Books matching: pennsylvania setting
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- #1
Save:An ambitious, genre-blending ride packed with family, terror, and multiversal intrigue. Not perfect, but a great pick if you like your horror big, bold, and thought-provoking.
'The Book of Accidents' by Chuck Wendig is a thrilling horror novel that follows the Graves family - Nate, Maddie, and Oliver - as they move back to Nate's childhood home in a rural area of Pennsylvania. As they settle into the house, they are met with a cascade of inexplicable events and supernatural occurrences that send their lives spiraling out of control. The story delves into themes of trauma, family dynamics, and the terrifying possibilities of the multiverse, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and magical realism. Wendig's masterful prose and intricate storytelling keep readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the dark secrets lurking within the town and the Graves family's past.
The narrative of 'The Book of Accidents' weaves together multiple subplots, mysteries, and character arcs, creating a complex and immersive reading experience. Wendig's ability to balance humor and horror, along with his vivid imagery and emotional depth, makes the book a gripping and haunting exploration of the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones in the face of unimaginable horrors.
The boy, fifteen, knelt on the ground, his chin against his chest, the soft undersides of his forearms pressing into his ears even as his fingers dug into the thatch of messy hair at the back of his h...July 2021•545 pages - #2
Save:Brilliantly written and deeply imaginative, "The Centaur" is a unique blend of myth and midcentury life, perfect for readers who appreciate challenging, literary fiction - but it’s definitely not for everyone.
"The Centaur" by John Updike is a novel that intertwines mythological elements with a modern father-son relationship. The story follows a high school science teacher named George Caldwell, who is also portrayed as the centaur Chiron from Greek mythology. Through a blend of realism and poetic prose, Updike explores themes of love, family dynamics, and the struggles of middle-class America. The narrative weaves between the ordinary and the mythic, creating a unique and engaging reading experience that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
CALDWELL TURNED AND as he turned his ankle received an arrow. The class burst into laughter. The pain scaled the slender core of his shin, whirled in the complexities of his knee, and, swollen broader...January 1962•304 pages - #3
Save:A poignant, accessible historical fiction inspired by true events, "Sold on a Monday" offers heartache, hope, and raises thoughtful questions about the impact of a single photograph. Great for fans of character-driven stories with moral complexities.
In 'Sold on a Monday' by Kristina McMorris, the story revolves around a journalist who takes a photograph of a sign reading '2 Children for Sale' during the Great Depression. The plot unfolds as the journalist, Ellis Reed, and his colleague, Lily Palmer, track down the children in the photo and uncover a series of extraordinary events involving adoption, love, and the Prohibition era mob. The book delves into the struggles faced by families during the 1930s, exploring themes of parental love, moral dilemmas, and the impact of difficult choices on individuals' lives.
The writing style of Kristina McMorris in 'Sold on a Monday' is described as engaging, poignant, and emotional. Readers praise the author for creating well-described characters and vivid settings that bring the historical period to life. The novel captures the heart-wrenching reality of families selling their children out of desperation, while also delving into the complexities of relationships, redemption, and the lasting effects of decisions made during challenging times.
Really, they shouldn’t have shocked him. Not with so many folks still reeling since the market crashed in ’29. Every day, children were being farmed out to relatives or dropped off at churches, orphan...August 2018 - #4
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally charged story about loss, love, and healing - a memorable read, but best for those prepared for a heavy, sometimes unsettling journey.
'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is a poignant and haunting story narrated by a murdered fourteen-year-old girl, Susie Salmon, speaking from heaven. The book explores the aftermath of her death on her family and friends as they cope with the tragedy and try to find her killer. The unique perspective of the deceased protagonist offers a fresh and emotional insight into grief, loss, and the struggle for justice. The writing style is described as beautiful, clear, and powerful, creating a compelling narrative that delves into both the heartbreaking and hopeful aspects of the story.
The plot of 'The Lovely Bones' unfolds through Susie's observations from the afterlife as she watches over her loved ones and the man who took her life. The book touches on themes of coping with loss, seeking redemption, and the impact of a tragic event on relationships. Despite some readers finding certain aspects disturbing or slow-paced, the overall story is praised for its unique perspective, emotional depth, and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the human experience.
My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973. In newspaper photos of missing girls from the seventies, most looked like me: white girls...January 2000•360 pages - #5
Save:A twisty, haunting, and romantic YA historical mystery that balances genuine chills with complex relationships. Perfect for fans of suspenseful stories wrapped in historical intrigue.
Seventeen-year-old Verity Boone returns to her hometown of Catawissa, Pennsylvania after a long absence to reconnect with a father she barely knows and marry a man she has never met. However, upon her return, she discovers mysteries surrounding her mother's death, a buried aunt, and caged graves in the local cemetery. As Verity delves into the secrets of her past, she navigates the challenges of love, family expectations, and societal gossip, all set against a backdrop of historical fiction, mystery, and romance.
IN COMPLETE disregard of the conductor’s instructions, Verity Boone sprang from her seat before the train came to a full stop. The other passengers glanced at her with disapproval, but she paid no hee...May 2013•337 pages - #6
Save:A sweet, old-fashioned story about the power of nature and family to heal, best suited for patient readers who appreciate cozy, descriptive tales and don't mind a slower pace or traditional values.
"Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen follows Marly and her family as they move to a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania to help their father recover from being a prisoner of war. The story revolves around the family's adjustment to country life, their interactions with the community, and their experiences making maple syrup. is told from Marly's perspective, highlighting themes of family bonding, healing, and the wonders of nature.
1956•252 pages - #7
Save:A moving, beautifully written love story set in nature’s embrace, but be prepared for emotional ups and downs and flawed, very human characters. Perfect if you want your romance with depth and a strong sense of place.
'Sweet Everlasting' by Patricia Gaffney is a historical romance set in 1900, focusing on the relationship between a young woman named Carrie and a doctor named Tyler Wilkes. Carrie, an outcast living in the mountains with her abusive stepfather, forms a deep connection with Tyler, who has taken pity on her. The book explores themes of class differences, a Cinderella-like story, and a heartfelt connection between the main characters. The plot revolves around their evolving relationship, unexpected twists, and the challenges they face in a small town in rural Pennsylvania.
The writing style of 'Sweet Everlasting' is described as natural, emotional, and capturing the essence of the characters and their world. Readers praise the authenticity of the characters, the tender love story, and the deep connection with nature portrayed in the book. Despite some flaws in the plot, such as an abrupt ending and certain character behaviors, the book is commended for its compelling setting, believable relationships, and the way it brings the characters and their world to life.
Tyler Wilkes reached up to rub the kink out of the muscle in his right shoulder. “Graves’ Tonic,” he repeated in the slow, thoughtful tone he used when pretending to consider one of his predecessor’s...1993•386 pages - #8
Save:A dark, atmospheric thriller that keeps you second-guessing until the final pages. Perfect for fans of unsettling mysteries and unreliable narrators, but may frustrate those seeking tidy resolutions.
"The Perfect Stranger" by Megan Miranda follows Leah Stevens, a former journalist starting over as a teacher, who becomes entangled in a mysterious disappearance when her roommate Emmy goes missing and seems to have never existed. As Leah delves into the investigation, she uncovers twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The plot is filled with suspense, secrets, and past lives, making it a compelling thriller with intriguing characters and unexpected plot twists. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and full of layers that keep readers guessing until the end.
Character, Emmy called it, the quirks that came with the house: the nonexistent water pressure in the shower; the illogical layout. From the front porch, our house had large sliding glass doors that l...April 2017•379 pages - #9
Save:'Mercy Street' by Mariah Stewart is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of Detective Mallory Russo as she delves into the disappearance of two teenagers in a small farm community in Conroy, Pennsylvania. As Mallory teams up with a new detective, Charlie Wanamaker, they uncover a dangerous individual and start connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated cases. The plot is filled with suspense, real police work, and a bit of romance, making it a compelling read that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The writing style of Mariah Stewart in 'Mercy Street' is praised for being easy, fun, and interesting, similar to that of author Kay Hooper. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters, the intriguing storyline, and the seamless flow of the narrative. is noted for its strong mystery element, the involvement of dirty cops, and the focus on detective work to solve a complex case, offering a refreshing take on the romantic suspense genre.
2008•376 pages - #10
Save:A pulse-pounding zombie thriller that breathes grisly new life into the genre. Gritty, clever, and surprisingly emotional - must-read for zombie and horror fans!
'Dead of Night' by Jonathan Maberry is a horror novel set in a small town in Pennsylvania where a zombie outbreak occurs after a doctor injects a lethal virus into a serial killer, only for the killer to come back to life as a zombie. The story follows the chaos that ensues as the virus spreads, the characters' struggles to survive, and the government's involvement in containing the outbreak. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gripping, and immersive, with a mix of horror, mystery, and elements of political and societal commentary.
There had been that one flash of pain, but even that was beautiful in its way. So intensely painful that it possessed purity. It was beyond anything in his personal experience, though Hartnup had imag...October 2011•369 pages
