Michigan Notable Books 2025: A Celebration of Michigan’s Literary and Cultural Gems
Teh Library of Michigan has unveiled its 2025 Michigan Notable Books list, showcasing an eclectic mix of titles that highlight the state’s rich cultural, historical, and geographical tapestry.From memoirs to mysteries,and from sports to social activism,this year’s selections offer something for every reader.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, affectionately known as “big Gretch,” is among the honorees with her young-adult memoir, True Gretch. The book, which provides advice for a younger audience of women, has been making waves on the national stage. Whitmer recently appeared on the View,Morning Joe,and The ReidOut to discuss her work,further cementing its place as a must-read for 2025 [[1]].Another standout is Amos Paul Kennedy Jr., whose poster and handbill art earned him a spot on the list. Kennedy, known for his vibrant and socially conscious work, recently showcased his creations at Michigan State University’s Main Library. When asked about his gallery in Detroit, he quipped, “Shop printers have shops.” His art, which spans “every era of history,” continues to inspire and provoke thought.
The 2025 michigan Notable Books list also includes The Lions Finally Roar by Detroit native Bill Morris, a deep dive into the Detroit Lions’ rise to NFL prominence. For music enthusiasts, there’s a biography of the iconic band MC5, known for their rebellious anthem “Kicking Out the jams.”
Fiction lovers will delight in Funny Story by Emily Henry, a semi-romance novel set in a Lake Michigan shore town. Henry, a Hope College graduate, brings a touch of Michigan charm to her New York times best-selling work.
Lansing author Erin Bartels continues her winning streak with The Lady with the Dark Hair, an art fraud mystery that has captivated readers and critics alike.Meanwhile, Donald Lystra’s Searching for Van Gogh offers a gritty coming-of-age tale set in Grand Rapids during the 1960s.
For those fascinated by the Great Lakes, Sail, Steam and Diesel: Moving Cargo on the Great Lakes by Eric Hirsimaki provides a extensive yet accessible history of shipping on these iconic waters.
Rounding out the list is Alice Randall’s My Black country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and future. Randall, a former Detroiter and the first Black woman to co-wriet a no. 1 country hit, explores an often-overlooked niche in music history.
| title | Author | Genre | Michigan Connection |
|————————————|————————–|—————————-|———————————-|
| True Gretch | Gretchen Whitmer | Memoir | Governor of Michigan |
| The Lions Finally Roar | Bill Morris | Sports | Detroit Lions |
| Funny Story | Emily Henry | Semi-Romance | Hope College graduate |
| The Lady with the Dark Hair | Erin Bartels | Mystery | Lansing author |
| Sail, Steam and Diesel | Eric Hirsimaki | History | Great Lakes shipping |
| My Black Country | Alice Randall | Non-Fiction | Former Detroiter |
The 2025 Michigan Notable Books list is a testament to the state’s vibrant literary scene. Whether you’re a sports fan, history buff, or fiction aficionado, these titles offer a unique glimpse into Michigan’s culture and heritage. Explore the full list on the Library of Michigan’s website and discover your next favorite read.This year’s Michigan Notable Books list showcases a diverse array of titles that delve into the state’s rich history, culture, and everyday life. From the illicit gambling underworld to the struggles of auto workers, these books offer fresh insights into Michigan’s past and present. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout works.
Felicia George, a research assistant for Bridgett Davis’ The World According to Fannie Davis: My Mother’s Life in the Detroit Numbers, has earned her own spotlight with When Detroit Played the numbers: Gambling’s History and Cultural Impact on the Motor City. This award-winning book explores the city’s underground numbers racket,which funded cultural institutions and even supported the legendary boxer Joe Louis. George’s work is a fascinating dive into a lesser-known chapter of Detroit’s history.
Bonnie Jo Campbell’s The Waters is another notable addition. Set in a rural Michigan village, the book tackles modern-day conflicts with raw intensity. The massasauga rattlesnake plays a pivotal role, symbolizing the tension between the natural world and encroaching outsiders. Campbell’s portrayal of three generations of strong women in a threatened surroundings is both gripping and thought-provoking.
Detroit’s auto workers take center stage in Daniel J. Clark’s Listening to workers: Oral Histories of Metro Detroit Autoworkers in the 1950s. While many books have focused on the challenges of assembly line work, Clark’s approach is unique.He delves into the workers’ home lives, offering a more holistic view of their experiences. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the human side of industrial history.
the list also includes a delightful cookbook and a poignant poetry collection. Old Time Hawkey’s Recipes from the Cedar Swamp: A Cookbook features 100 recipes from michigan’s Upper Peninsula, capturing the flavors of deer camps, campfires, and family gatherings. Meanwhile, Keith Taylor’s What Can the Matter Be? explores themes of aging, death, and place with a blend of humor and joy. Taylor’s work is a testament to the power of poetry to find light in life’s darker moments.
| Book Title | Author | Key Themes |
|———————————————|———————–|—————————————————–|
| When Detroit Played the Numbers | Felicia George | gambling history, cultural impact |
| The Waters | Bonnie Jo Campbell | Rural life, generational conflict, nature |
| Listening to Workers | Daniel J. Clark | Auto workers, oral histories, 1950s Detroit |
| Old Time Hawkey’s Recipes from the Cedar Swamp | N/A | Upper Peninsula, campfire cooking |
| What Can the matter Be? | keith Taylor | Aging, death, humor, sense of place |
these books not only celebrate Michigan’s unique stories but also invite readers to engage with its history and culture in meaningful ways. Whether you’re drawn to the intrigue of Detroit’s gambling scene or the warmth of upper Peninsula recipes, there’s something for everyone on this year’s list. Dive into these titles and discover the voices that shape Michigan’s narrative.
Exploring the 2025 Michigan Notable Books
Q: The 2025 Michigan Notable Books list features a wide range of genres and themes. What makes this year’s selection stand out to you?
A: This year’s list is notably noteworthy for its diversity.Whether you’re interested in sports, history, or mystery, there’s something for everyone. The inclusion of works like The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin bartels and Sail, Steam and Diesel by Eric Hirsimaki showcases Michigan’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.
Q: Felicia george’s When Detroit Played the Numbers delves into the city’s gambling history. Why is this an critically important topic for Michigan readers?
A: Felicia George’s book is a interesting exploration of Detroit’s underground numbers racket. It’s not just about gambling—it’s about how this illicit activity funded cultural institutions and even supported icons like Joe Louis. This book sheds light on a lesser-known but impactful chapter of detroit’s history that resonates with the city’s cultural heritage.
Q: Bonnie Jo Campbell’s The Waters is set in a rural Michigan village. What themes does this book explore that might appeal to readers?
A: The Waters is a powerful story that tackles modern-day conflicts through the lens of a rural Michigan setting. The massasauga rattlesnake symbolizes the tension between nature and outsiders, while the portrayal of three generations of strong women adds depth and relatability. It’s a gripping, thought-provoking read for anyone interested in generational dynamics and the natural world.
Q: Daniel J. Clark’s Listening to Workers focuses on Detroit autoworkers in the 1950s. What makes this book unique compared to other works on the subject?
A: What sets Listening to Workers apart is its focus on the workers’ home lives. While many books detail the challenges of assembly line work, Clark provides a more holistic view by exploring their personal experiences. This approach offers readers a deeper understanding of the human side of industrial history, making it a must-read for those interested in Detroit’s automotive legacy.
Q: The list includes a cookbook and a poetry collection. How do these titles contribute to the overall theme of Michigan’s culture?
A: Old Time hawkey’s Recipes from the Cedar Swamp captures the flavors of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, bringing the warmth of campfire cooking and family gatherings to life. Meanwhile, Keith Taylor’s What Can the Matter Be? uses poetry to explore themes of aging, death, and place with humor and joy. Both works highlight different facets of Michigan’s culture, offering readers a chance to connect with the state’s traditions and emotions.
Q: Why should readers explore the full list of Michigan Notable Books?
A: These books celebrate Michigan’s unique stories and invite readers to engage with its history and culture in meaningful ways. whether you’re drawn to the intrigue of Detroit’s gambling scene, the struggles of autoworkers, or the flavors of Upper Peninsula recipes, there’s something for everyone. Exploring the full list is a great way to discover the voices that shape Michigan’s narrative.
conclusion
The 2025 Michigan Notable Books list offers a rich and diverse collection of titles that reflect the state’s vibrant literary scene. From historical explorations to modern-day conflicts, these books provide unique insights into Michigan’s culture and heritage. Dive into the list and find your next favorite read!
