Big Sky Country
Thanks to the movie and the strength of its stories, A River Runs Through It is known far beyond the borders of Montana and could be seen to give a picture of the state that is still valid today even though the author passed away in 1990. You can take a look at the list below for books that have been written in more recent times.
If you think one of these doesn’t belong on the list, 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 living 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.
Breaking Clean by Judy Blunt, memoir
Death Al Dente: A Food Lovers' Village Mystery by Leslie Budewitz
Fall Back Down When I Die by Joe Wilkins, fiction
Fools Crow by James Welch, historical fiction
The Home Place by Carrie LaSeur, literary thriller
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth, YA fiction, LGBT
Sweep Out the Ashes by Mary Clearman Blew, historical fiction
Purchase via Bookshop to support independent bookstores.
Purchase via Amazon? Links coming soon.
Photo credit: Erick Zajac