The book “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee takes place in a small Alabama town during the 1930s. It follows Scout Finch, a young girl, as her father, Atticus, defends a Black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman.
Through Scout’s eyes, readers witness the deep prejudice and injustice in the community. The book also explores childhood adventures and the mysterious figure of Boo Radley, a reclusive neighbor who becomes central to the story in surprising ways.
Watt Key wrote “Alabama Moon,” a story about a boy named Moon who grows up in the wilderness with his father, living off the land. After his father’s death, Moon is forced to leave the only life he has ever known.
He ends up in a boys’ home, where he faces challenges with authority and makes friends who help him navigate his new reality. The book blends survival, friendship, and resilience in a setting deeply rooted in the Alabama woods.
Fannie Flagg wrote “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,” a story about friendship, community, and resilience in a small Alabama town.
The book weaves together the lives of two women from different generations—Evelyn, a middle-aged woman feeling stuck in her own life, and Ninny, an elderly woman with stories about the Whistle Stop Cafe and its owners, Idgie and Ruth.
The cafe becomes the heart of the town, filled with warmth, humor, and a few secrets that shape the lives of those who gather there.
“Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee takes place two decades after “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Scout Finch, now an adult, returns to Maycomb from New York to visit her father, Atticus.
She discovers unsettling truths about her father and her hometown, which challenge her memories of childhood and force her to confront deeply rooted issues. The story explores her struggles with identity and her changing view of those she loves.
The book “The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis follows the Watson family, who travel from Michigan to Alabama during a turbulent period in American history.
At the center of the story is Kenny, a middle child stuck between his overachieving older brother and adorable younger sister. When the family visits their grandmother in Birmingham, they encounter the harsh realities of racism in the South.
One pivotal event ties their personal experiences to a horrific moment in history, giving the story both warmth and weight.
The book “Forrest Gump” by Winston Groom tells the story of a man from Alabama with a low IQ who lives an extraordinary life. Forrest finds himself at the center of major historical events, from playing college football to serving in Vietnam and even becoming a shrimp tycoon.
His simple, direct view of the world makes for an unforgettable tale filled with humor and heartbreak.
“Addie Pray” by Joe David Brown tells the story of a clever young girl named Addie who partners with her con-man father as they travel through the South during the Great Depression.
Addie narrates their adventures, involving scams and schemes, while reflecting on their bond as a makeshift family. Set in Alabama, the book blends wit, humor, and heart as Addie’s determination and quick thinking drive their hustles.
Robert R. McCammon wrote “Boy’s Life,” a story about a twelve-year-old boy named Cory Mackenson growing up in the small town of Zephyr, Alabama. The plot kicks off when Cory and his father witness a car sinking into a lake, with a dead man inside.
What follows is a tale of mystery and adventure, as Cory encounters strange characters, uncovers dark secrets, and experiences loss and wonder. The book beautifully captures the struggles and magic of childhood in a Southern town.
“What They Always Tell Us” by Martin Wilson is about two brothers, James and Alex, living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who struggle with their identities and their relationship with each other.
Alex faces isolation at school after a mysterious incident, while James navigates popularity and his own uncertainties. The story captures their journey as they try to reconnect and make sense of their lives in a small Southern town.
“Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions” by Daniel Wallace tells the story of Edward Bloom, a man known for his larger-than-life tales. His son, William, tries to piece together the truth behind these stories before his father dies.
The book mixes fantastical elements with heartfelt moments, as Edward’s past unfolds through his outrageous adventures, like encounters with a giant and a mysterious witch.
It’s a journey of understanding between a father and son wrapped in a series of colorful, exaggerated tales.
The novel “The Keepers of the House” by Shirley Ann Grau explores the lives of the Howland family across several generations in Alabama. It focuses on Abigail Howland, who discovers secrets about her family that bring conflict and scandal to the forefront.
The story examines themes of inheritance, race, and societal expectations in a Southern setting. The tension grows as Abigail confronts the legacy she has inherited and the truths that have been hidden.
E. O. Wilson’s “Anthill: A Novel” tells the story of a boy named Raff and his deep connection to nature in southern Alabama. Growing up near Nokobee County, Raff becomes fascinated by the lives of ants and how their world mirrors the challenges and conflicts of humanity.
The novel explores his journey from childhood to adulthood, including his efforts to protect the wilderness he loves from destruction. It blends human drama with vivid descriptions of the insect world, offering a unique perspective on life and survival in Alabama.
The book “Jubilee” by Margaret Walker tells the story of Vyry, a mixed-race woman born into slavery in the South. It follows her life through the Civil War and the Reconstruction era, showing her struggles for freedom and dignity.
The story is based on Walker’s own family history, offering a look at legacy, resilience, and survival during a time of immense change.
“Looking for Alaska” by John Green is a story about a boy named Miles Halter, who leaves his home in Florida to attend a boarding school in Alabama. There, he meets Alaska Young, a girl whose charisma and mystery change his life.
The novel explores friendship, love, and loss, set against the backdrop of life at the Culver Creek Preparatory School. Miles becomes fascinated by Alaska’s bold spirit and her ability to draw people in, but her complexities reveal themselves as the story unfolds.
It’s a tale that dives into the bonds people form and the questions they leave behind.
The novel “The Castle Cross the Magnet Carter” by Kia Corthron follows the lives of four boys—two white brothers and two Black brothers—growing up in mid-20th century America, with much of the story rooted in Alabama.
Their paths cross in ways that reveal deep racial divides and personal struggles shaped by the times. Set against a backdrop of civil rights-era upheaval, the book explores family bonds, societal pressures, and the impact of history on individual lives.
The novel “Lee” by Tito Perdue follows the journey of Lee Pefley, a man returning to his hometown in Alabama after many years away. The story paints a vivid picture of the South, portraying its beauty and struggles through Lee’s reflective, sometimes abrasive perspective.
As he reconnects with the place he once knew, the book explores themes of memory, change, and the clash between tradition and modernity.
Kyle Onstott wrote “Mandingo,” a novel set on a plantation in pre-Civil War Alabama. It follows the lives of the enslaved people and their owners, focusing on the cruelty, violence, and corruption that defined that world.
A significant part of the story revolves around the complex relationship between the enslaved Hercules, a powerful fighter, and his owners. The book paints a picture of a dark and brutal time, showing the impact of greed and power.
Truman Capote’s “Other Voices, Other Rooms” tells the story of a young boy named Joel Knox, who travels to a decaying Southern mansion to reconnect with his estranged father.
Instead of his father, Joel encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including his flamboyant cousin Randolph and a reclusive woman named Amy. The house itself seems to hold secrets, creating an unsettling and dreamlike atmosphere.
As Joel searches for answers, the novel explores themes of identity, loneliness, and self-discovery in the backdrop of rural Alabama.
“Red Sky at Morning” by Richard Bradford is about a teenager named Josh Arnold who moves to the small town of Sagrado, New Mexico, during World War II after his father goes off to serve.
Though the book isn’t set entirely in Alabama, its opening scenes are rooted there, offering a glimpse into Josh’s privileged Southern upbringing before he faces a completely different life out West.
The story follows Josh as he adjusts to his new surroundings, encounters quirky locals, and discovers strength in unexpected places.