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Best Books Set in Washington

Every state is known for something. As you work your way through the list, don't miss the best books set in Washington. While you're at it, check out the best movies set in Washington, too

Mt Rainier - Washington State with text: "Best Books Set in Washington"

Situated in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States, Washington, officially known as the State of Washington, is a prominent state with diverse landscapes and vibrant communities.

What themes are in Books Set in Washington?

Books set in Washington, D.C., or the broader state of Washington, often explore many themes. These themes can vary depending on the genre and subject matter of the book, but some common themes include:

1. Politics and Government: Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States, and many books set in this city delve into themes related to politics, government, and the workings of the federal government.

2. Power and Influence: Given the concentration of political power in Washington, books set in this city often explore themes of power, influence, and the quest for control and authority.

3. History and Tradition: Washington, D.C., is rich in history and tradition, and many books set in the city explore the historical aspects of the nation's capital, from its founding to its monuments and landmarks.

4. Social Issues: Books set in Washington often address social issues such as race, poverty, inequality, and social justice, reflecting the broader social and political concerns of the United States.

5. Intrigue and Mystery: Some novels set in the nation's capital are political thrillers or espionage stories featuring intrigue, conspiracy, and espionage themes.

6. Urban Life: In the case of books set in Washington State (particularly in cities like Seattle), themes related to urban life, technology, and the challenges and opportunities of urban living may be explored.

7. Nature and the Environment: Washington State's natural beauty, including its forests, mountains, and coastline, provides a backdrop for books that explore themes related to the environment, conservation, and the relationship between humans and nature.

8. Diversity and Identity: Books set in Washington, D.C., and Washington state often delve into themes of diversity, cultural identity, and the experiences of various ethnic and social groups.

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9. Family and Relationships: Like any other setting, books set in Washington may also explore universal themes related to family, relationships, love, and personal growth.

10. Economics and Business: In Washington State, particularly in Seattle, books may explore themes related to the tech industry, business, entrepreneurship, and the impact of economic forces on society.

It's important to note that the themes in books set in Washington can be diverse and varied, reflecting the wide range of stories and experiences the region offers. The specific themes explored in a book will depend on the author's focus and the genre of the work.

Best Books Set in Washington

In An Empty Room: A Novel
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Spotte, Stephen (Author)

In An Empty Room: A Novel

Author: Stephen Spotte

When a Marine fireteam explores an isolated Vietnamese village suspected of being a Viet Cong supply store, an IED bursts, killing all but one of the five-man outfit. But what exactly is his name: Bunny, Hillbilly, Poke, Injun, or “the LT”? The military medics don't know since he is terribly burnt, deformed, and unable to talk, but the folks back home in a coal mining community in southern West Virginia believe they do. Most disturbing of all, the survivor has no idea who he is.

In an Empty Room is a fascinating investigation of time, memory, consciousness, and selfhood that spans the terrain from Vietnam's war-torn jungles to hardscrabble Appalachia and posits unexpected conclusions about the nature of human identity.

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Snakehunter
  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Kinder, Chuck (Author)

Snakehunter

Author: Chuck Kinder

Snakehunter is an exceptional novel, painting a vivid portrait of a West Virginia childhood. Kinder skillfully anchors his narrative in the rich tapestry of his regional setting, firmly rooted in the compelling dynamics of character and place. His mastery of dialogue, especially regarding his female characters, is truly noteworthy. This impeccably crafted book deserves a wide and appreciative readership.

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The Glass Castle: A Memoir (book)
  • Great product!
  • Walls, Jeannette (Author)

The Glass Castle

Author: Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle is an extraordinary memoir that delves into the themes of resilience and redemption, offering a revealing glimpse into a family that is both deeply dysfunctional and remarkably vibrant.

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Jeannette's father, a brilliant and charismatic figure when sober, instilled in his children a fascination for physics, geology, and the fearless embrace of life. However, when he succumbed to alcohol, he became a source of dishonesty and destruction. On the other hand, her free-spirited mother rejected the notion of domesticity and shirked the responsibilities of raising a family.

In this challenging environment, the Walls children learned self-reliance, providing for and protecting each other, eventually making their way to New York. Astonishingly, their parents chose a life of homelessness even as their children thrived. The Glass Castle is a truly remarkable memoir, infused with the intense love of an unconventional yet fiercely loyal family.

Cityscape Photo of The Space Needle Observation Tower in Seattle, Washington

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The Midwife of Hope River: A Novel of an American Midwife
  • Harman, Patricia (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

The Midwife of Hope River

Author: Patricia Harman

An extraordinary emerging talent in American fiction captivates readers with a heartwarming novel that exalts the wonder of life. Patricia Harmon, in her debut work, “The Midwife of Hope River,” transports us to the impoverished landscape of Appalachia during the tumultuous 1930s Great Depression era, introducing an unforgettable protagonist.

Patience Murphy, a determined midwife grappling with disease, poverty, prejudice, and her own haunting past, emerges as a resilient and endearing character. Readers who adore the works of authors like Ami McKay and Diane Chamberlain will undoubtedly embrace her as she fearlessly endeavors to bring newfound hope and life to a world marked by its hardships.

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The Ballad of Trenchmouth Taggart: A Novel
  • Taylor, Glenn (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

The Ballad of Trenchmouth Taggart

Author: Glenn Taylor

Introducing Trenchmouth Taggart, a man brought into this world in 1903 and left orphaned, bearing a lifelong oral affliction that earned him his unique moniker. His formative years are profoundly influenced by the Widow Dorsett, a resilient mountain woman who imparts the skills of hunting and surviving the taunts of others.

A boy's maturation is accelerated in the rugged hills of southern West Virginia. Trenchmouth acquaints himself with moonshine, handles snakes, garners favor with women, and hones his marksmanship—a talent that thrusts him into the heart of the West Virginia coal wars.

As a teenage union sniper, Trenchmouth is banished to the remote Appalachian foothills, where he spends his years evading the past. Yet trouble has a way of tracking a man, and an outlaw inevitably returns to his roots. Trenchmouth Taggart's narrative, akin to the most enduring ballads, etc., is indelible in our memories.

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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 Washington.

Want to keep learning about the States? Traveling the States offers a comprehensive educational journey through all 50 American states, making it suitable for individuals of all ages!

The program encompasses each of the fifty states and provides the flexibility to explore them in any preferred sequence, whether alphabetically, in the order of statehood, or in accordance with your travel route. You can even involve your children in the decision-making process by allowing them to select a state, granting them a sense of involvement in their learning experience.

For each state you choose to explore, your family will engage in various enriching activities. These activities involve identifying the state's location on a map, delving into its history, creatively coloring a unique artwork page, gaining insights into the state flag's history and creating your own representation, stamping a passport to mark your journey, accessing a curated YouTube playlist, and immersing yourself in the state's history and its natural world, which includes details about the state's designated animal, bird, flower, and tree. Additionally, you'll partake in enjoyable and educational games, and even prepare a traditional recipe unique to that state.

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Further Reading About the State:

Photo of The Space Needle Observation Tower in Seattle, Washington with text "Best Books Set in Washington"

 

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