Best Books Set in Appalachia

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

flag

1	Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier 3.88 avg rating — 236,109 ratings score: 13,457, and 137 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 4.24 avg rating — 52,833 ratings score: 11,993, and 123 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver 4.02 avg rating — 106,306 ratings score: 8,862, and 91 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson 4.06 avg rating — 387,142 ratings score: 7,900, and 81 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (Goodreads Author) 4.30 avg rating — 1,096,537 ratings score: 6,808, and 71 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Gap Creek by Robert Morgan 3.74 avg rating — 52,079 ratings score: 6,599, and 68 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	She Walks These Hills (Ballad, #3) by Sharyn McCrumb (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 4,200 ratings score: 6,354, and 65 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith 4.17 avg rating — 7,443 ratings score: 6,206, and 64 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Serena by Ron Rash (Goodreads Author) 3.54 avg rating — 35,053 ratings score: 4,250, and 44 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter (Ballad, #2) by Sharyn McCrumb (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 5,576 ratings score: 4,241, and 45 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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, #5) by Sharyn McCrumb (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 5,408 ratings score: 4,234, and 44 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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, #4) by Sharyn McCrumb (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 3,674 ratings score: 3,954, and 41 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe 3.92 avg rating — 14,164 ratings score: 3,632, and 38 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 Dollmaker by Harriette Simpson Arnow 4.17 avg rating — 3,528 ratings score: 3,536, and 37 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Clay's Quilt by Silas House (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 3,675 ratings score: 3,506, and 37 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Deliverance by James Dickey 3.89 avg rating — 31,587 ratings score: 3,483, and 36 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Bloodroot by Amy Greene (Goodreads Author) 3.78 avg rating — 8,013 ratings score: 3,306, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Songcatcher (Ballad, #6) by Sharyn McCrumb (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 2,724 ratings score: 3,291, and 34 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 avg rating — 3,950 ratings score: 3,235, and 34 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 4,177 ratings score: 3,034, and 32 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Big Stone Gap (Big Stone Gap, #1) by Adriana Trigiani (Goodreads Author) 3.85 avg rating — 44,951 ratings score: 2,994, and 32 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Child of God by Cormac McCarthy 3.84 avg rating — 39,459 ratings score: 2,854, and 30 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter by Loretta Lynn 3.97 avg rating — 5,189 ratings score: 2,681, and 29 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 3.84 avg rating — 2,554 ratings score: 2,673, and 29 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Storming Heaven by Denise Giardina 4.12 avg rating — 1,846 ratings score: 2,650, and 28 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier 3.72 avg rating — 14,341 ratings score: 2,585, and 27 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons 3.78 avg rating — 30,044 ratings score: 2,511, and 27 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter 4.13 avg rating — 16,115 ratings score: 2,368, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Ghost Riders (Ballad, #7) by Sharyn McCrumb (Goodreads Author) 3.95 avg rating — 1,820 ratings score: 2,319, and 24 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	River of Earth by James Still 4.03 avg rating — 1,068 ratings score: 2,303, and 24 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	A Death in the Family by James Agee 3.90 avg rating — 15,607 ratings score: 2,258, and 24 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Saving Grace by Lee Smith 3.92 avg rating — 2,449 ratings score: 2,202, and 23 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons 4.02 avg rating — 12,465 ratings score: 2,188, and 23 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Wish You Well by David Baldacci (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 26,377 ratings score: 2,120, and 22 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 4.10 avg rating — 25,300 ratings score: 2,031, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant 4.25 avg rating — 7,148 ratings score: 1,862, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 4.15 avg rating — 5,621 ratings score: 1,752, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison 4.13 avg rating — 42,498 ratings score: 1,737, and 19 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Coal Tattoo by Silas House (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 2,330 ratings score: 1,654, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Stumbling Thru: Hike Your Own Hike by A. Digger Stolz (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 484 ratings score: 1,600, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	On Agate Hill by Lee Smith 3.77 avg rating — 3,751 ratings score: 1,594, and 17 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio (Goodreads Author) 3.70 avg rating — 41,288 ratings score: 1,567, and 17 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	My Old True Love by Sheila Kay Adams 4.05 avg rating — 1,103 ratings score: 1,536, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 5,250 ratings score: 1,523, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Strange as This Weather Has Been by Ann Pancake 3.87 avg rating — 1,281 ratings score: 1,463, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Big Cherry Holler (Big Stone Gap, #2) by Adriana Trigiani (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 18,428 ratings score: 1,444, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 4.23 avg rating — 682 ratings score: 1,436, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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
48	The Tall Woman by Wilma Dykeman 4.33 avg rating — 853 ratings score: 1,431, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Follow the River by James Alexander Thom 4.23 avg rating — 19,855 ratings score: 1,402, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Rocket Boys: A Memoir by Homer Hickam (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 20,622 ratings score: 1,393, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Thread That Runs So True by Jesse Stuart 4.09 avg rating — 911 ratings score: 1,349, and 15 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Ballad of Tom Dooley (Ballad, #9) by Sharyn McCrumb (Goodreads Author) 3.67 avg rating — 2,879 ratings score: 1,345, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Ava's Man by Rick Bragg 4.25 avg rating — 6,702 ratings score: 1,321, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Black Mountain Breakdown by Lee Smith 3.87 avg rating — 1,293 ratings score: 1,301, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Happy Trail (Park Ranger, #1) by Daisy Prescott (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 6,767 ratings score: 1,290, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Foxfire Book, Foxfire 2-3 by Eliot Wigginton (Editor) 4.41 avg rating — 206 ratings score: 1,258, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance (Author, Narrator) 3.88 avg rating — 386,959 ratings score: 1,230, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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
58	The World Made Straight by Ron Rash (Goodreads Author) 3.89 avg rating — 2,908 ratings score: 1,212, and 13 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Sewerville: A Southern Gangster Novel by Aaron Saylor (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 211 ratings score: 1,195, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Be Still My Soul (The Cadence of Grace, #1) by Joanne Bischof (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 1,167 ratings score: 1,099, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Cataloochee by Wayne Caldwell 3.82 avg rating — 1,312 ratings score: 1,093, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 Foxfire Book by Eliot Wigginton (Editor) 4.33 avg rating — 1,732 ratings score: 1,068, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	American Gods (American Gods, #1) by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 870,795 ratings score: 1,051, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Big Stone Gap Trilogy: "Big Cherry Holler", "Big Stone Gap", "Milk Glass Moon" by Adriana Trigiani (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 1,063 ratings score: 1,042, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O (Ballad, #1) by Sharyn McCrumb (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 3,508 ratings score: 988, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Ghost on Black Mountain by Ann Hite (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 2,136 ratings score: 963, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Missing May by Cynthia Rylant 3.80 avg rating — 12,788 ratings score: 941, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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
68	The Orchard Keeper by Cormac McCarthy 3.54 avg rating — 9,393 ratings score: 880, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 29,414 ratings score: 877, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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
70	The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant 4.22 avg rating — 16,084 ratings score: 875, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation by John Ehle 4.15 avg rating — 3,967 ratings score: 854, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Velva Jean Learns to Drive (Velva Jean, #1) by Jennifer Niven (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 4,594 ratings score: 844, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Burning Bright by Ron Rash (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 3,210 ratings score: 838, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver 3.80 avg rating — 89,170 ratings score: 836, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Safeword Quinacridone (Safeword, #5) by Candace Blevins (Goodreads Author) 3.73 avg rating — 549 ratings score: 796, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	All the Living by C.E. Morgan 3.61 avg rating — 1,667 ratings score: 788, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt 3.55 avg rating — 13,390 ratings score: 785, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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
78	Home to Big Stone Gap (Big Stone Gap, #4) by Adriana Trigiani (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 10,784 ratings score: 772, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Heaven (Casteel, #1) by V.C. Andrews 4.04 avg rating — 23,627 ratings score: 739, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Crazy Ladies by Michael Lee West (Goodreads Author) 3.83 avg rating — 3,446 ratings score: 718, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business by Dolly Parton 4.12 avg rating — 3,726 ratings score: 695, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 Dragon King (Chattanooga Supernaturals, #1) by Candace Blevins (Goodreads Author) 3.80 avg rating — 653 ratings score: 689, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Beans of Egypt, Maine by Carolyn Chute 3.58 avg rating — 3,474 ratings score: 665, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Nightwoods by Charles Frazier 3.63 avg rating — 13,301 ratings score: 664, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Gods of Howl Mountain by Taylor Brown (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 2,386 ratings score: 657, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Midwife of Hope River (Hope River #1) by Patricia Harman (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 16,434 ratings score: 655, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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
87	The Homecoming by Earl Hamner Jr. 4.20 avg rating — 722 ratings score: 654, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Heart in the Right Place by Carolyn Jourdan (Goodreads Author) 3.89 avg rating — 3,092 ratings score: 644, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Saints at the River by Ron Rash (Goodreads Author) 3.83 avg rating — 4,035 ratings score: 642, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Kinfolks: The Wilgus Stories by Gurney Norman 4.16 avg rating — 290 ratings score: 637, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Devil's Dream by Lee Smith 4.04 avg rating — 1,068 ratings score: 602, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Ain't No Grave: The Life and Legacy of Brother Claude Ely by Macel Ely II 3.56 avg rating — 935 ratings score: 598, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Secret Wisdom of the Earth by Christopher Scotton (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 9,070 ratings score: 593, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Safeword Matte (Safeword, #2) by Candace Blevins (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 821 ratings score: 591, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Safeword Davenport (Safeword, #3) by Candace Blevins (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 466 ratings score: 586, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Brighten the Corner Where You Are by Fred Chappell 4.06 avg rating — 546 ratings score: 565, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake-Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia by Dennis Covington 3.93 avg rating — 3,848 ratings score: 546, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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 Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story by Gloria Houston 4.33 avg rating — 3,252 ratings score: 540, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	Our Southern Highlanders: A Narrative of Adventure in the Southern Appalachians and a Study of Life Among the Mountaineers by Horace Kephart 4.16 avg rating — 580 ratings score: 515, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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	The Beatinest Boy by Jesse Stuart 4.17 avg rating — 184 ratings score: 488, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. 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

← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next →

716 books · 812 voters · list created July 15th, 2008 by JG (Introverted Reader) (votes) .

Tags: alleghenies, allegheny, america, appalachia, appalachians, blue-ridge, great-smoky-mountains, location, mountain, mountains, region, regional, setting, smokies

170 likes · Like

Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes.

People Who Voted On This List (812)

JG (Introverted Reader) 3741 books
425 friends

Libby 1995 books
33 friends

Steven 3900 books
2506 friends

Jessica 7489 books
1177 friends

Melissa 58 books
6 friends

Robert 1772 books
27 friends

Wendy 1003 books
107 friends

DB 362 books
11 friends

More voters…

Post a comment »
Comments Showing 1-42 of 42 (42 new)

date

newest »

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?

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

message 3: by JG (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.

reply | flag

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!!

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

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

reply | flag

message 8: by JG (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.

reply | flag

message 9: by Kim (new)

Apr 18, 2011 09:19AM

@JG (The Introverted Reader):

You are exactly right!

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

message 12: by [deleted user] (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

reply | flag

message 13: by Carol (new)

Mar 30, 2012 05:26PM

Do a manual add

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

message 16: by JG (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.

reply | flag

message 17: by [deleted user] (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!

reply | flag

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/

reply | flag

message 19: by 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.

reply | flag

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..

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

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.

reply | flag

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/...

reply | flag

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!

reply | flag

message 25: by MomToKippy (new)

Jan 22, 2014 07:55PM

Fabulous list! So many highly rated books.

reply | flag

message 26: by Carrie (new)

May 28, 2014 01:09PM

Coal tattoo was a great book! So is parchment of leaves. I could so clearly hear that language and accent in my head.

reply | flag

message 27: by Mickb (new)

Nov 03, 2014 02:07AM

Great List. Am visiting NC/SC/TN (from the UK)in March/April. I am tired of reading about beaten-up pick-up trucks, 12-bore toting bullies and non-functional families. What in the above fiction list build upon the beauty of the seasons, the hard graft of the settlers, the tight knit families, the role of faith, the compromises facing those not wanting to enter the "progress race" etc. etc. And (not a literary question) how do I find all that when we get there?

reply | flag

message 28: by Loretta (new)

Dec 16, 2014 07:55PM

If you are interested in stories about Appalachia you should read the true story I wrote about the murder of my father who was shot during a coal mine strike in 1965. The book is called "No tears for Ernest Creech"

reply | flag

message 29: by Sara (new)

Jan 07, 2015 12:11PM

"Winter's Bone" is a fantastic novel, but it takes place in the Ozark mountains of Missouri, not the Appalachian mountains. There are certainly some similarities between these 2 mountain regions, but they're separated by approximately 250 miles. Can this be corrected?

reply | flag

message 30: by JG (Introverted Reader) (new)

Jan 07, 2015 03:44PM

Sara wrote: ""Winter's Bone" is a fantastic novel, but it takes place in the Ozark mountains of Missouri, not the Appalachian mountains. There are certainly some similarities between these 2 mountain regions, b..."

You're right. I've deleted it.

reply | flag

message 31: by ``Laurie (new)

Feb 21, 2015 12:20PM

"Mother of Pearl" is set in Mississippi which is not Appalachia. Also, the book "Unbroken" which I read a couple of years ago is not set in Appalachia either.

reply | flag

message 32: by JG (Introverted Reader) (new)

Feb 21, 2015 02:47PM

Laurie wrote: ""Mother of Pearl" is set in Mississippi which is not Appalachia. Also, the book "Unbroken" which I read a couple of years ago is not set in Appalachia either."

I've deleted both.

reply | flag

message 33: by Billie (new)

Jun 26, 2015 03:30PM

reply | flag

message 34: by Lexxi Kitty (new)

Sep 10, 2015 11:42AM

Just a note, Death Without Company, Junkyard Dogs and The Dark Horse take place in Wyoming. Kindness Goes Unpunished takes place in Philadelphia.

reply | flag

message 35: by JG (Introverted Reader) (new)

Sep 10, 2015 07:17PM

Lexxi Kitty wrote: "Just a note, Death Without Company, Junkyard Dogs and The Dark Horse take place in Wyoming. Kindness Goes Unpunished takes place in Phila..."

Deleted.

reply | flag

message 36: by Vicki (new)

Nov 07, 2017 05:48PM

I love Suspect, by Robert Crais, but I believe it is set in the Los Angeles, California, area, not in Appalachia.

reply | flag

message 37: by JG (Introverted Reader) (new)

Nov 07, 2017 06:17PM

Vicki wrote: "I love Suspect, by Robert Crais, but I believe it is set in the Los Angeles, California, area, not in Appalachia."

I haven't read it but the synopsis appears to agree with you. Deleted.

reply | flag

message 38: by Rebekah (new)

Jul 25, 2018 06:18AM

David wrote: "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 ..."

I have! My father and sister and a whole clan of kinfolk live there!

reply | flag

message 39: by Rebekah (new)

Jul 25, 2018 06:19AM

Loretta wrote: "If you are interested in stories about Appalachia you should read the true story I wrote about the murder of my father who was shot during a coal mine strike in 1965. The book is called "No tears f..."

Sounds good. I knew of some Creeches near Cumberland Gap

reply | flag

message 40: by Rebekah (last edited Nov 27, 2018 11:54PM) (new)

Nov 27, 2018 11:24PM

#206 The Drop - book description states setting is L.A.
#206 Knockemstiff - book description says it takes place in the Mid West
#210,211,212,213 books by James Lee Burke take place in Louisiana
#273 Walk of the Spirits takes place in Louisiana
#306 - The Bayou Trilogy: Under the Bright Lights, Muscle for the Wing, and The Ones You Do takes place in Louisiana
#344 The Devil's Punchbowl takes place in Mississippi
#350 -The Heaven of Mercury takes place in Mississippi
#419 The Silver Tattoo doesn't even take place in the USA but in Ireland
#442 Wayfaring Stranger takes place in Texas
#455 The Big Beautiful takes place in an oceanside town in N C

reply | flag

message 41: by 📚Linda (new)

Sep 30, 2020 07:31AM

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

reply | flag

message 42: by Capn (last edited Sep 17, 2022 02:52AM) (new)

Sep 17, 2022 02:44AM

Not on Goodreads:

Appalachian elk
Author:B. F. Beebe
Print Book, 1962
English
Publisher:D. McKay Co., [New York], 1962
(Amazon has a cover)

Little David and Mr. Grunt
Authors:Jerry Jimmerson, Robert Gable (Illustrator)
Summary:The adventures of an boy named Little David in a small Appalachian town and a troublesome wild boar known to the townspeople as Mr. Grunt
Print Book, ©1971
English
Publisher:Carlton Press, New York, N.Y., ©1971
Physical Description:
48 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm.
OCLC Number / Unique Identifier:
52032964

Trouble at Torrent Creek
Author:Margaret Pitcairn Strachan
Summary:During her first year of teaching in the Appalachian Mountains, a twenty-two-year-old girl tries to educate the parents of an isolated community to the need for a better school system and more contact with the outside world
Print Book, ©1967
English
Publisher:I. Washburn, New York, ©1967
Physical Description:
183 pages ; 21 cm
OCLC Number / Unique Identifier:
1170387

Freeman
Author:Lillie D. Chaffin
Summary:After living with his grandparents all his life, twelve-year-old Freeman is shocked to learn that his parents are not dead, but returning home now that his father is out of prison
Print Book, ©1972
English
Publisher:Macmillan, New York, ©1972
Physical Description:
152 pages ; 22 cm
OCLC Number / Unique Identifier:
410522

reply | flag