I’d originally wanted to celebrate graduation with a cross-country road trip, which for obvious reasons won’t be possible this year. But when I saw the Goodreads list “Armchair Traveling: Books Set in Every U.S. State [plus D.C.]”, I figured this might be a somewhat acceptable substitute. (I won’t be following their list, but wanted to credit the source/inspiration for my challenge.)
Since I just want to keep it simple, there aren’t really any rules for this challenge. I’ll continue to read books by diverse (Q/POC) authors, which hasn’t really been an issue for me; the location doesn’t need to feature heavily in the story. I’m hoping to finish by the end of the year, but I won’t stress too much about it.
Seven Twelve Eighteen months. Fifty-one places & books. Let’s do this. 🚗
Updated January 3, 2023
TOTAL: 52 / 51
- Have you ever done a similar challenge and/or would you ever consider doing one? (If you don’t live in the U.S., this could still be for the States, or maybe the regions/states/provinces of your home country!)
- What are some of your favorite books set in your home state (or non-U.S. country)?
Nine Tale Vixen 
the raven boys is a great pic for virginia! i feel like there are SO many options for NY and California lol. this is such a great idea, good luck!💜
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haha I’m trying not to do too many rereads for this challenge and ive read TRC so many times already, but it would otherwise be a great candidate! and you’re absolutely right; i have lots for california in particular since it’s my home state 😉
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The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe is my absolute favorite Massachusetts book. She lives in Marblehead, so her descriptions of the North Shore are just spot on, and I feel like I could follow the characters’ journeys through the surrounding cities so well.
And I know everyone hypes up Stephen King for Maine, but he’s very bleh to me, and though he captures the Maine atmosphere well, I’m always going to love his son, Joe Hill more. Hill’s books are weirder and funnier, too, so they’re just all around great.
This is such a fun challenge; I can’t wait to see what you pick for each state!
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ooooh those definitely sound interesting and I’ll have to keep them in mind! and thank you 💕
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FIrekeeper’s Daughter, anything by Erin Hahn, and Amelia Unabridged all work for Michigan!!
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fantastic, thank you so much for the recs! 📚
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I’ve got a few for Missouri, though not necessarily good books (actually none of them are faves lol). BUT if you need any ideas, feel free to poke me (unfortunately none are by POC).
Good luck! Hopefully you’ll be able to take a cross country trip one day, even if it’s not for graduation. (Late graduation? 🤔)
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i’ll def let you know if I need them! and thank you, I’m really hoping so too 🤞
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Oh wow, goodluck! Xx
This seems like too much of a big project for me right now x3 …im just wondering what I could do for canadian provinces?! 🤔 Although I am reading a book that’s set in my town right now (!!!so cool- as they’re mostly historical retelling/fiction, i’ve never read any. Plus they speak our 1/2eng 1/2 french!!)
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totally fair! and that’s super awesome, I’ve never found a book set in my hometown (though to be fair it’s a tiny city) so I can only imagine 😮
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This looks like a brilliant challenge. The Summer of Jordi Perez was a great pick for California!
I’ve haven’t seen a reading challenge like this for the UK and I don’t have room in my reading schedule for it this year but it would be a good idea for next year. I suppose a UK equivalent would involve counties but I honestly have no idea how many of those there are!
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thanks, Laura! and I’d definitely be curious to see how a UK version turns out, please tag me if you end up planning one! 💕
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