Every state is known for something. As you work your way through the list, don't miss the best books set in South Dakota.
South Dakota is an expansive, sparsely populated midwestern U.S. state where rolling prairies give way to the dramatic Black Hills National Forest. Black Hills is home to 2 historical monuments carved right into towering granite peaks: Mt. Rushmore, the iconic depiction of 4 revered U.S. presidents, and Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the storied Native American tribal leader.
Best Books Set in South Dakota
Black Elk Speaks
Author: John G. Neihardt
Black Elk Speaks, the story of the Oglala Lakota visionary and healer Nicholas Black Elk (1863–1950) and his people during momentous twilight years of the nineteenth century, offers readers much more than a precious glimpse of a vanished time.
Black Elk’s searing visions of the unity of humanity and Earth, conveyed by John G. Neihardt, have made this book a classic that crosses multiple genres. Whether appreciated as the poignant tale of a Lakota life, as a history of a Native nation, or as an enduring spiritual testament, Black Elk Speaks is unforgettable.
- Little, Elizabeth (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Dear Daughter
Author: Elizabeth Little
Former “It Girl” Janie Jenkins is sly, stunning, and fresh out of prison. Ten years ago, at the height of her fame, she was incarcerated for the murder of her mother, a high-society beauty known for her good works and rich husbands.
Now, released on a technicality, Janie makes herself over and goes undercover, determined to chase down the one lead she has on her mother’s killer. The only problem? Janie doesn’t know if she’s the killer she’s looking for.
- Peter Matthiessen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse
Author: Peter Matthiessen
Different artwork than shown, e.g. library with typical labels and marks, library stamps on top and bottom of page edges, light wear on covers, binding tight, no other marks, tears, folds, highlighting or underlining, a clean, tight copy.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Meyers, Kent (Author)
The Work of Wolves
Author: Kent Meyers
This story of a horse trainer and a rich man’s wife is “a gorgeously written, exacting exploration of duty and retribution set in dusty rural South Dakota” (Publishers Weekly).
When fourteen-year-old Carson Fielding bought his first horse from Magnus Yarborough, it became clear the teenager was a better judge of horses than the rich landowner was of humans. Years later, Carson—now a skilled and respected horse trainer—grudgingly agrees to train Magnus’s horses and teach his wife to ride.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Roberts, Nora (Author)
Black Hills
Author: Nora Roberts
Cooper Sullivan spent the summers of his youth on his grandparents’ South Dakota ranch, sharing innocent games and stolen kisses with the neighbor girl, Lil Chance. Now, twelve years after they last walked together hand in hand, fate has brought them back to the Black Hills.
Now that you've completed the list of best books set in this state, why not check out some others? Here are the Best Books Set in All 50 States.
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT BOOKS SET IN ALL 50 STATES
Click here to download the printable. It has a list of books in all 50 states including the Best Books Set in South Dakota.
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Further Reading About the State:
- South Dakota travel guide 2023: Your Ultimate Travel Companion for Unforgettable Experiences, Natural Wonders, and Rich Heritage in the Heart of America
- Fodor's The Black Hills of South Dakota: with Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park (Full-color Travel Guide)
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- South Dakota (A True Book: My United States) (A True Book (Relaunch))
- Moon South Dakota’s Black Hills: With Mount Rushmore & Badlands National Park: Outdoor Adventures, Scenic Drives, Local Bites & Brews (Travel Guide)
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