Books Like...

'Oral History' by Lee Smith is a captivating novel that delves into the Appalachian culture, capturing the essence of the region with authenticity and depth. Through multiple generations of the Cantrell family, the book weaves a story that is plain, gripping, and evocative, resembling an oral history that brings the characters and their struggles to life. The writing style of Lee Smith is praised for its ability to create vivid imagery and realistic portrayals of mountain life, showcasing the beauty and hardships that coexist in the Appalachian setting.

Limelight by Amy Poeppel is a novel that follows Allison Brinkley as she transitions from her comfort zone in Dallas to the bustling city of New York with her family. She finds herself becoming the personal assistant to a spoiled young pop star, Carter Reid, who is cast in a Broadway musical. The story revolves around Allison's struggles in adjusting to her new life, dealing with her own family dynamics, and trying to tame Carter's rebellious behavior to ensure the success of the Broadway show. The writing style is smart, fresh, and humorous, capturing the challenges of moving to a big city, maternal instincts, and the perils of childhood celebrity.

'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher is an epistolary novel that follows the life of Jason Fitger, a disillusioned and sarcastic English professor at a small liberal arts university. The story is uniquely told through a series of letters of recommendation written by Fitger to various recipients, providing insights into his personal life, academic struggles, and interactions with colleagues and students. Despite the humorous and satirical tone of the letters, a deeper narrative unfolds, shedding light on the challenges faced in academia, the value of literature, and the complexities of human relationships.

In 1936, deep in the woods of eastern Kentucky, lives Cussy Carter, a 19-year-old member of the historical Pack Horse Library Project, who is also known as a Blue due to her blue skin. The book follows Cussy's journey as she delivers books to the impoverished hill people of Eastern Kentucky, facing prejudices and challenges along the way. The novel sheds light on race, poverty, and the love of literature, offering a unique perspective on what it means to be an outcast in society.

The story is told in the first person by Cussy, also known as Bluet, as she navigates through the challenges of being a pack horse librarian, dealing with poverty, hunger, and the coal mining industry in the mountains of Kentucky. The book delves into the historical context of the Pack Horse Librarians and the Blue People, intertwining their stories to create a compelling narrative that explores themes of prejudice, poverty, and resilience in the face of adversity.

'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.

Christy by Catherine Marshall is a fictionalized account based on the author's mother's experiences teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee in 1912. The story follows a young woman named Christy, who leaves her privileged life to teach in the Appalachian mountains, encountering poverty, superstitions, and the rugged mountain people. Through her journey, Christy learns spiritual lessons, grows to love the community, and finds her faith and place in the world.

The book is a blend of historical fiction and true events, portraying Christy's struggles and triumphs as she navigates the challenges of her new environment. The narrative captures the essence of the Tennessee mountain people during the early 20th century, highlighting the beauty of the area and the genuine love the author has for the characters and the setting.

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.

'Daddy-Long-Legs' by Jean Webster is an epistolary novel that follows the story of Jerusha Abbott, an orphan girl who is sent to college by an anonymous benefactor known as Daddy Long Legs. Through Jerusha's monthly letters to the mysterious sponsor, readers get a glimpse into her experiences and growth as she navigates college life in the early 1900s. The plot unfolds through Jerusha's humorous and insightful reflections, providing a delightful and engaging narrative that captures the essence of a young girl's journey towards independence and self-discovery.

The writing style of Jean Webster in 'Daddy-Long-Legs' is described as lovely, witty, and entertaining, with a sense of light-heartedness that enhances the portrayal of the protagonist's daily life and studies. offers a mix of romance, humor, and historical context, creating a charming and relatable story that resonates with readers of different ages. Through the letters exchanged between Jerusha and Daddy Long Legs, Webster crafts a narrative that not only entertains but also provides a glimpse into the societal norms and challenges faced by women in the early 20th century.

"Dangerous Liaisons" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is an epistolary novel that includes multiple characters writing to each other, each with unique points of view and goals. The book revolves around two manipulative narcissists who take on a bet to destroy people around them, showcasing intrigues, manipulations, treachery, promiscuity, and horribleness. The story is set in the 18th century and features characters that may live in a different era but feel very real, engaging readers with its psychological games, slow pay off of revenge, and toxic, narcissistic relationships.

"Lady Susan" by Jane Austen is a short epistolary novel that follows the manipulative and conniving widow, Lady Susan Vernon, as she schemes to secure wealthy marriages for herself and her daughter. Written entirely through letters exchanged between characters, the story unfolds through gossip, scandal, and the revelation of Lady Susan's deceitful nature. Despite being an early work of Austen, the novel showcases her talent for creating complex characters like Lady Susan, who is portrayed as heartless, selfish, and unscrupulous in her pursuit of personal gain.

The plot revolves around Lady Susan's cunning efforts to manipulate those around her, leading to outrage, shock, and helplessness among her acquaintances. Through the epistolary format, readers are given glimpses of Lady Susan's underhandedness, her daughter's predicament, and the reactions of those caught in her web of deceit. Despite the lack of traditional narrative prose, the novel offers a wickedly fun and engaging exploration of love, manipulation, and Regency society.