New England Authors
Ranked #2,157 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #88,196 overall
New England Writers Are Some of My Favorites
I can't think of a much better activity than reading a novel by one of my favorite New England writers. I have kept this list of New England authors to 12, but I have other authors from New England that I also like to read. (You have to stop somewhere, I suppose.)
As you can see, I have several favorites and have read all of most of these authors' books:
- Chris Bohjalian
- Andre Dubus III
- Julia Glass
- Stephen King
- John Irving
- Wally Lamb
- Elinor Lipman
- Sue Miller
- Robert B. Parker
- Jodi Picoult
- Anita Shreve
- Kurt Vonnegut
In addition to the authors being from somewhere in New England, most of these authors set their novels in New England, which is part of the charm. New England is comprised of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. I also really like the no nonsense style of writing and practical ways of doing things that these authors all bring to the stories and characters. The frigid New England winters are also fun to read about to me!
Source of Photo of New England Lake: sxu.hu/MEJones
As you can see, I have several favorites and have read all of most of these authors' books:
- Chris Bohjalian
- Andre Dubus III
- Julia Glass
- Stephen King
- John Irving
- Wally Lamb
- Elinor Lipman
- Sue Miller
- Robert B. Parker
- Jodi Picoult
- Anita Shreve
- Kurt Vonnegut
In addition to the authors being from somewhere in New England, most of these authors set their novels in New England, which is part of the charm. New England is comprised of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. I also really like the no nonsense style of writing and practical ways of doing things that these authors all bring to the stories and characters. The frigid New England winters are also fun to read about to me!
Source of Photo of New England Lake: sxu.hu/MEJones
Chris Bohjalian
New England Author from Vermont
I found Chris Bohjalian's books in a round about way. I watched the movie Midwives starring Sissy Spacek then read the novel that the movie was based on. I was instantly hooked. I love Bohjalian's novels.
My favorite: Skeletons at the Feast (Interestingly this is one of the few, maybe the only one?, of his books that is not set in New England. But I truly have enjoyed all of the rest of his novels. I'm reading Secrets of Eden now [well, not right now. Right now, I'm typing about reading it.] Did you catch the movie Secrets of Eden on Lifetime? It was excellent!).
My favorite: Skeletons at the Feast (Interestingly this is one of the few, maybe the only one?, of his books that is not set in New England. But I truly have enjoyed all of the rest of his novels. I'm reading Secrets of Eden now [well, not right now. Right now, I'm typing about reading it.] Did you catch the movie Secrets of Eden on Lifetime? It was excellent!).
- Chris Bohjalian - Bestselling Author: Vermont Writer of Midwives, Skeletons at the Feast, The Double Bind | Suite101.com
- Chris Bohjalian is a Publishers Weekly and New York Times Bestsellers List author. His thirteen books include the new novel Secrets of Eden.
Chris Bohjalian's Books
Here's a taste of his novels
Andre Dubus III
He's from Massachusetts
Andre Dubus III is best known for his novel House of Sand and Fog. If you've read it, you know why. It is a masterpiece. I also really really really liked his memoir Townie. Short story writer Andre Dubus is Andre Dubus III's father.
My favorite: House of Sand and Fog for fiction and Townie, for nonficiton. What can I say? I loved them both!
My favorite: House of Sand and Fog for fiction and Townie, for nonficiton. What can I say? I loved them both!
- A Good Book is Awaiting: Townie by Andre Dubus III
- Last night I reluctantly finished Townie by Andre Dubus III. Reluctantly because this book wasn't just words on a page by a writer writing about his life.
- Townie
- Gritty. That's what this memoir is. Andre Dubus III looks back and explores his childhood in the tough neighborhoods of greater Boston. He's in his early fifties now, and has a good overview of his life. He's still the boy inside,as well as the mature man, making sense of it all as he re-follows the looping paths he ran from confused and troubled youth to adulthood.
Andre Dubus III's Books
Novels, short stories, and a memoir
Amanda Hall -- Newbury Street, Boston, Mass, New England, USA
Julia Glass
She lives in Massachusetts
Julia Glass's first novel Three Junes won the National Book Award in 2002. It was an excellent read, but I've enjoyed her other novels more.
My favorite: The Whole World Over
My favorite: The Whole World Over
- A Good Book is Awaiting: The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass
- Julia Glass is one fine writer. I loved her second novel, The Whole Wide World, best, and Three Junes, her first novel was as good.
Julia Glass's Novels
Four Novels including Three Junes
Stephen King
He lives in Maine and needs no introduction
Okay, if you haven't heard of Stephen King, you must have been living under a rock. He's a little bit popular. He's a lot prolific. And the ratio of his books that I've read is the lowest of any of the New England authors I've listed. I like Stephen King's writing, but for the longest time I thought all he wrote was slasher stuff because the first of his books I read was Carrie. Interestingly, I love true crime but not slasher fiction so much. And I loved On Writing. It is wonderful.
My favorite: Full Dark, No Stars (yes, this is a dark one, but so good!) and On Writing (his memoir and writing advice, not to be missed!)
My favorite: Full Dark, No Stars (yes, this is a dark one, but so good!) and On Writing (his memoir and writing advice, not to be missed!)
- A Good Book is Awaiting: Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King
- Okey, dokey. I'm becoming more and more of a fan of Stephen King. For years I wouldn't read his books because I'd read Carrie and it scared the pee diddle out of me. I think he's refined his writing or I'm a tougher old bird. I know the latter is true.
- A Good Book is Awaiting: Under the Dome... Stephen King does it again
- I picked up Under the Dome by Stephen King, and that's a feat in itself (this sucker is nearly 2-1/2 inches thick with more than 1,000 pages), at the library a few weeks ago.
Select Stephen King Books
Have you read On Writing? You should!
John Irving
From Vermont and My Absolute Favorite
John Irving. There. I've said it all.
This New England writer is THE BEST. Of course, this is just my opinion. He is such a talented storyteller that no one has him beat, especially for some of his earlier novels like The Cider House Rules, The World According to Garp, and his most recent novel Last Night in Twisted River. John Irving has such a way with the English language that it's magical. Really.
My favorite (book of all time): The Cider House Rules
This New England writer is THE BEST. Of course, this is just my opinion. He is such a talented storyteller that no one has him beat, especially for some of his earlier novels like The Cider House Rules, The World According to Garp, and his most recent novel Last Night in Twisted River. John Irving has such a way with the English language that it's magical. Really.
My favorite (book of all time): The Cider House Rules
- John Irving - Bestselling Author, Storyteller: Writer of the New Novel Last Night in Twisted River | Suite101.com
- John Irving is the New York Times bestselling author of twelve novels including The Cider House Rules, A Prayer for Owen Meany, and The World According to Garp.
John Irving's Novels
All good choices
Wally Lamb
He Lives in Connecticut
Wally Lamb is a well-known New England author who wrote She's Come Undone, which many readers found surprising since it's told from a female point of view. Lamb also write I Know This Much Is True, The Hour I First Believed, and Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story.
My favorite: She's Come Undone
My favorite: She's Come Undone
- Wally Lamb at Harper Collins
- Interested in hearing Wally Lamb discuss his novels? Lamb and Richard Wolinsky, host of Bookwaves on KPFA-FM, discussed I Know This Much Is True in 1998, and they met again 10 years later to discuss The Hour I First Believed .
Wally Lamb Books
Elinor Lipman
She Lives in Massachusetts
Elinor Lipman may be the least well-known of these New England writers. I'm not sure. But she is not the least of these writers, not by a long shot. And because of the wonder of the alphabet, I found Lipman's novels while searching for some Laura Lippman books. And boy, am I glad I did.
I love love love Elinor Lipman's writing. She is intelligent, hilarious, and so insightful. Her first novel, Then She Found Me, was made into a 2007 movie starring Helen Hunt, Colin Firth, Matthew Broderick, and Bette Midler. The book of course is better, but I also love the movie.
My favorite: The Inn at Lake Devine (though this changes because I love all of her books)
I love love love Elinor Lipman's writing. She is intelligent, hilarious, and so insightful. Her first novel, Then She Found Me, was made into a 2007 movie starring Helen Hunt, Colin Firth, Matthew Broderick, and Bette Midler. The book of course is better, but I also love the movie.
My favorite: The Inn at Lake Devine (though this changes because I love all of her books)
- Elinor Lipman - Satirical Novelist: Elinor Lipman's Books Comment on American Society Using Satire | Suite101.com
- The novelist Elinor Lipman is the author of nine novels, including Then She Found Me, that are witty and fun reads. Lipman also writes essays on current American life.
- A Good Book is Awaiting: Elinor Lipman's Isabel's Bed
- Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman. This is one of the few books she's written that I haven't read yet, so to rid the old, creepy serial killer from my head, I decided this was a perfect pick.
Elinor Lipman Books
Give one a try -- you will not be disappointed
Sue Miller
She lives in Massachusetts
Sue Miller has written some wonderful novels, and I've sadly only read a handful of them. I will add these others to my list to read because I've never been disappointed in her writing or storytelling.
My favorite: The World Below
My favorite: The World Below
- Sue Miller | Bookreporter.com
- Sue Miller is the bestselling author of the novels LOST IN THE FOREST, THE WORLD BELOW, WHILE I WAS GONE, THE DISTINGUISHED GUEST, FOR LOVE, FAMILY PICTURES and THE GOOD MOTHER; the story collection INVENTING THE ABBOTS; and the memoir THE STORY OF MY FATHER. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
Sue Miller's Novels
The Good Mother was made into a movie
Robert B. Parker
He has passed away but lived in Massachusetts
The late Robert Parker is another New England author that I admire, but I've not read many of his books. He wrote 65 books. What I have read have been compelling and well written. I love the Jesse Stone movies.
My favorite: Split Image
My favorite: Split Image
- Robert B. Parker - Author of Spenser and Jesse Stone Novels | Suite101.com
- Robert B. Parker books number more than fifty. His popular book series include Spenser, Jesse Stone, and Sunny Randall. Appaloosa was made into a movie.
Robert B. Parker Books
Jodi Picoult
She Lives in New Hampshire
Jodi Picoult is probably right up there with Stephen King as one of the most popular and well-known New England authors. She is such a talent, prolific, and tackles the tough topics in her novels. When I read one of her novels, it's like a lesson in whatever topic she's writing about (like Asperger's Syndrome or the Amish) but told beautifully with a story you don't want to end.
My favorite: House Rules (until I read her next one)
My favorite: House Rules (until I read her next one)
- Jodi Picoult - Popular Bestselling Author: New York Times Bestseller List Writer of Mainstream Fiction Novels | Suite101.com
- Jodi Picoult novels appeal to the masses because of the books' diverse, yet probing, topics.
- A Good Book is Awaiting: House Rules by Jodi Picoult
- Oh man. I just finished House Rules by Jodi Picoult and it's 11 a.m. I read mostly at night before bed, but for really good books, I like to be wide awake. And this is a really good book.
Jodi Picoult's Novels
I really enjoyed her first book, Songs of the Humpback Whale
Mary Cassatt -- New England Farm by a Winter Road
Anita Shreve
She Lives in Massachusetts
Anita Shreve is a wordly author who lives in New England but ventures away from this geography in some of her books. And that's okay. I think my favorites are the books set in New England though, like A Wedding in December, Light on Snow, Sea Glass, Strange Fits of Passion. I could go on.
My favorite: A Wedding in December because it was like a twofer (one of the characters was writing a book... I love a story within a story!)
My favorite: A Wedding in December because it was like a twofer (one of the characters was writing a book... I love a story within a story!)
- Anita Shreve - American Novelist: A Change in Altitude, The Pilot's Wife, The Weight of Water Author | Suite101.com
- Anita Shreve is the award-winning author of The Weight of Water and The Pilot's Wife, as well as thirteen other novels. Many of her books have recurring themes.
- A Good Book is Awaiting: Rescue by Anita Shreve
- The night before last, I couldn't sleep. I was up till almost 3 a.m. I started reading Rescue and made it halfway through.
- A Good Book is Awaiting: Strange Fits of Passion by Anita Shreve
- I love to read Anita Shreve's books, and Strange Fits of Passion did not disappoint. I really like her typical setting, New England, and her books are generally dark and so well written that I get drawn in and think about the book all through the day.
Anita Shreve
Pick a book, any book!
Kurt Vonnegut
Gone but Never Ever Forgotten
Kurt Vonnegut. Yep, he lived in New England, in Massachusetts. He was a crazy man, a crazy writer, good crazy of course. You're probably familiar with Vonnegut's writing and either love it or not. I have to say, his writing is genius but I have to be in the right mood to read it.
My favorite: Galapogos
My favorite: Galapogos
- Kurt Vonnegut Biography - Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library
- Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was born on November 11, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, a city he would later use in his novels as a symbol of American values.
Kurt Vonnegut
Amazing Writer
Favorite New England Writers
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Share your love (or hate) of New England authors please.
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Upon-Request Mar 8, 2012 @ 12:28 am | delete
- Didn't realize so many of these authors were from New England!
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lisadh
Mar 7, 2012 @ 10:44 pm | delete
- Great idea for a lens. New England has certainly produced some great writers.
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RobynBradleyWriter
Jan 28, 2012 @ 9:05 pm | delete
- I love so many of these authors you mention, especially Jodi Picoult and Chris Bohjalian. A couple of others that I can think of: Elizabeth Berg and Alice Hoffman (I *think* they're still both local).
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DoreenMartel Aug 20, 2011 @ 11:57 am | delete
- Born in Germantown but lived in Massachusetts: Louisa May Alcott (Little Women). John Preston also grew up in Medfield MA and later lived in Maine - his writing was not to most people's taste, (described by him as pornographic) ......
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vallain Aug 12, 2011 @ 10:06 pm | delete
- I love New England, and was surprised how many of these I haven't read. I've been focusing mostly on New England memoirs.
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I love New England authors
and a thumbs up!
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