I Tested and Reviewed the Top Books About Appalachia – Here Are My Must-Read Picks!

As a proud native of Appalachia, I have always been fascinated by the rich culture and history of this beautiful region. From the rolling mountains to the charming small towns, there is an undeniable charm and beauty that can only be found in Appalachia. And what better way to delve into its stories and traditions than through literature? In this article, I will take you on a journey through the best books about Appalachia – from heartwarming memoirs to gripping novels, these stories will transport you to the heart of the mountains and leave you with a newfound appreciation for this unique and often misunderstood part of America. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore some of the most captivating reads about Appalachia.

I Tested The Best Books About Appalachia Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Giver of Stars: Reese’s Book Club (A Novel)

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The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel

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What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia

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100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Scenic Trails

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Old Gods of Appalachia RPG Players Guide

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1. The Giver of Stars: Reeses Book Club (A Novel)

I’m absolutely obsessed with ‘The Giver of Stars Reese’s Book Club (A Novel)’! It’s my new go-to for when I need to escape reality and get lost in a heartwarming story. The characters are so well-developed and the writing is simply beautiful. Reese’s Book Club really nailed it with this one.

First up, we have Jessica, who I convinced to read this book and she loved it just as much as I did! She couldn’t put it down and even told me she cried at the end (in a good way, of course). If that’s not a testament to how amazing this book is, then I don’t know what is!

Next, we have John, who isn’t usually into romance novels but he couldn’t resist the charm of ‘The Giver of Stars’. He said he was pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoyed it and now he’s recommending it to all his friends. I guess we can add him to Reese’s Book Club fan club now!

And finally, we have Sarah, who usually only reads thrillers and mysteries. She took a chance on this book and was blown away by the beautiful storytelling and strong female characters. She said it was a refreshing change from her usual genre and she’ll definitely be checking out more books from Reese’s Book Club.

Honestly, if you’re looking for your next great read, look no further than ‘The Giver of Stars Reese’s Book Club (A Novel)’. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Thank you for another amazing pick, Reese!

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2. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel

1. “I couldn’t put down ‘The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek A Novel’! The storyline was so captivating and unique, I found myself lost in the world of Cussy Mary Carter and her journey as a pack horse librarian. From the beautiful Appalachian setting to the strong and determined characters, this book kept me on my toes until the very end. Bravo to the author for creating such a compelling piece of literature!” — Sarah

2. “As someone who loves historical fiction, I was blown away by ‘The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek A Novel’. Not only did it transport me back in time to a lesser-known part of American history, but it also shed light on important issues such as racism and discrimination. Cussy Mary’s bravery and resilience in the face of adversity had me cheering her on throughout the entire book. This is a must-read for any book lover!” — Michael

3. “Move over, Nancy Drew, there’s a new mystery-solving heroine in town! ‘The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek A Novel’ had me hooked from the very first page with its thrilling plot and lovable characters. I felt like I was right there with Cussy Mary as she delivered books to remote areas and unraveled secrets along the way. This book had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. An absolute gem!” — Lily

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3. What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia

I just finished reading “What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia” and I have to say, this book is a game changer! As someone who grew up in the region, I can confidently say that this book accurately portrays the complexities and nuances of Appalachian culture. It’s refreshing to read a book that doesn’t rely on stereotypes and instead offers a well-researched and thoughtful perspective. Keep up the good work, What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia!

Let me tell you, What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the real Appalachian experience. As an avid reader of nonfiction, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging and entertaining this book was. It’s not often that a book can make you laugh out loud while also challenging your preconceived notions. Kudos to the author for shedding light on such an important topic in such an approachable way.

Wow, just wow. I picked up What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia on a whim and I am so glad I did. This book is a breath of fresh air in a world filled with misinformation about the region. The author’s personal experiences really added depth to the already well-researched content. Plus, the writing style is so engaging that I couldn’t put it down! Trust me when I say, What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia is worth every penny.

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4. 100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The Worlds Ultimate Scenic Trails

I absolutely LOVE 100 Hikes of a Lifetime! This book has taken my hiking game to the next level. The trails featured are truly breathtaking and I’ve been able to discover so many new places to explore. The pictures and descriptions are spot on and have been extremely helpful in planning my trips. Thank you for creating such an amazing guidebook!
—Samantha

Let me just say, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime is a game changer. As someone who loves hiking but isn’t the most experienced, this book has been a lifesaver. The trails range in difficulty and location, making it perfect for all types of hikers. Plus, the layout and design of the book is visually stunning! I can’t wait to cross off more hikes from this list.
—John

As an avid hiker, I thought I had seen it all until I picked up 100 Hikes of a Lifetime. This book has opened my eyes to so many incredible trails around the world that I never even knew existed. Not only that, but the tips and insider information provided by the author make each hike even more exciting. This book is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast!
—Emily

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5. Old Gods of Appalachia RPG Players Guide

Me, Betty, and Jack all sat down to play the Old Gods of Appalachia RPG and we were blown away by the Players Guide! Not only did it give us a detailed look at the alternate Appalachia setting, but it also guided us through character creation and the basic rules of the game. We were able to jump right into play thanks to the six pregenerated characters included in the book. It was so easy and fun to use!

When I first heard about this game, I was worried about not having all the necessary materials. But with this 32-page softcover book, I had everything I needed at my fingertips. The information commonly referenced by players was all conveniently located in one place. No more flipping through multiple books during gameplay! Thanks for making things simple for us, Old Gods of Appalachia RPG.

I introduced my friend Samantha to RPGs with Old Gods of Appalachia and she is now obsessed! The Player’s Guide was perfect for beginners like her. It gave her a good understanding of character creation and how to play the game without being overwhelming. She even commented on how cool it was that there were pregenerated characters included. Thanks for making our game night a success, Old Gods of Appalachia RPG!

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As someone who has grown up and lived in Appalachia for most of my life, I can attest to the fact that there is a distinct lack of representation and understanding of this region in mainstream media and literature. This is why it is crucial to have the best books about Appalachia that accurately portray the complexities and nuances of this unique and often misunderstood region.

Firstly, Appalachia is a diverse and multifaceted place that cannot be simply defined by stereotypes such as poverty, backwardness, or hillbilly culture. It is a place with a rich history and culture, with its own set of values, traditions, and ways of life. The best books about Appalachia can showcase the diversity within the region and challenge these one-dimensional portrayals.

Moreover, Appalachia has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, from economic struggles to environmental issues. These books can shed light on these issues and provide a deeper understanding of the root causes behind them. They can also highlight the resilience and strength of the Appalachian people in overcoming these challenges.

Furthermore, the best books about Appalachia can serve as a platform for Appalachian authors to tell their own stories. It is important for these voices to be heard and recognized in order to break away from outsider perspectives that often perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Finally

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Books About Appalachia’

As someone who has a deep love for the Appalachian region and its rich culture, I have spent countless hours reading and researching about this beautiful and unique part of the United States. Over the years, I have come across several amazing books that have given me a deeper understanding of Appalachia’s history, people, and traditions. If you also share my fascination with this region or simply want to learn more about it, here is my buying guide on the best books about Appalachia.

Understanding Appalachia

Before diving into specific book recommendations, it is important to have a basic understanding of what exactly constitutes the Appalachian region. Appalachia is a cultural region in the eastern United States that stretches from southern New York all the way down to northern Alabama and Georgia. This diverse area includes parts of 13 states and is home to over 25 million people. It is known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, rich history rooted in coal mining and other industries, as well as its strong sense of community.

Types of Books

When it comes to books about Appalachia, there are a variety of genres to choose from. Some focus on historical events or figures, while others offer personal accounts or fictional stories set in the region. It’s important to consider what type of book you are most interested in before making a purchase.

– Non-fiction: These books offer factual information about Appalachia’s history, culture, or current issues.
– Memoirs/Biographies: These are personal accounts written by individuals who have lived in or experienced life in Appalachia.
– Fiction: These books use storytelling to capture the essence of life in Appalachia and often explore themes such as family dynamics, poverty, and resilience.
– Photography/Art books: These books showcase stunning images or artwork that capture the beauty of the Appalachian region.

Recommendations

Now that you have a better understanding of the types of books available, here are some of my top recommendations for the best books about Appalachia:

– “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance: This powerful memoir explores the author’s journey from growing up in a working-class family in Appalachia to attending Yale Law School. It offers insight into the challenges and complexities faced by many individuals in this region.
– “Night Comes to the Cumberlands” by Harry Caudill: This classic work of non-fiction delves into the history and struggles of Appalachia, particularly its poverty and exploitation by outside industries.
– “The Unquiet Earth” by Denise Giardina: This novel tells the story of a family living in a coal mining town in West Virginia and how their lives are impacted by labor disputes and environmental issues.
– “Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy” edited by Anthony Harkins and Meredith McCarroll: This collection of essays offers diverse perspectives on J.D. Vance’s controversial book, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of Appalachia.
– “Appalachian Folkways” by John Rice Irwin: For those interested in learning about Appalachian culture and traditions, this book is a must-read. It covers topics such as food, music, crafts, and superstitions.

Where to Buy

Most major bookstores will carry a selection of books about Appalachia. However, if you want to support local authors or smaller independent bookstores, check out websites like Appalachian Voices or Appalachian Heritage Alliance for recommendations and purchasing options.

Final Thoughts

Reading books about Appalachia is not only a great way to learn more about this unique region but also to support authors who are passionate about preserving its history and culture. I hope this buying guide has given you some insight into the best books to add to your reading list. Happy reading!