Location as Character
By APOOO • Sep 16th, 2008 • Category: Book Blogger Appreciation Week •
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Book Club Girl asked the following question on a recent blog:
Tell me a bout a book you’ve read where the location becomes a character itself.
I know I’ve read books like this but I’m stumped…so I’m going to bed and will come back tomorrow to share some of my picks. In the meantime, feel free to share your ‘location as character’ selections.
BTW, I think this is a really GREAT question and I hope you do also!
Oops…I can’t leave so quickly…here’s a few books that come to mind:
Any book by Dianne McKinney-Whetstone; all her books are set in Philly…and I believe West Philly.
Pearl Cleage’s books…either set in Idlewild, MI or Atlanta.
Eric Jerome Dickey’s books delve into locations…when I read books that are set against the backdrop of Los Angeles…since I lived there…I can see the location and know exactly where he’s talking about.
Okay hands down–Passport Diaries by Tamara Gregory–the locations were so important to this book…and such an integral part of the storyline–I remember feeling like I was in Paris and London again and desperately seeking to visit the Greek Isle. I wanted to visit all of these places, some again, and experience them this town via the eyes of the author, because she made all of the locations so enticing (including London which is not necessarily one of my favorite places to visit) It’s a wonderful book and one I highly recommend those who enjoy reading well-written chick lits and travel log storylines.
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I am sure days from now I will remember books that fit this…I have to agree with you on EJD. there is so much detail that you feel like you are on location.
Anyone that has read any of Al-Saadiq Banks’ TRUE2LIFE series knows that Newark, New Jersey is an unforgettable character! Same goes for most DC authors. Whether it’s Anthony Fields, Jason Poole or Eyone Wiliams, Washington, D.C. is a major character.
Ms. Toni’s last blog post..Ms Toni gave 5 stars to: The Sweetest Taboo
I’m going to have to say Darrin Lowery. It’s another reason I’m a fan of his work. He reps for Chicago like crazy! Even though I’m a West Side Chick, and he’s talking about the Southside, Darrin takes you through the city; shopping, eating, clubbing. Whenever he names a street I be like, yep, that’s right there. I think he does an excellent job introducing Chicago to readers.