I'll throw Michael Perry's name out there for great midwestern authors. He's from New Auburn, Wisconsin, and sort of unofficially represents the Chippewa Valley along with Bon Iver :-). His books are mostly non-fiction and stories about himself or other real-life, Midwestern characters. I've loved every one of his books that I've read, but I'd start with Population: 485, it's sort of his personal memoir and gives you an idea of his writing style and subjects. He has a book titled "Montaigne in Barn Boots," which sort of sums up the kind of person he is and who he might appeal to.
Jeremy: Some time ago, prob last yr, you shared the link to another guy's bookish site or newsletter where he is on a quest to read all the classics. Can you link me to that again? I lost the link.
This was a great interview. Although I read The Lager Queen of Minnesota a few years ago, it is always top of mind and I recommend it often. I love how he writes female characters and I'm excited to read what he writes next. His other book, The Kitchens of the Great Midwest, is also a wonderful read..
I have "Kitchens" on my shelf and it has now moved way up my list! Totally agree on his female characters — almost reminds me of Willa Cather's tough midwestern protagonists.
I remember a high school English teacher talking about a book of hers in passing...Something "Pioneers". It's been a few decades, so my memory is a bit fuzzy, but I've never any of Cather's works. Am I missing out???
Her Great Plains trilogy (O Pioneers!, The Song of the Lark, and My Ántonia) is amazing. Some of my favorite, most memorable female characters of all-time. Antonia is a little better known, but O Pioneers is probably my favorite.
I'll throw Michael Perry's name out there for great midwestern authors. He's from New Auburn, Wisconsin, and sort of unofficially represents the Chippewa Valley along with Bon Iver :-). His books are mostly non-fiction and stories about himself or other real-life, Midwestern characters. I've loved every one of his books that I've read, but I'd start with Population: 485, it's sort of his personal memoir and gives you an idea of his writing style and subjects. He has a book titled "Montaigne in Barn Boots," which sort of sums up the kind of person he is and who he might appeal to.
Thanks for all you do Jeremy!
Thanks for the rec! I'm not familiar with Mr. Perry but I'll add him to my list!
Jeremy: Some time ago, prob last yr, you shared the link to another guy's bookish site or newsletter where he is on a quest to read all the classics. Can you link me to that again? I lost the link.
Of course! It's probably https://www.booksoftitans.com you're thinking of.
Great book, great interview.
This was a great interview. Although I read The Lager Queen of Minnesota a few years ago, it is always top of mind and I recommend it often. I love how he writes female characters and I'm excited to read what he writes next. His other book, The Kitchens of the Great Midwest, is also a wonderful read..
I have "Kitchens" on my shelf and it has now moved way up my list! Totally agree on his female characters — almost reminds me of Willa Cather's tough midwestern protagonists.
I remember a high school English teacher talking about a book of hers in passing...Something "Pioneers". It's been a few decades, so my memory is a bit fuzzy, but I've never any of Cather's works. Am I missing out???
Her Great Plains trilogy (O Pioneers!, The Song of the Lark, and My Ántonia) is amazing. Some of my favorite, most memorable female characters of all-time. Antonia is a little better known, but O Pioneers is probably my favorite.
Will definitely add this to my 'want to read' list. Thanks!