The Land of Lincoln
Many years ago I wrote a term paper about Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie and thanks to this project I now know that in addition to setting the book in Chicago he also lived a time in Illinois under poverty-stricken conditions. If you’re curious about more contemporary authors, check out the list below.
If you think one of the books below doesn’t belong here, let me know your thoughts. Or if you’d like to add a book of your own, submit your suggestion. The book doesn’t need to be explicitly about the state, only clearly set in it and written by someone who actually lived there — ideally someone still alive so we get a feel for the contemporary state of things.
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.
The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton, fiction
Contrary Motion by Andy Mozina, fiction
Purchase via Bookshop - only CD version
Falling to Earth by Kate Southwood, historical fiction / literary fiction
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, short stories
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez, YA fiction
Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living by Nick Offerman, non-fiction / humor
Windy City Blues by Renee Rosen, historical fiction
Purchase via Bookshop to support independent bookstores.
Purchase via Amazon? Links coming soon.
Photo credit: Erick Zajac