Welcome to Bitter Southerner's 10th Birthday Party in print! Issue No. 5, like any good shindig, is filled with wildly interesting guests, beautiful flowers, frozen daiquiris, music that makes you bounce, and, yes, their dogs. 

New Orleanians Maurice Carlos Ruffin and Big Freedia talk about their hometown, the wisdom of mothers, and creating joy amid tough times. In their Letter From Home, Ann Patchett, author, bookstore owner, and National Humanities Medal recipient, gives powerful testimony to the importance of good books and good bookstores in our lives. 

The writing of Michael Adno, Josina Guess, Cy Brown, and Gabrielle Calise brings the worlds of orchids, Valerie Boyd, Carolina dogs, and Cholitas Bravasto life. The incredible work of artists Celia D. Luna and Cedric Smith shines alongside the moving poetry of Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Kevin Young, and Maggie Smith. 

You're invited, dear reader, so order up and come on in!