America’s Dairyland

Is there a book you love and feel does a great job of highlighting its Wisconsin setting? Send your suggestions and please don’t forget to tell me why you think that book is a good choice for this state. It doesn’t need to explicitly be 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 today’s reality 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.

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

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Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz

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Every Now and Then by Lesley Kagen

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Evicted by Matthew Desmond

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A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore

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The Hearts of Men by Nickolas Butler 

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The Jesus Cow by Michael Perry

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A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton

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Real Life by Brandon Taylor

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Red Weather by Pauls Toutonghi

Not available via Bookshop

Wingshooters by Nina Revoyr

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Purchase via Bookshop to support independent bookstores.

Purchase via Amazon? Links coming soon.

Photo credit: Erick Zajac