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    As Frankfurt celebrates Kentucky Writer’s Day, here are five Kentucky writers who have made an indelible ark on American culture and literature.

    1. Hunter S. Thompson, Born in Louisville.   

    With controversy following much of his journalistic work, Hunter Thompson tops the list of famous Kentucky writers.  Louisvillians celebrate Thompson and his work with a crowd of hispters at Gonzofest downtown every year.  While Thompson once said, “The Kentucky Derby is depraved and decadent,” we salute your work (while we hunt for a Derby hat).

    2. Bell hooks, Born in Hopkinsville.   

    One thing is for sure, the writer bell hooks would be proud of Louisville’s If Girls Rise movement.  Her major work “Ain’t I a Woman?: Black Women and Feminsim,” is internationally acclaimed.  Bell hooks said, “Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexial exploitation and oppression.”

    3. Marsha Norman, Born in Louisville.

    You probably read (or read the sparknotes) of “The Color Purple” in high school.  If you did, say a big thank you to Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Marsha Norman. 

    4. Duncan Hines, Born in Bowling Green. 

    While you may know his delicious cupcakes and frosting better than his writing, Duncan Hines was a pioneer food critic and restaurant-guide publisher, who revolutionized restaurant ratings.  

    5. James Thomas Cotton Noe, Born in Washington County. 

    As Kentucky’s first poet laureate, Noe authored five volumes of poetry eloquently commemorating the picturesque and essence of Kentucky. 

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    About Caitlyn Crenshaw

    Lover of sweet tea and books.

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