Where to Start with Alexis Coe
Alexis Coe is a presidential historian and author who has redefined how we look at the past. She actively avoids the stuffy, academic style of traditional biography, opting instead for narrative non-fiction that is urgent, engaging, and written with a sharp feminist lens. Because Coe writes standalone historical works rather than interconnected series, there is no single right way to read her books. However, depending on what elements of history you enjoy most, we recommend starting with one of these two entry points:
The True Crime and Social History Start: Alice + Freda Forever
If you are a fan of historical true crime, social histories, or LGBTQ+ narratives, your best starting point is Coe's debut book, Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis (2014). This book reconstructs the tragic real-life 1892 murder of Freda Ward by her teenage lover, Alice Mitchell, in Memphis, Tennessee. Through over a hundred illustrated love letters, maps, and courtroom documents, Coe paints a vivid portrait of a forgotten historic trial and the society that surrounded it, exploring same-sex desire and the Gilded Age media frenzy.
The Presidential and Political History Start: You Never Forget Your First
If you prefer political history, leadership studies, or biography, you should start with her New York Times bestseller, You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington (2020). Coe made waves as the first female historian to write a major biography of George Washington in a century. She actively dismantles the reverent, myth-heavy narratives written by what she calls the "thigh-men"—traditional male biographers who focus excessively on Washington's physical stature and riding skills. Instead, Coe delivers a modern, critical, and humorous biography that highlights Washington's flaws, his relationship with his mother, and his role as a slave owner, presenting a fully humanized portrait of the first president.
Alexis Coe Books in Publication Order
For readers who want to follow Coe’s evolution as a writer and historian, reading her books in publication order is highly rewarding. Here is her bibliography, including her upcoming biography:
- Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis (2014) – A detailed narrative non-fiction reconstruction of a historic true crime case from the late 19th century.
- You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington (2020) – A fresh, accessible, and critical look at the life and legacy of the first American president.
- Young Jack: A Biography of John F. Kennedy, 1917–1957 (Expected 2026) – An upcoming biography focusing on the early life, chronic illnesses, family dynamics, and political rise of JFK prior to his presidency.
The Chronological History Path
While the books do not share a continuous narrative or recurring characters, reading them in the chronological order of their historical settings offers a fascinating tour through American history. Here is how that looks:
- You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington (Set in the 18th century, covering 1732 to 1799) – Offers a look at the founding of the nation and the creation of the executive office.
- Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis (Set in the late 19th century, centering on 1892) – Highlights Gilded Age social dynamics, judicial systems, and early American psychiatric and media treatment of same-sex relationships.
- Young Jack: A Biography of John F. Kennedy, 1917–1957 (Set in the 20th century, covering 1917 to 1957) – Explores the pre-presidency years of JFK, capturing the mid-century political landscape and the rise of a powerful political dynasty.
A Deeper Look at Alexis Coe’s Books
Alice + Freda Forever (2014)
Coe’s debut book is a masterclass in narrative non-fiction. Set in Memphis in 1892, it tell the story of Alice Mitchell and Freda Ward, two teenage girls who fell in love and planned to marry. When Freda's family discovered the relationship and forbade them from speaking, Alice was consumed by heartbreak, eventually murdering Freda in broad daylight. Coe spent years conducting archival research to unearth their actual love letters, court transcripts, and newspaper articles, creating an immersive book that reads like a novel but remains entirely factual. The book has been optioned for a feature film adaptation.
You Never Forget Your First (2020)
In this biography, Coe challenges the standard presentation of George Washington. Rather than focusing on military tactics or presenting him as a flawless hero, Coe looks at Washington's domestic life, his business decisions, and his relationships. She does not shy away from his active participation in slavery, detailing the escape of Ona Judge and Washington's efforts to recapture her. What makes the book unique is its use of visual summaries, including comparative lists of Washington's illnesses, diagrams of his family tree, and charts detailing his relationships. It is an ideal biography for those who usually find presidential histories dry or overly long.
Young Jack (Expected 2026)
In her highly anticipated biography of John F. Kennedy, Coe focuses on the first forty years of JFK's life, ending in 1957. By stopping before his presidency, Coe seeks to separate the young man from the legendary "Camelot" myth. She examines his severe, life-long health struggles, his complex relationships with his father Joe and brother Joe Jr., his heroic World War II service, his early career in Congress, and his marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier, showing the forces that shaped the future president.
What to Know Before You Start: Alexis Coe's Style and Themes
Before diving into Coe’s bibliography, there are a few key themes and stylistic choices to keep in mind:
- Feminist and Inclusive Lens: Coe actively centers women and marginalized individuals who are often ignored or sidelined in traditional histories. In Washington's biography, she devotes significant space to Mary Ball Washington and Martha Washington, while Alice + Freda highlights the social constraints placed on young women in the Victorian era.
- Humor and Visual Layouts: Coe uses humor, modern comparisons, and visual aids to make history digestible. If you are reading the print editions, you will find charts, timelines, and illustrations that help ground the research.
- Companion Podcasts: If you enjoy Coe's style, her podcasts are excellent companions. Presidents Are People, Too! (co-hosted with Elliott Kalan) humanizes various U.S. presidents with humor and expert interviews, while her Webby Award-winning podcast No Man's Land profiles fascinating historical women.