Books Like...

"If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O" by Sharyn McCrumb revolves around the planning for a 20th-anniversary high school reunion in a small town in Tennessee. The story intertwines the past of Viet Nam veterans, the appearance of a popular folk singer named Peggy, and the mysterious threats she receives. incorporates elements of 1960s and 1970s music, history, and the struggles faced by the characters, including the sheriff and his deputy who are key figures in solving the mystery. The plot unfolds with references to folk songs, character-driven narratives, and a surprising twist at the end that keeps readers engaged.

'Shiner' by Amy Jo Burns is a gritty and atmospheric novel set in poverty-stricken, small-town West Virginia. The story revolves around Wren, a sheltered young woman living with her snake-handling preacher father and submissive mother in a remote mountain setting. As the plot unfolds through shifting perspectives, shocking revelations about the family's past come to light, leading to a series of detrimental changes in their lives. The descriptive prose vividly captures the mountain setting and overwhelming despair, while the novel's conclusion surprisingly offers a sense of hope for the future.

In "The Book Woman's Daughter," the story follows Honey, the daughter of the beloved Troublesome book woman, as she embarks on a journey to fight for her independence with the help of the women who guide her and the books that set her free. Set in the rugged beauty of Kentucky mountains in the 1930s, Honey faces challenges as the daughter of the famed packhorse librarian, trying to prove that she can survive on her own. With her parents imprisoned, Honey takes on her mother's old packhorse library route, delivering books to the remote hollers of Appalachia and learning valuable lessons of resilience and self-reliance from the extraordinary women she meets along the way.

The book delves into themes of female empowerment, literacy, and overcoming prejudice in a time of social challenges. Through Honey's journey, readers witness her growth, determination, and the supportive sisterhood that surrounds her, highlighting the strength and courage of women in the face of adversity.

'Crapalachia: A Biography of a Place' by Scott McClanahan is a blend of fiction and nonfiction, a coming-of-age memoir set in West Virginia. It explores the author's childhood experiences visiting his Grandma Ruby in Danese, delving into the lives of his family members and friends. The narrative style is a mix of stream of consciousness and storytelling, capturing the essence of growing up in a rural setting with humor and understanding.

The stories within the book touch on themes of family dynamics, struggles with poverty, dealing with loss, and the unique characters that populate the author's world. McClanahan paints vivid portraits of his relatives, particularly his Grandma Ruby and Uncle Nathan, showcasing their quirks, dreams, and challenges in a poignant and sometimes humorous light.

Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam is a memoir about a boy growing up in a coal mining town who starts building rockets. Inspired by the start of the space race, Sonny and his friends in southern West Virginia build and launch model rockets, eventually winning the National Science Fair. The book vividly captures small-town America in the 1950s, the characters, and the relationships, making the reader feel the ups and downs of Sonny's journey towards his dream of becoming a rocket engineer.

'Fair and Tender Ladies' by Lee Smith is a captivating story told through a series of letters written by the main character, Ivy Rowe, spanning from her childhood to old age. The narrative follows Ivy's life in the Appalachian mountains, touching upon significant historical events such as the first World War and societal changes spanning decades. Through Ivy's letters, readers are immersed in a world rich with human experiences, relationships, and the vibrant culture of Appalachia. The writing style, characterized by colloquial language and beautifully crafted descriptions, brings Ivy's story to life, making it a poignant and engaging read.

Hill Women: Finding Family and a Way Forward in the Appalachian Mountains by Cassie Chambers is a memoir that covers the author's life and her family's journey from Appalachian sharecropping to her accomplishments as an Ivy League grad and a legal aid lawyer in Kentucky. The book highlights the strength and resilience of the women in her family, portraying their hard work, support, and values that have shaped her life and career. Chambers writes about the challenges faced by the people in Appalachia, focusing on the positive aspects of the community and the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.

In the early days of the AIDS pandemic, a young man named Brian goes back home to small town America to face his death, encountering prejudices and hatred from his childhood friends, neighbors, and family. The novel explores the complexities of the situation with well-defined characters, distinct narratives, and heartbreaking descriptions of the emotional and physical ravages of AIDS, all anchored to a sympathetic and interesting family. The book immerses the reader in the late 80s setting, portraying the stark reality of the AIDS crisis and the challenges faced by individuals dealing with the unknown and stigma of the disease.

Carter Sickels, the author, presents a nostalgic, immersive, and painstaking narrative through simple yet effective prose, colorful characters, and a non-judgmental exploration of difficult issues. The story is a moving and raw account of a son dying of AIDS, highlighting themes of family, redemption, grief, love, and the dark underbelly of humanity as characters navigate panic, ignorance, and fear in the face of tragedy.

'Tobacco Road' by Erskine Caldwell is a dark comedy set in the southern US during the Great Depression, focusing on the impoverished Lester family in rural Georgia. The book portrays extreme poverty, ignorance, and harsh living conditions faced by the characters, presenting a satirical and exaggerated depiction of their struggles. The writing style is described as powerful and nauseating, with scenes of casual homicide, sexual violence, and graphic details that aim to evoke strong emotions from the readers.

The plot revolves around the Lesters' daily life of survival, their dehumanization due to poverty, and their interactions with the community, which is portrayed as an extended joke on poor country individuals. Despite the grim portrayal of the characters and their circumstances, the book is seen as a reflection of the hopelessness and desperation prevalent during the era, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the poor white sharecroppers in the South.

'Serena' by Ron Rash is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s, portraying the story of Serena and her husband George Pemberton as they strive to become wealthy timber barons in North Carolina and beyond. The book explores Serena's ruthless and manipulative nature, as well as her relentless pursuit of power and wealth. The plot delves into the dark and violent world of the logging industry during the Depression era, showcasing the harsh realities of life in the Appalachia mountains. The narrative also touches upon themes of greed, murder, and the struggle for dominance in a male-dominated profession.