Best Books Set in Appalachia (218 books)

Best Books Set in Appalachia

If you aren't sure what area makes up Appalachia, check out this Wikipedia map.

1	Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier 3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 avg rating — 95,026 ratings score: 6,993, and 71 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	Christy by Catherine Marshall 4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 avg rating — 18,106 ratings score: 6,311, and 64 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	She Walks These Hills (Ballad Series, #3) by Sharyn McCrumb 4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 avg rating — 2,058 ratings score: 3,914, and 40 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver 3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 avg rating — 47,402 ratings score: 3,817, and 39 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith 4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 avg rating — 3,009 ratings score: 3,815, and 39 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson 4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 avg rating — 107,480 ratings score: 3,490, and 36 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Gap Creek by Robert Morgan 3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 avg rating — 20,957 ratings score: 3,345, and 34 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	Clay's Quilt by Silas House 3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 avg rating — 1,235 ratings score: 2,413, and 25 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	The Songcatcher (Ballad Series, #6) by Sharyn McCrumb 3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 1,353 ratings score: 2,252, and 23 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Deliverance by James Dickey 3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 avg rating — 14,337 ratings score: 2,220, and 23 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	The Ballad of Frankie Silver (Ballad Series, #5) by Sharyn McCrumb 3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 1,884 ratings score: 2,110, and 22 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	The Rosewood Casket (Ballad Series, #4) by Sharyn McCrumb 4.01 of 5 stars 4.01 avg rating — 1,688 ratings score: 2,023, and 21 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter (Ballad Series, #2) by Sharyn McCrumb 3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 2,095 ratings score: 1,938, and 20 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins 4.44 of 5 stars 4.44 avg rating — 1,575,220 ratings score: 1,856, and 20 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	The Dollmaker by Harriette Simpson Arnow 4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 avg rating — 1,342 ratings score: 1,827, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe 3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 avg rating — 4,785 ratings score: 1,825, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls 4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 avg rating — 305,400 ratings score: 1,743, and 18 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	Bloodroot by Amy Greene (Goodreads Author) 3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 avg rating — 4,569 ratings score: 1,737, and 18 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	Oral History by Lee Smith 4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 avg rating — 1,676 ratings score: 1,684, and 18 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Serena by Ron Rash 3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 avg rating — 4,162 ratings score: 1,636, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	Storming Heaven by Denise Giardina 4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 avg rating — 610 ratings score: 1,609, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House 4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 avg rating — 1,136 ratings score: 1,550, and 16 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier 3.56 of 5 stars 3.56 avg rating — 6,054 ratings score: 1,532, and 16 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24	Where the Lilies Bloom by Vera Cleaver 3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 avg rating — 1,003 ratings score: 1,444, and 16 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons 3.67 of 5 stars 3.67 avg rating — 12,393 ratings score: 1,416, and 15 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26	Stumbling Thru: Hike Your Own Hike by A. Digger Stolz (Goodreads Author) 4.62 of 5 stars 4.62 avg rating — 32 ratings score: 1,400, and 14 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	River of Earth by James Still 3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 avg rating — 291 ratings score: 1,365, and 14 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	Ghost Riders (Ballad Series, #7) by Sharyn McCrumb 3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 avg rating — 896 ratings score: 1,357, and 14 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	Saving Grace by Lee Smith 3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 avg rating — 1,082 ratings score: 1,336, and 14 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Child of God by Cormac McCarthy 3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 avg rating — 8,571 ratings score: 1,277, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Wish You Well by David Baldacci 3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 avg rating — 8,578 ratings score: 1,262, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons 3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 avg rating — 5,994 ratings score: 1,227, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	A Death in the Family by James Agee 3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 avg rating — 5,864 ratings score: 1,226, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter 4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 avg rating — 7,041 ratings score: 1,157, and 12 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard 4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 9,161 ratings score: 1,051, and 11 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Black Mountain Breakdown by Lee Smith 3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 avg rating — 583 ratings score: 1,027, and 11 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	The Stories of Breece D'J Pancake by Breece D'J Pancake 4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 avg rating — 1,576 ratings score: 974, and 10 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter by Loretta Lynn 4.01 of 5 stars 4.01 avg rating — 962 ratings score: 905, and 10 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	My Old True Love by Sheila Kay Adams 4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 285 ratings score: 871, and 9 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash 4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 1,328 ratings score: 866, and 9 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio 3.6 of 5 stars 3.60 avg rating — 18,016 ratings score: 864, and 9 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	On Agate Hill by Lee Smith 3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 avg rating — 1,841 ratings score: 839, and 9 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	Cataloochee by Wayne Caldwell 3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 avg rating — 333 ratings score: 826, and 9 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Cry of My Heart by Joanne Bischof 4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 34 ratings score: 799, and 8 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	The World Made Straight by Ron Rash 3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 avg rating — 692 ratings score: 776, and 8 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	The Coal Tattoo by Silas House 4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 avg rating — 806 ratings score: 767, and 8 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	The Unquiet Earth by Denise Giardina 4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 avg rating — 298 ratings score: 741, and 8 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	Burning Bright: Stories by Ron Rash 4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 avg rating — 796 ratings score: 741, and 8 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	Strange as This Weather Has Been by Ann Pancake 3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 avg rating — 452 ratings score: 691, and 7 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	All the Living by C.E. Morgan 3.55 of 5 stars 3.55 avg rating — 708 ratings score: 689, and 7 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	Thread that Runs so True by Jesse Stuart 4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 313 ratings score: 611, and 7 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Ain't No Grave: The Life & Legacy of Brother Claude Ely by Macel Ely II 4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 avg rating — 15 ratings score: 598, and 6 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman (Goodreads Author) 3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 avg rating — 33,890 ratings score: 572, and 6 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant 4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 avg rating — 2,447 ratings score: 560, and 6 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	Crazy Ladies by Michael Lee West (Goodreads Author) 3.8 of 5 stars 3.80 avg rating — 1,654 ratings score: 557, and 6 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake-Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia by Dennis Covington 3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 1,330 ratings score: 546, and 6 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	Sewerville: A Southern Gangster Novel by Aaron Saylor (Goodreads Author) 4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 avg rating — 17 ratings score: 500, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	I Talk Slower Than I Think: An Antidote to Helicopter Parenting by C.D. Bonner 4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 avg rating — 13 ratings score: 500, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation by John Ehle 4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 1,060 ratings score: 498, and 6 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	The Foxfire Book, Foxfire 2, Foxfire 3 by Eliot Wigginton (Editor) 4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 avg rating — 91 ratings score: 489, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	Ava's Man by Rick Bragg 4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 avg rating — 2,621 ratings score: 483, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	The Big Stone Gap Trilogy by Adriana Trigiani (Goodreads Author) 4.22 of 5 stars 4.22 avg rating — 497 ratings score: 482, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	Velva Jean Learns to Drive by Jennifer Niven (Goodreads Author) 3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 avg rating — 1,817 ratings score: 474, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Kinfolks: The Wilgus Stories by Gurney Norman 4.2 of 5 stars 4.20 avg rating — 115 ratings score: 455, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt 3.36 of 5 stars 3.36 avg rating — 5,104 ratings score: 442, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls 4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 avg rating — 305,400 ratings score: 419, and 5 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Tall Woman by Wilma Dykeman 4.21 of 5 stars 4.21 avg rating — 177 ratings score: 391, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash 3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 avg rating — 4,148 ratings score: 391, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	The Ballad of Tom Dooley (Ballad Series, #9) by Sharyn McCrumb 3.49 of 5 stars 3.49 avg rating — 1,078 ratings score: 376, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	Big Stone Gap (Big Stone Gap, Book 1) by Adriana Trigiani (Goodreads Author) 3.84 of 5 stars 3.84 avg rating — 17,520 ratings score: 376, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	Heart in the Right Place by Carolyn Jourdan (Goodreads Author) 3.75 of 5 stars 3.75 avg rating — 934 ratings score: 373, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	Brighten the Corner Where You Are: A Novel by Fred Chappell 4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 avg rating — 252 ratings score: 370, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	Signs in the Blood (An Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian Mystery #1) by Vicki Lane (Goodreads Author) 3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 avg rating — 186 ratings score: 355, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	Mountain Voices: A Legacy of the Blue Ridge and Great Smokies by Warren Moore 4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 9 ratings score: 352, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	Lost Mountain: A Year in the Vanishing Wilderness Radical Strip Mining andthe Devastation ofAppalachia by Erik Reece 4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 avg rating — 273 ratings score: 343, and 4 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	The Fallen Snow by John J. Kelley (Goodreads Author) 4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 avg rating — 47 ratings score: 300, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	Safeword Quinacridone (Safeword #6) by Candace Blevins (Goodreads Author) 3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 avg rating — 132 ratings score: 299, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan (Goodreads Author) 4.38 of 5 stars 4.38 avg rating — 181 ratings score: 299, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	The Orchard Keeper by Cormac McCarthy 3.57 of 5 stars 3.57 avg rating — 2,823 ratings score: 298, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	Safeword Matte (Safeword #3) by Candace Blevins (Goodreads Author) 3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 avg rating — 215 ratings score: 296, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	Safeword Davenport (Safeword #4) by Candace Blevins (Goodreads Author) 4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 avg rating — 132 ratings score: 293, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82	The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers 3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 avg rating — 10,530 ratings score: 292, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	Missing May by Cynthia Rylant 3.75 of 5 stars 3.75 avg rating — 5,384 ratings score: 285, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	In a Dark Season (An Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian Mystery #4) by Vicki Lane (Goodreads Author) 3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 avg rating — 120 ratings score: 282, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	The Foster Girls by Lin Stepp 3.8 of 5 stars 3.80 avg rating — 20 ratings score: 280, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	Saints at the River by Ron Rash 3.7 of 5 stars 3.70 avg rating — 1,069 ratings score: 279, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	Something's Rising: Appalachians Fighting Mountaintop Removal by Silas House 4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 avg rating — 82 ratings score: 279, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	Beans of Egypt, Maine by Carolyn Chute 3.56 of 5 stars 3.56 avg rating — 1,579 ratings score: 276, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent (Goodreads Author) 3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 2,004 ratings score: 275, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	Sweet Hollow by Lou V. Crabtree 4.67 of 5 stars 4.67 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 273, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	Follow the River by James Alexander Thom 4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 avg rating — 7,377 ratings score: 272, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O (Ballad Series, #1) by Sharyn McCrumb 3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 avg rating — 1,578 ratings score: 271, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93	A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House 4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 avg rating — 1,136 ratings score: 268, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94	Feather Crowns by Bobbie Ann Mason 3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 avg rating — 392 ratings score: 267, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	Home to Big Stone Gap (Big Stone Gap, #4) by Adriana Trigiani (Goodreads Author) 3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 avg rating — 4,777 ratings score: 266, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
96	Our Southern Highlanders: A Narrative of Adventure in the Southern Appalachians and a Study of Life Among the Mountaineers by Horace Kephart 4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 avg rating — 124 ratings score: 259, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	Coal River by Michael Shnayerson 3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 107 ratings score: 257, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
98	The Devil's Dream by Lee Smith 3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 avg rating — 535 ratings score: 255, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
99	Land of a Hundred Wonders by Lesley Kagen (Goodreads Author) 3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 avg rating — 883 ratings score: 250, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100	Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam 4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 6,341 ratings score: 246, and 3 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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218 books · 377 voters · list created July 15th, 2008 by JG (The Introverted Reader) (votes) .

Tags: america, american-south, appalachia, appalachians, highlanders, highlands, location, mountain, mountains, region, regional, setting, south, southern, southern-literature

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People Who Voted On This List (377)

JG (The Introverted Reader)
2345 books
278 friends

Libby
993 books
37 friends

Steven
6547 books
1697 friends

Jessica
1804 books
91 friends

Melissa
58 books
7 friends

R.
869 books
25 friends

Wendy
267 books
32 friends

DB
203 books
8 friends

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Comments (showing 1-24 of 24) (24 new)

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message 1: by Robert (new)

Jun 09, 2009 08:11pm

I was pleased to see that a search on "southern" garnered some hits. "Regional Fiction" and simply "Regional" got nothing. I'd be interested in locating lists of books about areas that capture my interest. New York State history or historical fiction would be one. List sources for history and historical fiction from other areas of the country more specific than simply "Westerns" would also be appreciated. Anyone out there?

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message 2: by Kim (new)

Jan 10, 2010 12:32pm

Dorothea Benton Frank's books do not belong on this list! South Carolina is not typically considered Appalachian, but southern coastal.

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message 3: by JG (The Introverted Reader) (new)

Jan 10, 2010 01:15pm

You're right. I went in and deleted them. There are a few others that look questionable. I'll have to check those out later.

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message 4: by Carol (new)

Mar 04, 2010 05:34am

I read almost every book I can find set in Appalachia.
I have read most of these books. The best books I've ever read set in this region are from a self published author name Peggy Poe Stern who lives in Boone,NC. Google her and order her books if you love Appalchia set books!!

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message 5: by Robert (new)

Mar 04, 2010 11:20am

Thanks for the list. I will definitely check out Peggy Poe Stern. If you are into some of the straight history of the area, Robert Trotter has a 3-volume set about the Civil War in North Carolina. The Appalachia volume is entitled Bushwhackers, and is a highly readable albeit creditably scholarly account, which was a major source for Sharyn McCrumb's "Ghostriders," cited as #38 above in the list.

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message 6: by Derek (new)

Feb 02, 2011 10:51am

I really was happy to see this list posted, too! Some great ones on here.

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message 7: by Rebekah (last edited Apr 16, 2011 04:50pm) (new)

Apr 16, 2011 04:48pm

Kim wrote: "Dorothea Benton Frank's books do not belong on this list! South Carolina is not typically considered Appalachian, but southern coastal."

However, if it takes place in the Appalachian Mountains, it is Appalachian. Just as Va, NC, Maryland, Ky, Ga, AL and TN all have areas outside of the Appalachian chain, in fact most of the these states are not in Appalachia. Appalachia is not a group of particular States. It is a Mountain chain whose people have a common culture and heritage. If you include Northern Appalachia that would include Pa,Me, and more. Are you going to say the Appalachian Trail is not Appalachian becaiuse it runs through New England or Mid-Atlantic Coast States. What you said Makes Jeff Bigger's case for hainvg a separate Sate of Appalachia in his book The United States of Appalachia: How Southern Mountaineers Brought Independence, Culture, and Enlightenment to America

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message 8: by JG (The Introverted Reader) (new)

Apr 16, 2011 06:48pm

Dorothea Benton Frank's books take place on the SC coast, nowhere near the Appalachians. I don't think she meant to question the inclusion of any books set in SC itself, but the fact that these particular books are set on the coast.

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message 9: by Kim (new)

Apr 18, 2011 09:19am

@JG (The Introverted Reader):

You are exactly right!

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message 10: by David (new)

Apr 27, 2011 05:39pm

What a great list! I grew up in Greensboro, NC, with roots in East Tennessee. (Anyone heard of Etowah?) The Appalachian mountains have always had special signiificance for me. This will be a great list to print and keep. If anyone enjoys photography books, check out two wonderful collections by Shelby Lee Adams - Appalachian Portraits and Appalachian Legacy.

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message 11: by Kim (new)

Apr 27, 2011 07:52pm

Thanks for the suggestions David. The Appalachian Mountains also have a special significance for me! I have heard of Etowah and am an alum of ETSU, which has a wonderful Appalachian studies program.

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message 12: by Barbara (new)

Mar 30, 2012 04:58pm

How do I get "It's Not My Mountain Anymore" on this list? It's a dose of pure Appalachian living reality. Great reviews on the website: www.itsnotmymountainanymore.com and 5 star on Amazon

Thanks,
Barbara

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message 13: by Carol (new)

Mar 30, 2012 05:26pm

Do a manual add

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message 14: by David (new)

Apr 01, 2012 07:35pm

Barbara, thanks for the recommendation! Hope and George are well! if you haven't found it yet, there's a tab at the top of this list to add books. Ron at the library can probably show you, too.

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message 15: by Janie (new)

Apr 08, 2012 09:41am

In Country is set very near my hometown, but I'd have to disagree that its Appalachia. Mayfield/Paducah, KY are at the extreme western end of the state, only about 30 miles or so from Missouri, bordering Illinois, and due north of Memphis. Though Kentucky is certainly an Appalachian state, I've never claimed to have an Appalachian upbringing. It was mostly Southern with a large dose of Midwestern/Heartland culture added to the mix. Though I (we) love our fellow Kentuckians in the East, we speak differently, vote differently, worship differently, farm differently, and and thrive differently. I'd never call what we are "Appalachian." I've also lived in Eastern Kentucky, the high mountains of North Carolina, and my current home is in East Tennessee, so I do know my Appalachian culture. In Country is not a story about Appalachia.

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message 16: by JG (The Introverted Reader) (new)

Apr 08, 2012 05:56pm

I don't know anything about the book, but you've made a strong case. I removed it from the list.

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message 17: by Barbara (new)

Apr 14, 2012 09:36am

Carol wrote: "I read almost every book I can find set in Appalachia.
I have read most of these books. The best books I've ever read set in this region are from a self published author name Peggy Poe Stern who l..."

Check out "It's Not My Mountain Anymore." Real and honest. Kindle Prime members borrow for FREE!

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message 18: by Robert (new)

Apr 14, 2012 06:47pm

I haven't read her books yet, but some of the titles and descriptions look really interesting. Here is a link to her website

http://peggypoestern.tripod.com/

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message 19: by Dr. Lin (new)

Jun 21, 2012 04:38pm

Titles to add to this list in the Smoky Mountain series by Goodreads author Lin Stepp:
THE FOSTER GIRLS - set in picturesque Wear's Valley
TELL ME ABOUT ORCHARD HOLLOW - set in Townsend
FOR SIX GOOD REASONS - set in little-known Greenbrier
DELIA'S PLACE - set in Gatlinburg
...In major bookstores, on Amazon, and in ebooks.

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message 20: by Andrea (new)

Mar 18, 2013 12:27pm

Very late on this, but where is Lee Smith?? Fancy Strut, Family Linen, Oral History, Saving Grace, Fair and Tender Ladies? I've loved all of her books..

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message 21: by Andrea (new)

Mar 18, 2013 12:29pm

...ohhh, sorry I do see several of hers on the list afterall. She is great.

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message 22: by David (new)

Mar 18, 2013 04:39pm

Lee Smith is WONDERFUL!! I met her once years ago and she is a lovely person. Saving Grace is one of my favorite novels, period, and certainly my favorite of hers.

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message 23: by Robert (last edited Mar 18, 2013 05:52pm) (new)

Mar 18, 2013 05:51pm

Andrea wrote: "Very late on this, but where is Lee Smith?? Fancy Strut, Family Linen, Oral History, Saving Grace, Fair and Tender Ladies? I've loved all of her books.."
I'm with you on "Oral History." It was a wonderful read and conveyed a real feel of generational life and changes in the mountains. I really liked the book. This was my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

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message 24: by Katharine (new)

Mar 26, 2013 07:26pm

Jennifer Lawrence will have been(or will be) in 3 movies set in Appalachia: Hunger Games, Serena, and The Glass Castle. Just thought that was funny. And 'Where the Lillies Bloom' is definitely my favorite on the list!

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