Books Like...
At the Edge of the Orchard is a historical tale set in the mid-1800s that follows the journey of a botanist collecting seeds and seedlings in the American West to transport back to England. The story revolves around a mismatched couple, the Goodenoughs, as they struggle to make a living in the harsh environment of the Ohio swamps. Their son, Robert, eventually finds solace in nature and embarks on a journey to California, where he discovers a deep connection to trees. Tracy Chevalier weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines, blending historical facts with fictional characters to create an engaging and educational narrative.
If you liked At the Edge of the Orchard, here are the top 10 books to read next:
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Save:A single day in a miners' strike in West Virginia brings into sharp focus fatal events and romantic and other entanglements involving native-born and immigrant miners, mine owners, supervisors, Baldwin guards, strikebreakers, and scabs
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Save:'The Red Garden' by Alice Hoffman is a collection of interconnected short stories set in the fictional town of Blackwell, Massachusetts, spanning several hundred years. The stories revolve around the town's founding in the 18th century and continue until the late 20th century. Characters are deeply connected to the town yet also experience a sense of disconnection, all while being influenced by the magical elements of their surroundings such as bears, eels, and the mysterious red garden. The book weaves together tales of love, loss, and family ties, creating a mystical and enchanting portrait of Blackwell and its inhabitants.
THE TOWN OF BLACKWELL, MASSACHUSETTS, changed its name in 1786. It had been called Bearsville when it was founded in 1750, but it quickly became apparent that a name such as that did little to encoura... - #3
Save:'O Pioneers!' by Willa Cather is a novel set in Nebraska at the turn of the 20th century, focusing on the lives of immigrant farmers, particularly the Swedish Bergersen family. The story follows the strong and wise Alexandra Bergson as she inherits the family farmland and navigates the challenges of managing the farm while dealing with personal relationships and family tragedies. Cather's writing style is described as simple, clear, and nostalgic, capturing the stubbornness and loneliness of the early Plains settlers.
One January day, thirty years ago, the little town of Hanover, anchored on a windy Nebraska tableland, was trying not to be blown away. A mist of fine snowflakes was curling and eddying about the clus... - #4These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901by:Book 1 in the series:Sarah Agnes Prine
Save:'These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901' by Nancy E. Turner is a captivating tale of Sarah Prine, a pioneer woman in the late 19th century Arizona Territory. Through Sarah's diary entries, readers witness her journey of establishing a ranch, facing hardships like sickness, bandits, and Indian attacks, while also experiencing moments of joy, humor, and romance. The book offers a vivid glimpse into the pioneer experience, showcasing Sarah's resilience, hard work, and ambition as she navigates through life in the wild west.
The novel, written in diary format, provides a first-hand account of Sarah's life as she grows from a young girl to a woman in the Arizona Territory. The story is filled with a mix of heartbreak, love, and adventure, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction set in the American Southwest during the 1800s. Sarah's strong character, her love for books, and her enduring spirit shine through the pages, creating a narrative that is both poignant and inspiring.
A storm is rolling in, and that always makes me a little sad and wistful so I got it in my head to set to paper all these things that have got us this far on our way through this heathen land. Its bee... - #5
Save:"My Ántonia" by Willa Cather is a novel set in late 19th-century Nebraska, following the lives of several immigrant families through the eyes of the protagonist, Jim Burden. The story revolves around the character of the Bohemian immigrant woman, Ántonia, and her enduring friendship with Jim. The narrative is a collection of memories that depict the challenges and joys of life on the prairie, capturing the essence of the American Midwest during that era. The plot is character-driven, focusing on the growth and experiences of the main characters over a span of 30 years.
I FIRST HEARD OF Ántonia on what seemed to me an interminable journey across the great midland plain of North America. I was ten years old then; I had lost both my father and mother within a year, and... - #6
Save:'One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd' by Jim Fergus is a historical fiction novel set in the USA West in 1875. The story revolves around the character of May Dodd, who becomes part of a government program where white women are sent to marry Cheyenne Indians as a means of assimilation. The narrative is presented in the form of journals written by May Dodd, detailing her experiences and the challenges faced by the women involved in this social experiment. explores themes of cultural assimilation, complex characters, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier.
- #7The Book Woman of Troublesome CreekBook 1 in the series:The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
Save: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.
Satisfied, Pa carried it out of our one-room log house and onto the hand-hewn porch. He was hopeful. Hoping 1936 was the year his only daughter, nineteen-year-old Cussy Mary Carter, would get herself ... - #8
Save:Little House on the Prairie is a heartwarming tale that follows the Ingalls family as they leave the Big Woods of Wisconsin and settle in Indian Country, facing challenges and adventures along the way. The book captures the essence of pioneer life in the 19th century through the eyes of young Laura, offering insights into family dynamics, friendship, hard work, and resilience. The vivid descriptions of prairie landscapes, log cabin construction, and interactions with Native Americans provide a window into a bygone era, making it a captivating read for both children and adults.
The book's narrative beautifully intertwines little dramas, lovable characters, and historical information about pioneer life, creating a compelling story that transports readers to another time and place. Through Laura Ingalls Wilder's writing, readers are immersed in the struggles and triumphs of the Ingalls family as they navigate the challenges of settling in a new land, showcasing themes of self-sufficiency, family unity, and the spirit of adventure. The book not only educates about the past but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder, making it a timeless classic that resonates with readers of all ages.
Pa hung his gun to the wagon bows inside the canvas top, where he could reach it quickly from the seat. He hung his bullet-pouch and powder-horn beneath it. He laid the fiddle-box carefully between pi... - #9
Save:Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier is a historical novel set during the American Civil War, following the journey of a wounded Confederate soldier named Inman as he deserts the army to make his way back to his beloved Ada Monroe. The book intertwines Inman's perilous journey with Ada's struggles to survive on her own in Cold Mountain, North Carolina. The writing style in Cold Mountain is described as poetic and lyrical, with rich descriptions of landscapes and characters, creating a vivid portrayal of the time period and the characters' emotional journeys.
At the first gesture of morning, flies began stirring. Inman’s eyes and the long wound at his neck drew them, and the sound of their wings and the touch of their feet were soon more potent than a yard... - #10
Save:'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry is a sprawling epic Western novel that follows the journey of two aging ex-Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, as they set out on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The narrative is rich in historical detail, exploring themes of friendship, adventure, love, and survival in the rugged landscape of the American West. Through vivid characterizations and intricate plotlines, the author paints a compelling portrait of the challenges and triumphs faced by a diverse cast of characters on their arduous journey.
WHEN AUGUSTUS CAME OUT on the porch the blue pigs were eating a rattlesnake—not a very big one. It had probably just been crawling around looking for shade when it ran into the pigs. They were having ...
