photo credit: jmenard48

Well, I can scarcely believe this, but South Dakota is the final state in this series!! 

photo credit: trialsanderrors

I began this series on January 31st, inspired by Melanie Jones series in the Columbia Spectator.  My original plan was to post Jones’ pick and then agree or disagree.  When Jones took the summer off, I decided to continue on my own… 

Fortunately, as my series started to come to a close (and my inspiration began to wane), Omnivoracious also started a similar — albeit more ambitious — series, choosing one writer per electoral vote per state.

So, who did I choose for my final representative?  Serendipitously, this writer was one of the very first who brought me to love writing.  I remember reading the Little House on the Prairie series as my family drove across the country, and Laura Ingalls Wilder taught me to love the vast countryside of the great plains.

photo credit: interplanetary shoes

So, readers, which of Wilder’s books was your favorite?  Little House in the Big Woods?  Farmer Boy?  On the Banks of Plum Creek? 

I’ll admit, I loved the entire series… and can’t pick just one.  But if you can, drop me a comment!

Curious about who represented the states we’ve done so far?

Photo by marxchivist

First, from Melanie Jones:

Alabama: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (check out my To Kill A Mockingbird Sample Kit!)

Michigan: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides

Alaska: The Man Who Swam With Beavers by Nancy Lord

Arizona: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

North Dakota: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Vermont: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Hawaii: Heads by Harry by Lois-ann Yamanaka

Georgia: Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones

Massachusettes: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Oregon: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey

Wyoming: At Close Range by E. Annie Proulx

Washington: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie

And I happily borrowed the collective wisdom of Omnivoracious for

• Delaware: Marisa de los Santos (and W.D. Snodgrass, Robert Montgomery Bird, Jonathan Kellerman… they are choosing an author for every electoral vote…)
• New York: Check out the list of literary greats — wow…
• Rhode Island‘s little giants…
• Indiana‘s sweeping greatness…
• Maine‘s unknown gems…
• Illinios‘s literary lovelies…
• Mississippi‘s masters…

And I went out on my own for…

Florida: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston

Minnesota: In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien

Wisconsin: When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton

Louisiana: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (Jones’ pick) and The Awakening by Kate Chopin (my pick)

Colorado: Plainsong by Kent Haruf

Maryland: Anything by Anne Tyler

Georgia: Awakening by Kate Chopin

Ohio: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Arkansas: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Virginia: John Grisham

Idaho: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

North Carolina: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Tennesee: Run by Ann Patchett

New Jersey: Anything by Janet Ivanovich

Texas: Anything by Elmer Kelton

Connecticut: The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx

Montana: The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie

Utah: Edward Abbey

South Carolina: Pat Conroy

Iowa: Wallace Stegner

Pennsylvania: John Updike and James Michener

Missouri: Mark Twain

New Hampshire: Robert Frost

Kentucky: Robert Penn Warren

California: John Steinbeck

New Mexico: Tony Hillerman

Oklahoma: Joy Harjo

Another great post from: BOOK CLUB CLASSICS! Thanks for visiting...

South Dakota’s Sweetheart…

photo credit: Vitorio Benedetti

I have chosen the playwright William Inge to represent the state of Kansas — mostly because I have heard of him! However, Sheila recommended another Kansas classic:  In Cold Blood.  Good pick, Sheila!  I have not yet read Capote’s  classic, but after recently reviewing a semi-autobiographical novel about his life, Capote in Kansas, I feel as though I know him…

photo credit: Vitorio Benedetti

But on to Inge!  If you are wondering why Inge’s name sounds familiar — think Broadway!  He won the Pulitzer for Picnic and is also well-known for Bus Stop and Splendor in the Grass (for which he won an Oscar).

photo credit: diskychick

I have only seen Bus Stop — with Jerry Hall as the lead — and enjoyed it.  Anyone else have memories of Inge’s work? 

Curious about what states we’ve done so far and which ones are on deck?

Photo by marxchivist

First, from Melanie Jones:

Alabama: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (check out my To Kill A Mockingbird Sample Kit!)

Michigan: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides

Alaska: The Man Who Swam With Beavers by Nancy Lord

Arizona: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

North Dakota: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Vermont: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Hawaii: Heads by Harry by Lois-ann Yamanaka

Georgia: Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones

Massachusettes: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Oregon: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey

Wyoming: At Close Range by E. Annie Proulx

Washington:  The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie

And I happily borrowed the collective wisdom of Omnivoracious for

• Delaware: Marisa de los Santos (and W.D. Snodgrass, Robert Montgomery Bird, Jonathan Kellerman… they are choosing an author for every electoral vote…)
• New York: Check out the list of literary greats — wow…
• Rhode Island‘s little giants…
• Indiana‘s sweeping greatness…
• Maine‘s unknown gems…
• Illinios‘s literary lovelies…
• Mississippi‘s masters…

And I went out on my own for…

Florida: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston

Minnesota: In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien

Wisconsin: When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton

Louisiana: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (Jones’ pick) and The Awakening by Kate Chopin (my pick)

Colorado: Plainsong by Kent Haruf

Maryland: Anything by Anne Tyler

Georgia: Awakening by Kate Chopin

Ohio: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Arkansas: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Virginia: John Grisham

Idaho: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

North Carolina: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Tennesee: Run by Ann Patchett

New Jersey: Anything by Janet Ivanovich

Texas: Anything by Elmer Kelton

Connecticut: The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx

Montana: The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie

Utah: Edward Abbey

South Carolina: Pat Conroy

Iowa: Wallace Stegner

Pennsylvania: John Updike and James Michener

Missouri: Mark Twain

New Hampshire: Robert Frost

Kentucky: Robert Penn Warren

California: John Steinbeck

New Mexico: Tony Hillerman

Oklahoma: Joy Harjo

Wondering where your state is? Coming soon… In the meantime, weigh in on future picks!

Another great post from: BOOK CLUB CLASSICS! Thanks for visiting...

Jayhawking Writers…

photo credit: OakleyOriginals

Many thanks to Cindy for recommending the following Oklahoma writers: William Bernhardt, Angie Debo, Janet McAdams, and Janis Reams Hudson.  I have not yet read any of these writers, but I’m looking forward to getting to know them in the future!

Cindy also recommended one of my favorite poets to represent Oklahoma: Joy Harjo.  I have read and taught her poetry for years — she is a fierce warrior of words who is accessible yet challenging.  One of my very favorite collections is She Had Some Horses. Check out the links below to experience the unique voice that is Harjo.

First, an excerpt which is fairly representative of much of her poetry:

No

Yes that was me you saw shaking with bravery, with a government issued

rifle on my back. I’m sorry I could not greet you as you deserved, my

relative.

They were not my tears. I have a resevoir inside. They will be cried

by my sons, my daughters if I can’t learn how to turn tears to stone.

Yes, that was me standing in the back door of the house in the alley,

with fresh corn and bread for the neighbors.

I did not forsee the flood of blood. How they would forget our

friendship, would return to kill me and the babies.

photo credit: OakleyOriginals

Pretty intense, huh?  Here is another excerpt with a much different tone:

In Honor of Mo Who Is Our Cat, and We Are Hers

and everything in the room:

the couch, the windows, the door

and eventually every room in the house

and the yard

and beyond the yard to many years

photo credit: Wesley Fryer

Want to read more?  Check out these great links:

• More poetry
• Harjo’s My Space page
• Poetry Magazine feature

Curious about what states we’ve done so far and which ones are on deck?

Photo by marxchivist

First, from Melanie Jones:

Alabama: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (check out my To Kill A Mockingbird Sample Kit!)

Michigan: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides

Alaska: The Man Who Swam With Beavers by Nancy Lord

Arizona: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

North Dakota: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Vermont: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Hawaii: Heads by Harry by Lois-ann Yamanaka

Georgia: Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones

Massachusettes: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Oregon: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey

Wyoming: At Close Range by E. Annie Proulx

Washington:  The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie

And I happily borrowed the collective wisdom of Omnivoracious for

• Delaware: Marisa de los Santos (and W.D. Snodgrass, Robert Montgomery Bird, Jonathan Kellerman… they are choosing an author for every electoral vote…)
• New York: Check out the list of literary greats — wow…
• Rhode Island‘s little giants…
• Indiana‘s sweeping greatness…
• Maine‘s unknown gems…
• Illinios‘s literary lovelies…
• Mississippi‘s masters…

And I went out on my own for…

Florida: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston

Minnesota: In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien

Wisconsin: When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton

Louisiana: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (Jones’ pick) and The Awakening by Kate Chopin (my pick)

Colorado: Plainsong by Kent Haruf

Maryland: Anything by Anne Tyler

Georgia: Awakening by Kate Chopin

Ohio: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Arkansas: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Virginia: John Grisham

Idaho: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

North Carolina: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Tennesee: Run by Ann Patchett

New Jersey: Anything by Janet Ivanovich

Texas: Anything by Elmer Kelton

Connecticut: The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx

Montana: The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie

Utah: Edward Abbey

South Carolina: Pat Conroy

Iowa: Wallace Stegner

Pennsylvania: John Updike and James Michener

Missouri: Mark Twain

New Hampshire: Robert Frost

Kentucky: Robert Penn Warren

California: John Steinbeck

Oklahoma: Tony Hillerman

Wondering where your state is? Coming soon… In the meantime, weigh in on future picks!

Another great post from: BOOK CLUB CLASSICS! Thanks for visiting...

Ooooooooh – Oklahoma’s Scribe!

photo credit: Paco Espinoza

First, before I discuss my pick for New Mexico, a big “thank you” to last week’s highlighted writer, Sally Denton, for introducing me to another talented NM wordsmith!

Denton recommends Michael McGarrity, a mystery writer who sets his novels in New Mexico.  I look forward to checking him out soon!!

My pick for this striking state is a very popular writer who recently died: Tony Hillerman.  Years ago I read one of his novels — Listening Woman — and enjoyed it.  His love for this state and prolific ability to write about it makes him an excellent representative. 

photo credit: a4gpa

Here are a few quotes regarding Hillerman’s legacy, courtesy of the University of New Mexico:

Best-selling mystery writer Tony Hillerman has brought the landscape of the Southwest and the Navajo culture into mainstream America’s reading. His childhood growing up with Indian people has led to a fascination with Native American cultures and prompted him to spend time on the remote reservations of Arizona and New Mexico. His is a world of seasons and magic, of curing ceremonies, and ancient cultures, often on a collision course with the white world. The relationship of the Indians with the harshly beautiful high desert country is an underlying force in Hillerman’s novels. He uses his fiction to explore the turbulent crosscurrents that occur when ancient Native cultures, traditional Hispanic worlds, and the dominant Anglo Society collide.

photo credit: Gabu-chan

And here’s an overview from Harper Collins’ website:

Tony Hillerman (1925–2008), an Albuquerque, New Mexico, resident since 1963, was the author of 29 books, including the popular 17-mystery series featuring Navajo police officers Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, two non-series novels, two children’s books, and nonfiction works. He had received every major honor for mystery fiction; awards ranging from the Navajo Tribal Council’s commendation to France ‘s esteemed Grand prix de litterature policiere. Western Writers of America honored him with the Wister Award for Lifetime achievement in 2008. He served as president of the prestigious Mystery Writers of America, and was honored with that group’s Edgar Award and as one of mystery fiction’s Grand Masters. In 2001, his memoir, Seldom Disappointed, won both the Anthony and Agatha Awards for best nonfiction.

 

photo credit: lisacchamberlain

 
Curious about what states we’ve done so far and which ones are on deck?

Photo by marxchivist

First, from Melanie Jones:

Alabama: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (check out my To Kill A Mockingbird Sample Kit!)

Michigan: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides

Alaska: The Man Who Swam With Beavers by Nancy Lord

Arizona: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

North Dakota: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Vermont: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Hawaii: Heads by Harry by Lois-ann Yamanaka

Georgia: Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones

Massachusettes: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Oregon: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey

Wyoming: At Close Range by E. Annie Proulx

Washington: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie

And I happily borrowed the collective wisdom of Omnivoracious for

• Delaware: Marisa de los Santos (and W.D. Snodgrass, Robert Montgomery Bird, Jonathan Kellerman… they are choosing an author for every electoral vote…)
• New York: Check out the list of literary greats — wow…
• Rhode Island‘s little giants…
• Indiana‘s sweeping greatness…
• Maine‘s unknown gems…
• Illinios‘s literary lovelies…
• Mississippi‘s masters…

And I went out on my own for…

Florida: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston

Minnesota: In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien

Wisconsin: When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton

Louisiana: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (Jones’ pick) and The Awakening by Kate Chopin (my pick)

Colorado: Plainsong by Kent Haruf

Maryland: Anything by Anne Tyler

Georgia: Awakening by Kate Chopin

Ohio: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Arkansas: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Virginia: John Grisham

Idaho: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

North Carolina: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Tennesee: Run by Ann Patchett

New Jersey: Anything by Janet Ivanovich

Texas: Anything by Elmer Kelton

Connecticut: The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx

Montana: The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie

Utah: Edward Abbey

South Carolina: Pat Conroy

Iowa: Wallace Stegner

Pennsylvania: John Updike and James Michener

Missouri: Mark Twain

New Hampshire: Robert Frost

Kentucky: Robert Penn Warren

California: John Steinbeck

Wondering where your state is? Coming soon… In the meantime, weigh in on future picks!

Another great post from: BOOK CLUB CLASSICS! Thanks for visiting...

New Mexico’s Hillerman…

photo credit: mandj98

So, I am down to six remaining states… whew! I would love a bit of help on the remaining states, by the way: New Mexico (maybe Julia Glass? Tony Hillerman?), Oklahoma, Kansas, South Dakota, and Washington. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

photo credit: mandj98

This week, I am highlighting a writer I found on the Silver Pen Award website – Sally Denton — who I have yet to read! The Silver Pen is awarded to Nevada writers who are mid-career, but have already distinguished themselves in writing.  Denton has been inducted into the Nevada Writers’ Hall of Fame, too.

photo credit: RickC

Here an excerpt from a biographical page:

Her 2001 book, The Money and the Power: The Making of Las Vegas and Its Hold on America, 1947-2000, co-authored with her husband, was described as “… one of the most important nonfiction books published in the United States …” by a Los Angeles Times reviewer.

photo credit: NU Husky 91

Sounds interesting!  My husband and I are hoping to go to Las Vegas this spring (I’ve never been as an adult…), so I may check this out!

Curious about what states we’ve done so far and which ones are on deck?

Photo by marxchivist

First, from Melanie Jones:

Alabama: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (check out my To Kill A Mockingbird Sample Kit!)

Michigan: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides

Alaska: The Man Who Swam With Beavers by Nancy Lord

Arizona: The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

North Dakota: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Vermont: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Hawaii: Heads by Harry by Lois-ann Yamanaka

Georgia: Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones

Massachusettes: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Oregon: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey

Wyoming: At Close Range by E. Annie Proulx

And I happily borrowed the collective wisdom of Omnivoracious for

• Delaware: Marisa de los Santos (and W.D. Snodgrass, Robert Montgomery Bird, Jonathan Kellerman… they are choosing an author for every electoral vote…)
• New York: Check out the list of literary greats — wow…
• Rhode Island‘s little giants…
• Indiana‘s sweeping greatness…
• Maine‘s unknown gems…

And I went out on my own for…

Florida: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston

Minnesota: In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien

Wisconsin: When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton

Louisiana: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (Jones’ pick) and The Awakening by Kate Chopin (my pick)

Colorado: Plainsong by Kent Haruf

Maryland: Anything by Anne Tyler

Georgia: Awakening by Kate Chopin

Ohio: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Arkansas: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Virginia: John Grisham

Idaho: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

North Carolina: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Tennesee: Run by Ann Patchett

New Jersey: Anything by Janet Ivanovich

Texas: Anything by Elmer Kelton

Connecticut: The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx

Montana: The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie

Utah: Edward Abbey

South Carolina: Pat Conroy

Iowa: Wallace Stegner

Pennsylvania: John Updike and James Michener

Missouri: Mark Twain

New Hampshire: Robert Frost

Kentucky: Robert Penn Warren

California: John Steinbeck

Wondering where your state is? Coming soon… In the meantime, weigh in on future picks!

Another great post from: BOOK CLUB CLASSICS! Thanks for visiting...

Nevada’s Silver Pen