Nebraska Authors
Nebraska isn’t just the birthplace of many famous celebrities (Fred
Astaire, Johnny Carson, Dorothy Mcguire, Marlon Brando, Nick Nolte,
and others). The state has also been home to several past and
present writers important to the country’s literary culture.
Of course, Willa Cather is probably Nebraska’s best-known writer.
The author of “O Pioneers!”, “My Antonia”, and many others, Cather
is most closely associated with Red Cloud, Nebraska. In fact, in the
spring of 2005, citizens across the state will read the classic
novel by Nebraska’s own Willa Cather, “My Antonia”.
But, there are so many great authors who claim Nebraska as their
home state. Ron Hansen, Omaha-born, has a list of accomplishments
and prestigious awards that are comparable to any of his modern
contemporary literary geniuses. I thought “Mariette in Ecstasy” was
brilliant. His book of short stories simply called “Nebraska” is
heartwarming and well written. Columbus Public Library carries all
of his works. You can’t go wrong with any of his novels.
Marly Swick lives and teaches in Lincoln, Nebraska. “Evening News”
explores the fragile relationships in stepfamilies, the nature of
the love between parents and their children,and what happens when
the two collide.Veronica Kiuntke, one of my co-workers, recently
read a novel set in Nebraska. The following is a review of that work
by George Shaffner called “In the Land Of Second Chances”.
The book, “In the Land of Second Chances” by George Shaffner, is set
in a mythical town in Nebraska. “My name is Wilma Porter; I own the
Come Again Bed and Breakfast, which is the only B&B in Ebb,
Nebraska.” So begins this novel of hope and humor. The people of Ebb
have their share of hardships, especially Calvin Millet. His wife
left him, his daughter is terminally ill, his department store is
closed to bankruptcy, and his house destroyed by a tornado. The town
watches because everyone’s fate is connected to his.
Then a stranger comes to town. Vernon L. Moore, a traveling
salesman, selling games of chance and asking questions. He departs
without making a sale, but leaves behind a town where second chances
are possible.
I appreciate contributions by my co-workers, if any of my readers
would like to submit a review of a book that they like, don’t
hesitate to contact me.
Please come to the library and check out books by our Nebraska
authors.
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