The Cornhusker State
Set in Nebraska and published in 1918, My Antonia by Willa Cather is considered a great American novel, a classic tale of immigrant life on the American frontier. For more recently published books, take a look at the list below.
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.
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell, fiction / chick-lit
The Cleanup by Sean Doolittle, mystery /crime
Goodnight, Nebraska by Tom McNeal, fiction
A Sandhills Ballad by Ladette Randolph, fiction
Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos, fiction
The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert, historical fiction
World, Chase Me Down by Andrew Hilleman, historical fiction
Purchase via Bookshop to support independent bookstores.
Purchase via Amazon? Links coming soon.
Photo credit: Erick Zajac