Reading - Books set in the United States

Books with links (to Goodreads), are books that I have read. I also included how I rated the book out of 5. If you follow the link to Goodreads you can get all the information you need about the book.

Books without links are suggested reads (suggested by friends, or other blogs).

Because I have read so many books set in the U.S. I am only going to include my highest rated books for each state.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

The Buddha in the Attic - By Julie Otsuka. My score 5/5. Read in January 2019. 

Also set briefly on a boat travelling from Japan, as well as some flashbacks from Japan. I can't find the right words to describe how beautifully written this book is. It was a quick read, but gave deep insight into what life was like for Japanese immigrants in California leading up to their internment. I waffled between giving this a 4 or a 5. I found it disconcerting that it wasn't from one person's viewpoint. At the beginning this was distracting, but in the end I felt like I was able to see so many more people's experiences. Definitely a unique read. Highly recommended.

Daisy Jones & the Six - By Taylor Jenkins Reid. My score 5/5. Read in December 2019. 

I really liked this one. The style (interview of many people) made it quite interesting and easy to read. I liked that it gave so many different perspectives on the same situation. It's hard to imagine that it is fiction, because it seemed so real. This book sucks you in right away. Highly recommended!

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - By Taylor Jenkins Reid. My score 5/5. Read in November 2019. 

Loved this story! Was waffling between giving it a 4 or a 5 because I usually reserve the 5's for "important" stories and this felt more like "chick lit." BUT... I ultimately went with the five because of the insights into the pitfalls of celebrity and more importantly LGBTQ and domestic violence issues. Despite Evelyn seeming unlikable on the surface, she was extremely likeable. I will definitely look for more by this author!

The Mountain Story - by Lori Lansens. My score 5/5. Read in January 2018. Set in Palm Springs.

The Japanese Lover - by Isabel Allende. My score 5/5. Read in September 2018. Set in San Francisco.

Colorado

Connecticut

When Life Gives you Lululemons - by Lauren Weisberger. My score 4/5. Read in November 2018. Good solid "chick lit."

The Last Mrs. Parrish - by Liv Constantine. My score 4/5. Read in June 2021. Also takes place in New York. 

I really enjoyed this one, and its unexpected but extremely satisfying ending. I really hated the main character at the beginning... but keep reading... it is worth it! An interesting thriller that is perfect for a beach or vacation read.

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

First Comes Love - by Emily Giffin. My score 3/5. Read in December 2018.

Hawaii

Idaho

Educated - By Tara Westover. My score 4/5. Read in February 2019.

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

The Giver of Stars - by Jojo Moyes. My score 5/5. Read in April 2020. Also set in the U.K. (England). 

This was not what I was expecting from Jojo Moyes. I have enjoyed her other books, but this one feels like it is next level for her. A solid, gripping historical fiction that I couldn't put down. Definitely recommended.

Maine

Louisiana

The Second Life of Mirielle West - by Amanda Skenandore. My score 4/5. Read in June 2023.

Maryland

Massachussetts

Every Note Played - by Lisa Genova. My score 5/5. Read in May 2019. 

Another home run by Lisa Genova. This was a heart-wrenching insight into how ALS affects those who have it and their families. A gripping story that had me turning pages, and yes sobbing, all the way through. Highly recommended if you have a good supply of tissues!

Defending Jacob - by William Landay. My score 4/5. Read in April 2017.

Michigan

Minnesota

Those Who Save Us - by Jenna Blum. My score 4/5. Read in December 2016.

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

Faithful - by Alice Hoffman. My score 4.5/5. Read in February 2019. 

I really enjoyed this one. I found it a little more accessible than her other books... it was easier to read. The story was interesting and had enough layers to keep me reading. I thought her portrayal of Shelby was thoughtful and probable given the situation Shelby was in. Recommended.

The Rosie Effect - by Graeme Simsion. My score 4/5. Read in May 2015. 

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

The Innocent Man - by John Grisham. My score 3/5. Read in January 2015.

Oregon

The Wives - By Tarryn Fisher. My score 4/5. Read in January 2021. Set in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. 

I chose to read this because I find books about polygamy fascinating. Maybe because I don't understand it and I'm trying to find a way to empathize with the situation? This story is not what I expected! (I can't say more for fear of ruining it for you!) This book was a page-turner. I was immediately immersed in the story and didn't want to stop reading. 

Pennsylvania

Look Again - by Lisa Scottoline. My score 4/5. Read in May 2018.

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Dead Copy - by Kit Frazier. My score 3/5. Read in January 2016. Set in Austin.

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Chose the Wrong Guy, Gave him the Wrong Finger - by Beth Harbison. My score 2/5. Read in September 2015. 

I'm usually a fan of Beth Harbison, but found this main characters so annoying, immature and whiney that I couldn't enjoy the book. It felt like it was written for teenagers instead of adults. It left me wondering... were all her books like this and I didn't notice before?

Washington

The Wives - By Tarryn Fisher. My score 4/5. Read in January 2021. Set in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. 

I chose to read this because I find books about polygamy fascinating. Maybe because I don't understand it and I'm trying to find a way to empathize with the situation? This story is not what I expected! (I can't say more for fear of ruining it for you!) This book was a page-turner. I was immediately immersed in the story and didn't want to stop reading. 

Where'd you go, Bernadette? - by Maria Semple. My score 4/5. Read in October 2015. Set in Seattle.

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

U.S. Territories

St. Thomas

The Marriage of Opposites - by Alice Hoffman. My score 4/5. Read in November 2017.