All About Books discussion

I've never started a thread here before, so if I'm doing something incorrectly, please let me know!

For a while now, I've wanted to compile a list of books that take place across the US (and the world, but I want to focus on one thing at a time). I'm looking for books that not only take place in each state but actually feature the setting as a sort of character in itself.

For example, though I haven't read the book series, I am currently watching Cedar Cove, which so gorgeously illustrates the lush PNW landscapes that it makes them integral to the actual story and, by extension, the charm of the characters themselves.

It doesn't have to be so overt, though. I'm currently reading a Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and Smith's description of the everyday, of what could be considered the mundane, is also beautiful and compelling to me in its own way. It may take place at the turn of the twentieth century, but I can see see it as clear as day.

Of course, for this list, I'm looking for more current day settings, but I think you know what I mean.

I think the only book I have for my list so far is the well-known Hotel New Hampshire, but I could probably be persuaded to choose something else if someone who actually knows that part of the country - unlike me - has another opinion.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling. If any of you have any suggestions or are just open to discussing books with memorable settings in general, I'm all ears!

I've already looked up lists of books by state, but they're all the same "best/most popular/most famous books in every state," and a lot of them have little to nothing to do with the state itself, or... I just don't want to read them, ha.

I think it's just a matter of how you phrase your inquiry. I just googled "Books Set in all 50 States" and got several lists with descriptions. Sounds like a great idea for a challenge!

Have you tried to use the listopias on GR? I don't use them a lot but I see that a lot of members like them because they find what they are looking for.

On GR there is also a very useful group for who wants to travel the world with books. I add you the link, hoping it isn't considered spam: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
They do also a challenge to travel in every US state so I'm sure there you can find a lot of suggestions. Here another discussion that could be helpful with a list of books set in the different states: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Moderators, feel free to delete my message if it is considered spam.

I think one of our members was attempting this challenge, but she sort of went inactive before it was finished. I think it's an interesting idea because I always think of America as this big melting pot, so many different cultures all in one place. I was thinking of doing something like this too.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

There is the link to the challenge.

Thanks for the responses, guys! I'll try to be more thorough next time in my search for books and threads already made on the topic. This has definitely pointed me in the right direction. :)

Robin wrote: "I think it's just a matter of how you phrase your inquiry. I just googled "Books Set in all 50 States" and got several lists with descriptions. Sounds like a great idea for a challenge!"

Oh, maybe you're right. I keep getting those "most famous" lists. I'll try different search terms.

dely wrote: "Have you tried to use the listopias on GR? I don't use them a lot but I see that a lot of members like them because they find what they are looking for.

On GR there is also a very useful group for..."

Oh, wow! That USA Roadtrip post is amazing. And I've joined the Around the World group. Looks great! Thank you.

Alannah wrote: "I think one of our members was attempting this challenge, but she sort of went inactive before it was finished. I think it's an interesting idea because I always think of America as this big meltin..."

Thanks for the link! I recognize some titles in there, although, you're right, it doesn't look like she finished her list.

Angela wrote: "I've never started a thread here before, so if I'm doing something incorrectly, please let me know!

For a while now, I've wanted to compile a list of books that take place across the US (and the w..."

Sounds like you have found your 2016 personal challenge! And here is a nifty graphic if you want to keep track visually as well as in a list form:


visited 0 states (0%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or Amsterdam travel guide for Android

Just follow the link at the bottom to get the code for your own thread (and to mark off states as you get them).

Leslie wrote: "Angela wrote: "I've never started a thread here before, so if I'm doing something incorrectly, please let me know!

For a while now, I've wanted to compile a list of books that take place across th..."

Thanks, Leslie! That's a fun idea. I can use those maps for anything now. :)

From Pennsylvania, might I suggest Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara?

Tom wrote: "From Pennsylvania, might I suggest Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara?"

That is a book on my TBR - I didn't know it was set in PA though!

Leslie wrote: "Tom wrote: "From Pennsylvania, might I suggest Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara?"

That is a book on my TBR - I didn't know it was set in PA though!"

Yup, he calls the town Gibbsville, but it's a very thin veil over O'Hara's home town of Pottsville, Pa.

dely wrote: "Have you tried to use the listopias on GR? I don't use them a lot but I see that a lot of members like them because they find what they are looking for.

On GR there is also a very useful group for..."

Love the lists of books set in different states dely! It's quite extensive!

Greg wrote: "Love the lists of books set in different states dely! It's quite extensive! "

I'm glad you liked it!

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen which takes place in North Carolina (even though I don't know if the town Walls of Water actually exists).

I'll check out the Peach Keeper, thanks. :)