The Grand Canyon State

We definitely need some more books for this state! Send your suggestions and please don’t forget to tell me why you think that book is a good one for Arizona. The book doesn’t need to be explicitly about the state, only clearly set in it and written by someone who actually lived there. I have a bias towards books written by authors who are still living so that we can reflect more on Arizona today but I won’t turn down a classic if you make a good argument for it!

Books are in no order of preference. That they are on this list is not a reflection of my personal taste or even that I’ve read them — I want you to find what works for you.

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver, fiction / literary fiction

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Desert Heat (Joanna Brady #1) by J.A. Jance, mystery

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La Maravilla by Alfredo Vea, Jr., fiction / magical realism

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Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan, fiction / chick-lit

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Purchase via Bookshop to support independent bookstores.

Purchase via Amazon? Links coming soon.


Photo credit: Erick Tujac