Hey y’all! I grew up in Tennessee, and after traveling around for a good long while ended up in Southwest Virginia. I’ve loved everywhere I’ve lived, but southern Appalachia just has this hold on my heart. Obviously there are problems, but the people and nature and culture are just wonderful down here.
However, I feel like I can never find a good book about southern Appalachia. It’s always either people who completely look down on the region in a condescending fashion, or the more recent “TikTok-ification” of my homeland into this aesthetic based more on vibes than reality.
What are some good books which capture the essence of Appalachia? One of my favorites is Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard; I also love Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ll really take any genre, fiction, or nonfiction, so long as it’s good.
by NopityNopeNopeNah