THE LOST CONTINENT
By Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson’s signature humor and sharp wit offer an insightful and often hilarious commentary on the unique quirks, cultures, and challenges of rural America. He reflects on the changing landscapes, the idiosyncrasies of local inhabitants, and the charm and eccentricity that define small-town life.
THE KINGDOMS OF SAVANNAH
By George Dawes Green
On a quiet Southern night, a murder and a disappearance at Bo Peep’s bar lead to Morgana Musgrove, a domineering Savannah socialite, being called to solve the crimes. The novel vividly portrays the contrast between the city’s homeless camps and the homes of its elite, highlighting Savannah’s dark history and the intricate dysfunction of the Musgrove family.
THE BOOK OF UNKNOWN AMERICANS
By Cristina Henríquez
When fifteen-year-old Maribel Rivera suffers a severe injury, her family moves from Mexico to an apartment complex in Delaware to get her the necessary medical care in the United States. Maribel soon catches the eye of Mayor Toro, a neighbor’s son who feels a deep connection with her. Their love story sets off events with significant consequences for everyone involved.
THE TRACKERS
By Charles Frazier
In Depression-era America, painter Val Welch travels to Dawes, Wyoming, for a New Deal assignment to create a mural for the new Post Office. He stays with the wealthy John Long and his wife Eve, who have mysterious pasts. Eve suddenly flees with a valuable painting. Val’s pursuit for Eve takes him through Hoovervilles, San Francisco nightclubs, and Florida swamps, uncovering secrets that could change their lives dramatically.
A DEATH IN DOOR COUNTY
By Annelise Ryan
Morgan Carter, owner of Odds and Ends bookstore in Door County, Wisconsin, hunts cryptids as a hobby. When bodies with suspicious injuries appear on Lake Michigan’s shores, Police Chief Jon Flanders asks for her help. Skeptical yet intrigued, Morgan and her dog, Newt, venture to Death’s Door strait to investigate a possible lake monster, risking their lives in the process.
GATOR COUNTRY
By Rebecca Renner
Officer Jeff Babauta sets up the Sunshine Alligator Farm to infiltrate illegal poachers in the Florida Everglades. Amidst glow-in-the-dark alligators and airboat rides, Jeff learns that many poachers are simply trying to survive. This true story combines reporting, nature writing, and personal narrative to depict the moral complexities and vibrant landscapes of Florida.
LONE WOMEN
By Victor LaValle
In 1915, Adelaide Henry carries a locked steamer trunk that causes people to vanish when opened. Fleeing California after a tragic incident, she settles in Montana as a homesteader, always accompanied by her ominous trunk. Despite being part of a wave of “lone women” claiming free land, Adelaide harbors a dark secret that might be her only hope for survival in the unforgiving frontier.
BEAR
By Julia Phillips
Siblings Sam and Elena, born and raised on an island off the coast of Washington, struggle to make ends meet. Sam works on a ferry and Elena bartends, but their combined efforts aren’t enough. When Sam encounters a bear swimming near their home one night, it sparks fear and a desire to leave the island. However, Elena is captivated by the bear, leading to a rift in their shared dream of a different life.
