Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, Amy Holland and Lisa Patton Go Behind the Scenes on Their Collaboration (Exclusive)
The trio teamed up on a new song 'If Not For You' to accompany Patton's Woodstock novel 'Kissing the Sky'
By Lizz Schumer
Readers and music lovers alike have something to look forward to in Lisa Patton's new book, Kissing the Sky. The novel, which came out March 1 from Lake Union Publishing, takes readers back to the summer of 1969, where the groovy chaos of Woodstock collides with a quietly rebellious Southern girl just coming into her own...
22 Southern-Set Books to Curl up With on the Porch This Spring
Trust me: I've read hundreds of Southern novels and these are the cream of the crop!
BY MADISON MCGEE
As a former Ole Miss sorority girl, I love that this novel is packed with nostalgic nods to life on campus and some of my favorite memories from my Sorority Row days. The plot follows a handful of Greek hopefuls and seasoned sorority members preparing for recruitment in the fictional Alpha Delta Beta sorority.
Cali, a small-town girl, wants nothing more than to fit in, even though she doesn't know the first thing about Ole Miss's competitive rush process. Meanwhile, Wilda, a sorority alum, is set on her daughter becoming a member of her chapter. The issue? Lilith, the House Corp president, will stop at nothing to ensure her own daughter secures a spot, even at the detriment to other sorority hopefuls. When Miss Pearl, the chapter's beloved housekeeper is passed over for a promotion, the members band together to forever change the Greek system for the better.
Legendary Rocker and His Wife Team Up on New Song for Woodstock Novel
News Writer, Parade
A new novel set during the legendary Woodstock festival is getting a soundtrack of its own—courtesy of a five-time Grammy winner.
Lisa Patton’s upcoming book “Kissing the Sky” will be accompanied by an original song co-written and produced by Doobie Brothers member Michael McDonald, with vocals by his wife, Amy Holland...
By Suzanne Van Atten
BOOKSHELF
March book releases include 5 Southern novels and a tasty food memoir
Joshilyn Jackson, Tommy Hays and Lisa Patton among authors publishing books this month...
What to Read This March
Contributor: Stephanie Elliot
Kissing The Sky by Lisa Patton
Suzannah is a gifted young singer whose strict father bans rock music in the home. Ready for something more, she sneaks off with her best friend to attend Woodstock, and those three days of music, love and revelations will transform her. This coming-of-age story, set in the backdrop of one of the most iconic musical events in history, will delight readers as Suzannah finds her own voice – on stage and within herself.
By Suzanne Van Atten
BOOKSHELF
March book releases include 5 Southern novels and a tasty food memoir
Joshilyn Jackson, Tommy Hays and Lisa Patton among authors publishing books this month...
A Conversation with Lisa Patton
Celebrating Kissing the Sky
Today we are pleased to bring you a conversation between F&F’s co-host and co-founder Patti Callahan Henry and bestselling novelist Lisa Patton whose new novel Kissing the Sky hit bookstores everywhere yesterday.
Kissing the Sky is Lisa’s first foray into historical fiction with a soulful, nostalgic story of a young woman coming of age in the ‘60s to the blare of the music that shaped a generation. This dual timeline narrative follows Suzannah as she escapes the confines of her strict, conservative Southern home to embark on a road trip to upstate New York for three days of peace and music, and then through present-day reminiscences as Suzannah journeys back to Woodstock 50 years later with her granddaughter...
Lisa Patton | Conversations in Character with Suzannah
Book Title: KISSING THE SKY
Character Name: Suzannah
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
Weird. My dad is a strict army colonel, very tough on my brother and me. Despite the fact that I’m a rising sophomore in college, he treats me like I’m a child. He scrutinizes every article of clothing I put on my body and insists I change if he dislikes my outfit. My poor mother can’t make the bed without him criticizing her. If the corners aren’t perfect, she gets yet another “tutorial.” When I was little, he wasn’t quite as bad, but ever since he made my brother, Ron, enlist in Vietnam, he’s become a tyrant...
Lisa Patton Captures Joy at Woodstock and Terror in Vietnam in Kissing the Sky
I immediately felt a connection with Suzannah Withers, the protagonist in Lisa Patton’s novel, "Kissing the Sky." In August,1969, I was about to enter my senior year at Syracuse University. During the spring, the campus had been roiled with demonstrations against the Vietnam War.
Even without MAGA, the nation was divided – younger liberals were against the war, older conservatives, for it. Family members, as we see these days, were on opposing sides, making holidays contentious.
I thought we had left those times behind, but with Trump now launching a war in Iran, we are seeing history repeat itself. So far, there have not been boots on the ground, but service members have already died. Who knows how many more? And for what?
20 selections from authors across the South to chip away at your 2026 reading goal.
Kissing the Sky by Lisa Patton
It’s the summer of ’69. While her peers revel in free love and rock and roll, Suzannah is home from college, sequestered inside her conservative Southern home. Her domineering father has condemned rock music and driven away her best friend. She’s counting the days until fall. But everything changes when her free-spirited best friend, Livy, resurfaces, urging Suzannah, a talented singer, to join her for three days of peace and music in upstate New York.
The Earle Farrell 4Memphis Show
The Earle Farrell 4Memphis Show featuring Memphis native, entertainment industry veteran, and bestselling author, Lisa Patton! Lisa talks about her new novel, Kissing the Sky, which is “a triumphant coming-of-age story and a love letter to Woodstock and the music and musicians of the 60’s”.
PODCAST
I’m excited to be joined on the show today by guest author, Lisa Patton. On this episode we’re going to talk about her new book, Kissing the Sky, a soulful, nostalgic novel about a young woman coming of age in the '60s to the blare of the music that shaped a generation.
WREG CHANNEL 3 MEMPHIS
A new book is addressing the issues of women from across the social ladder and it is set right here in the Mid-South. In the new book "Rush," readers will get an in-depth look at just how intense and hectic sorority life can be on young women in college.Lisa Patton is the author and has a book signing later today at Novel Memphis.
Live with Adriana Trigiani and Lisa Patton
A conversation about KISSING THE SKY by Lisa Patton
A new book is addressing the issues of women from across the social ladder and it is set right here in the Mid-South. In the new book "Rush," readers will get an in-depth look at just how intense and hectic sorority life can be on young women in college.Lisa Patton is the author and has a book signing later today at Novel Memphis.
Live with Adriana Trigiani and Lisa Patton by Adriana Trigiani
A conversation about KISSING THE SKY by Lisa Patton
Read on SubstackPAST NEWS
Lisa’s book, RUSH, was a Daily Double question on Jeopardy.
“That was really fun for me to write a character who could stand up for what’s right.” Author Lisa Patton talks to host J.T. Ellison about Rush on Nashville Public Television’s, A Word on Words.
NEWS ARCHIVES
October 14, 2011 , Yankee Doodle Dixie is number 8 on the SIBA (Southern Independent Booksellers Association) bestseller list!
October 7, 2011 , Yankee Doodle Dixie is number 12 on the SIBA (Southern Independent Booksellers Association) bestseller list!
September 28, 2010 is the release date for the trade paperback of Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter. It has been selected as a Target Breakout Book from Emerging Authors and will go on sale 10/10/10 in all Target Stores. Thank you Target!
The Salt Lake County Library System is pleased to announce that Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter, has been selected as a nominee for the semi-annual Reader's Choice Award.
7.01.18 - Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance names RUSH a Summer 2018 Okra Pick.
5.27.18 - The Atlanta Journal Constitution praises RUSH, saying "Told with humor and heart, Rush is a story of right versus wrong, of old traditions pitted against modern ideas and changing times."
5.25.18 - Deep South Magazine includes RUSH in their 2018 Best Summer Reading.
5.07.18 - Southern Living Magazine includes RUSH in Best Beach Reads of 2018.
