Score

I was pleased to see that a search on "southern" garnered some hits. "Regional Fiction" and simply "Regional" got nothing. I'd be interested in locating lists of books about areas that capture my interest. New York State history or historical fiction would be one. List sources for history and historical fiction from other areas of the country more specific than simply "Westerns" would also be appreciated. Anyone out there?

Dorothea Benton Frank's books do not belong on this list! South Carolina is not typically considered Appalachian, but southern coastal.

You're right. I went in and deleted them. There are a few others that look questionable. I'll have to check those out later.

I read almost every book I can find set in Appalachia.
I have read most of these books. The best books I've ever read set in this region are from a self published author name Peggy Poe Stern who lives in Boone,NC. Google her and order her books if you love Appalchia set books!!

Thanks for the list. I will definitely check out Peggy Poe Stern. If you are into some of the straight history of the area, Robert Trotter has a 3-volume set about the Civil War in North Carolina. The Appalachia volume is entitled Bushwhackers, and is a highly readable albeit creditably scholarly account, which was a major source for Sharyn McCrumb's "Ghostriders," cited as #38 above in the list.

I really was happy to see this list posted, too! Some great ones on here.

Kim wrote: "Dorothea Benton Frank's books do not belong on this list! South Carolina is not typically considered Appalachian, but southern coastal."

However, if it takes place in the Appalachian Mountains, it is Appalachian. Just as Va, NC, Maryland, Ky, Ga, AL and TN all have areas outside of the Appalachian chain, in fact most of the these states are not in Appalachia. Appalachia is not a group of particular States. It is a Mountain chain whose people have a common culture and heritage. If you include Northern Appalachia that would include Pa,Me, and more. Are you going to say the Appalachian Trail is not Appalachian becaiuse it runs through New England or Mid-Atlantic Coast States. What you said Makes Jeff Bigger's case for hainvg a separate Sate of Appalachia in his book The United States of Appalachia: How Southern Mountaineers Brought Independence, Culture, and Enlightenment to America

Dorothea Benton Frank's books take place on the SC coast, nowhere near the Appalachians. I don't think she meant to question the inclusion of any books set in SC itself, but the fact that these particular books are set on the coast.

@JG (The Introverted Reader):

You are exactly right!

What a great list! I grew up in Greensboro, NC, with roots in East Tennessee. (Anyone heard of Etowah?) The Appalachian mountains have always had special signiificance for me. This will be a great list to print and keep. If anyone enjoys photography books, check out two wonderful collections by Shelby Lee Adams - Appalachian Portraits and Appalachian Legacy.

Thanks for the suggestions David. The Appalachian Mountains also have a special significance for me! I have heard of Etowah and am an alum of ETSU, which has a wonderful Appalachian studies program.

How do I get "It's Not My Mountain Anymore" on this list? It's a dose of pure Appalachian living reality. Great reviews on the website: www.itsnotmymountainanymore.com and 5 star on Amazon



Thanks,
Barbara

Do a manual add

Barbara, thanks for the recommendation! Hope and George are well! if you haven't found it yet, there's a tab at the top of this list to add books. Ron at the library can probably show you, too.

In Country is set very near my hometown, but I'd have to disagree that its Appalachia. Mayfield/Paducah, KY are at the extreme western end of the state, only about 30 miles or so from Missouri, bordering Illinois, and due north of Memphis. Though Kentucky is certainly an Appalachian state, I've never claimed to have an Appalachian upbringing. It was mostly Southern with a large dose of Midwestern/Heartland culture added to the mix. Though I (we) love our fellow Kentuckians in the East, we speak differently, vote differently, worship differently, farm differently, and and thrive differently. I'd never call what we are "Appalachian." I've also lived in Eastern Kentucky, the high mountains of North Carolina, and my current home is in East Tennessee, so I do know my Appalachian culture. In Country is not a story about Appalachia.

I don't know anything about the book, but you've made a strong case. I removed it from the list.

Carol wrote: "I read almost every book I can find set in Appalachia.
I have read most of these books. The best books I've ever read set in this region are from a self published author name Peggy Poe Stern who l..."

Check out "It's Not My Mountain Anymore." Real and honest. Kindle Prime members borrow for FREE!

I haven't read her books yet, but some of the titles and descriptions look really interesting. Here is a link to her website

http://peggypoestern.tripod.com/

Titles to add to this list in the Smoky Mountain series by Goodreads author Lin Stepp:
THE FOSTER GIRLS - set in picturesque Wear's Valley
TELL ME ABOUT ORCHARD HOLLOW - set in Townsend
FOR SIX GOOD REASONS - set in little-known Greenbrier
DELIA'S PLACE - set in Gatlinburg
...In major bookstores, on Amazon, and in ebooks.

Very late on this, but where is Lee Smith?? Fancy Strut, Family Linen, Oral History, Saving Grace, Fair and Tender Ladies? I've loved all of her books..

...ohhh, sorry I do see several of hers on the list afterall. She is great.

Lee Smith is WONDERFUL!! I met her once years ago and she is a lovely person. Saving Grace is one of my favorite novels, period, and certainly my favorite of hers.