Books Set In New England

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One of the magical parts about reading is all the places it can take you and the discoveries you make along the way. It can also bring you to old familiar places, and you find comfort in reading about the characters in these places and the adventures in a backdrop you've already been to.

Being from New England, I love the seasons, the smell of salt water, the sounds of January snow storms, the feeling of letting go of summer before welcoming fall, and when the flowers come out in the spring. Even better is reading about these seasons in some of my favorite books.

With my love for New England here are some of my favorite books that are set in the region.

The Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore: Set on the small island of Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island, the novel is a perfect summer read full of family drama, Shakespeare, sun, and sand.

All Souls: A Family Story From Southie by Michael Patrick MacDonald: A memoir taking place in South Boston while Whitey Bulger's crimes ruled the neighborhood while giving the reader a look into one of Boston's most talked about neighborhoods.

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant: Set in Boston's North End during the early 1900s, this book takes you back in time to visit what Boston was like then and what it was like for a woman during that time.

The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams: Set in the 1950s on the fictional island of Winthrop off the coast of New England. This novel has family drama, money, and secrets.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller: Since she was a little girl, the main character has always vacationed with her family in their tiny cottage on Cape Cod. Even as things change and people grow, it will always be home to her, but it will also bring people and feelings from the past.

Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore: Set on the coast of Maine, Louisa's family is sent into turmoil with a family secret, her father's illness, and marital issues. The book gives all the summer feels of Summer in New England, and you feel like you are watching the Vinalhaven ferry from the porch with Louisa.

Whether you vacation in New England, are from the area, or want to learn more about it, these books will give you history, New England feelings, and have you falling in love with the Northeast.