspiracy designed to push the United States into war.
South of Broad, Pat Conroy, 2009
This sweeping novel from Pat Conroy is narrated by mild-mannered newspaper editor Leopold Bloom King. Raised in a family overshadowed by tragedy, he finds a place in a tightly knit group of high school outsiders. Over the next 20 years, the group will experience heartbreak, disappointment, success, but most importantly, friendship.
Nonfiction
Peninsula of Lie: A True Story of Mysterious Birth and Taboo Love, Edward Ball, 2005
This nonfiction mystery uncovers the unusual life of Dawn Langley Simmons, a British writer who lived in Charleston during the 1960’s and became the center of one of the city’s most notorious scandals.
Hidden History of Old Charleston, Margaret Middleton Rivers Eastman, 2010
Detailing stories of people, events and places that have vanished from memory, Eastman’s book of stories uncovers Charleston’s forgotten past.
Films
The Patriot, Roland Emmerich, 2000
Mel Gibson stars as a South Carolina farmer thrust into the midst of the American Revolutionary War after British officers murder his beloved son.
Prince of Tides, Barbra Streisand, 1991
Based on the 1986 novel of the same name, Nick Nolte stars as a South Carolina teacher struggling to overcome the psychological damage inflicted by his dysfunctional upbringing.
The Big Chill, Lawrence Kasdan, 1983
Filmed on location in Beaufort, South Carolina, the Big Chill follows a group of college friends who reunite after a member of their posse commits suicide.
Cold Mountain, Anthony Minghella, 2003
Set against the stark backdrop of the Civil War, this critically acclaimed drama stars Jude Law as a soldier struggling to make it home to Cold Mountain, North Carolina, where his fiancé awaits.
Dear John, Lasse Hallström, 2010
A little cheesy but undeniably romantic, Dear John is set in coastal South Carolina, Channing Tatum stars as a soldier chasing the woman he loves.
Legend of Bagger Vance, Robert Redford, 2000
Matt Damon stars as a World War I veteran turned amateur golfer playing in the biggest tournament of his career. He meets a mystical caddy (Will Smith), who helps him come to grips with his personal demons and play the round of his life.
The Lords of Discipline, Franc Roddam, 1983
Private Will McLean has arrived at the Carolina Military Institute for his senior year and is assigned to watch over the Institute’s first African-American student, Pearce. Facing opposition from “the Ten”, a secret group of elite cadets, McLean finds himself risking his career to protect his charge.
The Notebook, Nick Cassavettes, 2004
A modern classic, the Notebook tells the epic story of two star-crossed lovers in 1940’s South Carolina.
