New York Times Bestselling Author Michael Lister Announces The Book Hive
Author Michael Lister loves giving away books. Over his 30 plus year writing career he has given away some 2 million copies of his own books and countless copies of other authors’ books.
Inspired by the world-famous tupelo honey of his native North Florida hometown, Lister has transformed traditional bee boxes into a one-of-a-kind Free Library—The Book Hive. Each repurposed box, once home to a thriving bee colony, now houses books of a different genre, offering readers a diverse selection in a truly unique setting.
Lister partnered with students and alumni from his alma mater, Wewahitchka High School, to bring The Book Hive to life. Teacher Cameron Totman and students Alexis Jackson, Arianna Myers, Melody McLemore, and Aleah Wooten helped design, paint, and decorate the bee boxes, creating vibrant, handcrafted works of art that reflect the area’s rich literary and beekeeping traditions. The collaboration not only celebrates creativity and community but also encourages young people to engage with books in a meaningful way.
“As a lifelong lover of books and stories, I wanted to create a free library that honors both my literary journey and the place that shaped me,” Lister said. “With more and more books being banned and library funding being slashed we need this now more than ever. Working with Wewahitchka High students made The Book Hive even more special to me—it’s a shared project that fosters both creativity and a love of reading.”
Best known for his acclaimed John Jordan “Blood” mystery thrillers, the Burke and Blade PI “Night” series, the Jimmy Riley 1940s noir “Big” series, and standalone thrillers such as Double Exposure and Burnt Offerings, Lister’s work has earned two Florida Book Awards and landed him on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists. His books have been translated into multiple languages, adapted for the stage, and are currently in development for television and film.
Before becoming a full-time novelist, Lister’s career spanned education, journalism, bookstore ownership, and chaplaincy in the Florida Department of Corrections—an experience that inspired his debut novel, Power in the Blood. In addition to his literary work, he is an inspirational speaker, singer-songwriter, and podcaster known for his compelling storytelling across multiple creative platforms. Lister, a native north Floridian, still resides in Wewahitchka and has no plans to ever leave.
The Book Hive will be featured in a variety of locations across North Florida, particularly in Wewahitchka, Panama City, and Port St. Joe. To find out the current location of The Book Hive or to make a donation for additional books and hives, go to www.MichaelLister.com.
Click Below to make a donation to the Book Hive and help us purchase more band books to distribute.
