By Kameron Jones, Program Analyst, Reproductive and Maternal Health, AMCHP
Is this your first time visiting Washington, DC? Are you worried about finding time to explore the city during the busy conference schedule? Or perhaps you are not able to attend this year but still want to connect with DC’s rich history and culture?
We know that not everyone will have the opportunity to experience the city in person, so we’ve put together the AMCHP 2025 Local Reading List—a curated collection of books that bring DC’s history, communities, and culture to life. Whether you’re interested in historical fiction, contemporary social issues, or stories set against the backdrop of DC, this list offers something for everyone.
Check out our list below, which is in no particular order, and happy reading!
AMCHP 2025 Local Reading List
The House of Eve – Sadeqa Johnson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why read this book? Set in 1950s DC and Philadelphia, this novel follows two young women navigating unexpected pregnancy and societal expectations, providing insight into motherhood, healthcare access, and the challenges faced by women at the time.
Indigenous DC: Native Peoples and the Nation’s Capital – Elizabeth Rule
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Why read this book? This book highlights the often-overlooked presence and contributions of Native Americans in DC, serving as a companion to the “Guide to Indigenous DC” app and self-guided tour.
Take My Hand – Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why read this book? Inspired by true events, this novel follows a nurse in the 1970s who uncovers unethical medical practices and forced sterilizations. The resulting court cases in DC led to major changes in healthcare policies impacting families across the country.
The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why read this book? A thought-provoking novel that touches on identity, belonging, and family ties, with key parts of the story unfolding in Washington, DC.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why read this book? This moving novel follows the experiences of women in the Vietnam War, featuring powerful scenes set in DC that capture the political and personal impact of war.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why read this book? This novel tells the survival story of the Patawomeck Tribe of Virginia, offering a powerful perspective on Indigenous resilience in the region.
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post – Allison Pataki
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why read this book? The fascinating story of Marjorie Merriweather Post, one of America’s wealthiest women with strong ties to DC through her philanthropy and historic Hillwood Estate.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Why read this book? A sharp, thought-provoking novel about the publishing industry, ambition, and the pressures of success, partially set in DC, where power and influence shape the narrative.
Black Bear Goes to Washington – Denise A. Lawson
Genre: Children’s Book
Why read this book? A fun, family-friendly pick written by a local DMV author, this book follows an Alaskan sled dog on an adventure in the nation’s capital.
Casualties of Truth – Lauren Francis-Sharma
Genre: Suspense, Contemporary Fiction
Why read this book? Written by a DC-area author, this gripping novel alternates between DC and South Africa, exploring themes of personal sacrifice, hidden truths, and resilience.
