Melanie Jones of The Columbia Spectator is writing a weekly review on Thursdays called the 50 States of Literature. She is giving “a list of 50 books that we think capture the essence of each state, all while telling a great story along the way.” So far she’s written about books for three states (click on the title for the review):
- Alabama – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Michigan - The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
- North Dakota – Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
I haven’t read The Virgin Suicides, but I have read Eugenides’ Middlesex and thought it gave a great sense of place for Detroit. To Kill a Mockingbird and Peace Like a River were two of my favorite books that I read last year, and I agree wholeheartedly that they are ideal representatives for Alabama and North Dakota.
Any guesses for your particular state? I’m thinking Gilead or A Thousand Acres for Iowa, and perhaps something by Wendell Berry or Silas House for Kentucky.
I’m eagerly anticipating the remaining 47 choices!
