If I were still teaching composition, or if I taught English in a grammar or middle school, I would totally make an assignment out of this news story: the House of Representatives in the state of Massachusetts has declared Moby Dick the state’s official “epic novel.” The bill still needs to pass the Senate and secure the Gov’s signature, but still, the idea of a “state novel” caused a bit of attention. State Representative Cory Atkins was dismayed, according to the AP article (Hi Hillel!):
Rep. Cory Atkins said she was “appalled” and contended her district in Concord has “more authors per square mile than any other.”
“What about Louisa May Alcott? What about (Nathaniel) Hawthorne? How am I going to face my constituents?” she said.
Continuing Rep. Atkins’ “What about…?” question, I have to ask, what would be the official state novel of your state or territory or province or zone or whatever? What author in your locale of residence produced the best written novel that should represent the whole state? More specifically, which romance novelist in your state wrote the best novel, in your estimation? (And at this moment, are romance novelists in Maryland heading for the border to take up residence in PA or WV? Heh heh.)
This is one of those moments where I wish I could be an English teacher again.
Randi, I was starting to get worried I was the only Minnesotan on this thing…
Of course my first thought was Sinclair Lewis, but I’m from that part of the state.
But I think my vote is Laura Ingalls. My favorite books for a very big part of my life. Also, very Minnesotan.
Hello darling daughter Randi, who technically, since you haven’t lived here in MN for ten years, shouldn’t you be voting Philly? I think Garrison Keilor should be our state author – even tho he’s only written …..hmm, I think its 2 books…..but Prairie Home Companion is like being read aloud to on the weekends by your favorite uncle for the past 30 years.
she91 – I’m trying to remember what I DID do in 91- good thing I have the journals to refresh the brain!!
Oh Michigan, Michigan – I’m so disappointed in you. No love for Jeffrey Eugenides? (Middlesex is the only love letter Detroit’s going to get, but I still prefer Virgin Suicides. First person plural FTW!)
Twain fits Nevada, okay, but Huck Finn? Well, if it keeps Joe McGinniss Jr. from getting the nod, then you’ve got a deal.
(If Vermont doesn’t claim Shirley Jackson, I will just cry.)
I really want to see a March Madness bracket with literary/romance authors by state. I think Ohio could take the whole thing. Who’s going to top the Toni Morrison/Jennifer Crusie ticket? I suppose Edgar Allen Poe/Nora Roberts from Maryland will have a good shot.
Hi Anj: word up to Minnesotans!
Hi mom: you just pipe down. It’s been 13 years since I’ve lived in MN, but that doesn’t disqualify me as a Minnesotan. sheesh. As for PA-we too can claim Poe, as he lived in Philly for a while. We also have Lisa Scottoline, Dean Koontz, Gertrude Stein, John Updike, and August Wilson. whew! I’m not sure I could pick just one….
My Romance Authors for Texas is gonna have to be Sandra Brown, but the old SBs, not the new. Not much romance going on now, just suspense. or Judith McNaught How about somebody fun and fruity??? Kinky Friedman…may be beat Perry in the next Governor’s election…lol. 😉 Keri
Elizabeth and KimmieB (oh, I KNOW YOU!): Julia Quinn for WA romance, and for state author? While Guterson writes gorgeous local prose, I prefer Sherman Alexie every time. I’d be willing to give an honorary runner-up to Jonathan Raban, Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, or Nancy Pearl (if only for how much I love the Book Lust books).