Hey book lover, want to kick the country’s nasty divisiveness to the curb without leaving your chair? Or at least kick it halfway down your driveway and have fun doing it?
Just read. But with intention and a playful mindset.
That’s exactly what you can do with United Books of America. It’s free and without any political judgement.
Small steps do make a difference.
The hate of the last election was depressing and it looks like we’re in for a doozy with this one. United Books of America is a way for book lovers to counteract this in their own experience. It can be pretty lonely — and boring — when the extremists on both sides just yell.
“I can’t believe how much more connected I feel to whichever state I’m reading. Before I cared about that state and its people in an abstract sense just because I’m a nice person :-), now it feels more personal.”
“Thank you for offering this incredible list of books from every state. It’s my favorite kind of reading....”
Understand people from all 50 states like they're your neighbors.
Pick one state or go for all fifty. Go for your favorite genre or step out on a limb. You create your own book travel itinerary with United Books of America.
You might not always agree with or even like your neighbors but, boy, does it help if you “get” them.
What to do
Get the United Books of America book list by signing up!
Read books from as many states as you can from that list — especially states you know you judge or find boring. Deep dive a state or pick one from a selection.
Share. Mail us about your experiences. or use the project hashtag #unitedbooksofamerica on Instagram.
What kind of Books qualify
These books are set in a state AND written by an author who has actually lived there. No tourist versions here.
have a book idea?
If you have a favorite that qualifies, send your book ideas. Puerto Rico suggestions welcome, too.
Who’s behind this?
You can find out a little about me here. Or see a video of me talking about the project here.
You’ve probably already noticed that my work website is housing the project’s web pages. That’s a way to cut down costs.
You can also donate to further defray the costs of running United Books of America.
This reading challenge is made up of a super tasty American buffet.
Reading stories set in another state and written by a local is like dousing yourself with empathy spray. That’ll take your stress down a couple of notches and give you something a lot more interesting to read than the scary comments section on that last article your friend sent you.
This is a politics-free zone. All are welcome.