This novel is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear, set on a 1000-acre farm in Iowa. The story revolves around three daughters whose father decides to divide his land among them. The eldest two daughters are compliant with their father's decision, but the youngest daughter objects, leading to familial discord. The novel delves into themes of power, jealousy, and the dark secrets that can tear a family apart.

This novel explores the harrowing journey of an African American man in the rural South, who, after years of enduring economic hardship and the oppressive racial dynamics of the mid-20th century, abandons his family in search of a better life. The narrative delves into the consequences of his actions, particularly on his wife and son, and examines the cycle of violence, poverty, and despair that plagues his community. As he returns home years later, seeking redemption and a third chance at life, the story poignantly addresses themes of resilience, the impact of systemic racism, and the possibility of personal transformation amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The book is a darkly comedic and sprawling tale of a rural American outcast, whose life is marked by relentless misfortune and societal marginalization. The protagonist, with an extraordinary talent for animal husbandry, finds himself in constant conflict with the small-minded townsfolk and corrupt officials of his Midwestern community. His journey is one of epic struggle against adversity and the pettiness of small-town politics, culminating in a dramatic and chaotic rebellion that upends the social order of his world. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of rural life, exploring themes of revenge, social injustice, and the quest for personal redemption.

"Close Range: Wyoming Stories" is a collection of short stories that depict the harsh, rugged life in Wyoming. The book portrays the lives of various characters, from ranchers to rodeo cowboys, who are struggling with poverty, loneliness, and the harsh physical environment. The stories are characterized by a strong sense of place, dark humor, and vivid descriptions of the western landscape. The characters' struggles with their harsh environment and personal demons create a poignant and often tragic portrait of life in the American West.

The novel explores the inner life and memories of a Midwestern woman named Janet, who is caught between her present life as a wife and mother and her past experiences growing up on a farm. On a fishing trip with a friend, Janet reflects on her youth, her relationships with men, and the complexities of her sexual awakening in a rural setting. The narrative weaves through time, revealing the quiet tensions and personal struggles that lie beneath the surface of her seemingly ordinary life, painting a poignant and introspective portrait of a woman's journey through the landscapes of her past and the emotional terrain of her inner world.

The book is a richly detailed, autobiographical trilogy that paints a vivid portrait of village life in Germany through the first half of the 20th century. It follows the life of Esau Matt, a baker's son, as he grows up during the tumultuous times of the Weimar Republic, the rise of National Socialism, and the Second World War. The narrative delves into the everyday experiences of the villagers, their struggles, and their resilience, capturing the social and political changes of the era through the lens of a small community and the coming-of-age story of its protagonist.

This novel is set in the small town of Holt, Colorado, and explores the intertwining lives of its residents. The narrative focuses on a high school teacher raising two sons after his wife leaves him, a pair of bachelor brothers who have lived together on their family farm for decades, and a pregnant teenager kicked out of her home. The characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways, offering a poignant exploration of community, resilience, and the human capacity for connection and kindness.

This novel is a satirical take on academic life, set in a Midwestern agricultural university known as "Moo U." The story weaves together the lives of faculty, students, and university staff, exploring their ambitions, failures, and eccentricities. Central to the narrative is the university's financial struggles and the various schemes proposed to address them, including the secret project involving a hog named Earl Butz. Through a rich tapestry of characters and their interconnected stories, the book humorously critiques the complexities and absurdities of university life, the politics of academia, and the changing landscape of American agriculture.

The book follows the story of a man named Howard Elman who is struggling to make ends meet in a small town in New Hampshire. After his wife leaves him and he loses his job, Howard is forced to confront the harsh realities of his life. As he grapples with poverty, isolation, and his own personal demons, Howard must also contend with the changing landscape of his town as it is overtaken by urban development. The novel paints a vivid picture of rural life and the struggles of the working class, touching on themes of resilience, survival, and the human condition.

The novel follows the life of Jayber Crow, a man who returns to his small hometown in Kentucky after being orphaned and spending time in a seminary. He becomes the town's barber, a position that allows him to observe and meditate on the town's inhabitants and their daily lives. Throughout the novel, Jayber grapples with love, faith, and the changing world around him, providing a thoughtful exploration of community, the natural world, and the search for spiritual truth.

This novel follows the story of an eleven-year-old boy who discovers a mistreated beagle in the hills near his home. Determined to protect the dog, which he names Shiloh, from further abuse, he goes to great lengths to hide him and keep him safe. The boy's efforts to save Shiloh lead to a series of moral dilemmas and tough decisions, challenging his understanding of right and wrong. Set against the backdrop of rural West Virginia, this touching tale explores themes of compassion, ethics, and the bond between a boy and his dog, ultimately illustrating the power of kindness and perseverance.

"Little Heathens" is a memoir of Mildred Armstrong Kalish's childhood on an Iowa farm during the Great Depression. Kalish recounts the daily struggles and joys of life on the farm, from making do with limited resources to finding creative ways to entertain themselves. Through her vivid descriptions and humorous anecdotes, Kalish paints a picture of a resilient and close-knit community that persevered through tough times with a spirit of determination and optimism.

Half Broke Horses is a novel based on the life of the author's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, who grew up in the early 1900s on a ranch in Texas. The book follows Lily's journey from a young girl with a thirst for adventure to a strong-willed woman who becomes a teacher, a rancher, and a mother. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Lily remains determined and resilient, forging her own path in a world that often tries to limit her. The book is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of one remarkable woman and a celebration of the American West.

"October Light" is a story set in Vermont, revolving around an elderly brother and sister, James and Sally, who have lived together for decades but have a strained relationship due to their differing views. When James locks Sally in her room after an argument, she finds a novel within a novel, which becomes her only escape. The book explores themes of aging, isolation, and the clash of old and new values, all the while providing a commentary on the changing American society of the 1970s.

"Plains Song" is a novel that explores the lives of three generations of women living in the midwestern plains of America. The story delves into their struggles, joys, and the harsh realities of life in a patriarchal society. It portrays the complexities of family relationships, particularly between mothers and daughters, and the influence of the past on the present. The narrative is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the impermanence of life, and the enduring nature of the human spirit.