The Land of Enchantment

New Mexico was settled by the Spanish in 1598 but is one of the youngest American states, according to Wikipedia. What else don’t you know about the state and its people? Discover it through the pages of books! Tony Hillerman’s crime detective series (with The Blessing Way as the first) highlights the recent past of the 1970s. Explore the list below for other options.

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 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.