Quirky Characters in Regional Settings

Set in the kind of towns and neighborhoods that we all should have grown up in, these entertaining books are descended from several traditions. From Dickensian novels they derive their large casts of eccentric characters and intermingling plot lines. From the pastoral novels they take a strong sense of place, settings that almost act like the main character. These books often come in series, guaranteeing readers the chance to return again for more adventures with characters who, over time, become more like friends.

In the list below, some books are marked (G) for Gentle reads. These books have sunny, optimistic characters and uplifting plots, no gratuitous violence, language or sexual content. Racier books are marked (R) and may include spicier language, controversial elements and darker themes. Books with this designation are for readers who want to take a walk on the wilder side. Books without a (G) or an (R) designation fall somewhere between the two extremes.

Whether dark, light, north, south, east or west, these books are recommended for their humor, interesting characters and a strong sense of place. Ask the librarians at the Adult Services desk at either location of the Williamsburg Regional Library for additional reading recommendations.

SOUTH
John Berendt  -- Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (NF) (R)
Wendell Berry -- Jayber Crow
Olive Ann Burns -- Cold Sassy Tree (G)
Clyde Edgerton -- Walking Across Egypt
Fannie Flagg -- Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe
Joan Hess Maggody mystery series
Carl Hiaasen -- Strip Tease
Sheri Holman -- The Mammoth Cheese
Jan Karon -- At Home in Mitford
Joan A. Medlicott -- The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love
T. R. Pearson -- Blue Ridge
Ann B. Ross Miss -- Julia Speaks Her Mind
John Kennedy Toole -- A Confederacy of Dunces (R)
Adriana Trigiani -- Big Stone Gap
Rebecca Wells -- Little Altars Everywhere
Michael Lee West -- Crazy Ladies
Bailey White -- Quite a Year for Plums

MIDWEST
Charles Baxter -- Saul and Patsy (R)
Louise Erdrich -- Master Butcher's Singing Club
Philip Gulley -- Home to Harmony
Peter Hedges -- What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Garrison Keillor -- Lake Wobegon Days
Lorna Landvik -- Patty Jane's House of Curl

WEST
Edward Abbey -- The Monkey Wrench Gang
Sandra Dallas -- The Persian Pickle Club
Kent Haruf -- Plainsong
Barbara Kingsolver -- Animal Dreams
Billie Letts -- Where the Heart Is
Armistead Maupin -- Tales of the City series
Larry McMurtry -- The Last Picture Show
John Nichols -- The Milagro Beanfield Wars
Annie Proulx  --That Old Ace in the Hole (R)
June Park -- Bingo Queens of Paradise (R)
John Steinbeck -- Cannery Row

NORTHEAST
Jennifer Chiaverini -- The Quilter's Apprentice
John Irving -- A Prayer for Owen Meany
Howard Frank Mosher -- Northern Borders
Annie Proulx -- The Shipping News (R)
Richard Russo -- Straight Man

ENGLAND & IRELAND
Nancy Atherton -- Aunt Dimity mystery series
E.F. Benson -- Mapp and Lucia series

Roddy Doyle -- The Commitments
Stella Gibbons -- Cold Comfort Farm
Miss Read --  Thrush Green series
Angela Thirkell -- Barsetshire series
P.G. Wodehouse -- Jeeves and Wooster series