5 Books Set In Oregon: Its Beauty Captured On Paper

Oregon is known for a lot of things, but none of which surpass its beauty. The country, most known for its natural attractions, is a destination one shouldn’t miss.

However, while it’s best to experience the country’s beauty personally, not everybody has the luxury to easily pack up and leave things behind.

But worry not!

Here’s a little alternative for those limited on time and resources: Books set in Oregon! Aside from the very accessible, yet admittedly limited, activity of navigating around Google Maps, people now have the opportunity to visit a country literary—not to be mistaken for literally, that is also a different way.

Armchair Travel with the Best Books Set in Oregon

Have you ever heard of the term armchair travel?

This is a new and rising means of visiting another country, seeing its landscapes, and experiencing its culture without leaving the comforts of home. It’s perfect for those limited in time and short on resources, the literary version of scrolling through images of the country online. Although they require more imagination, easily envision the country’s beauty through these best books set in Oregon!

Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey

Beyond his excellence in crafting a compelling narrative, Ken Kesey might just be known as the quintessential Oregon author. Combining his literary artistry and the country’s beauty, the author has perfectly captured the essence of Oregon across multiple books.

Reading through his books set in Oregon is like physically strolling around the country. His powerful yet succinct narrations and descriptions bring its beauty straight to the readers’ hands.

In one of his fiction books set in Oregon, Ken Kesey writes a fictional timber area near the Oregon Coast. His imaginary creation, Wakonda, can be closely compared to the river-coastal town of Toledo. Hence, through Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey, readers will feel themselves transported to the country’s beautiful coastal scenery and experience the calm and serene nature of the area. Additionally, with the community spirit woven deeply within the tale’s characters, readers will also feel the warmth of Oregon through this story.

Grab a copy of Sometimes a Great Notion now!

Oregon Series by June A. Reynolds

If imagining through storytelling isn’t one’s forte, one can still experience Oregon through the works of June A. Reynolds. Born and raised in Oregon, the author knows and has the country mastered like the back of her hand, which is reflected in her Oregon series complete collection.

The series is composed of two books set in Oregon. These aren’t fictional but a straightforward description of the country’s essence and sights. June A. Reynolds uses prose, poems, and essays to detail her experiences in areas where she’s been, likewise capturing the country’s culture and its allure to those who haven’t been.

The series also reflects the resilience of Oregon’s citizens by including devastating events that had struck the country. It’s the author’s means of showing that its beauty isn’t only surface-level but is best displayed through the nature of its people. Without a doubt, if people are looking for books about Oregon, June A. Reynolds’ Oregon series is among the best!

Grab the Oregon Series now!

Joyride by Gretchen Olson

This work of fiction is best for teenagers (or beyond) who wish to see more of Oregon’s countryside. Joyride is one of those books set in Oregon that clearly uses the country as an accessory to the story and not quite the main attraction. However, this doesn’t mean it’s inefficient in capturing the country’s essence and beauty. Joyride by Gretchen Olson takes readers on a fun, little adventure on a strawberry farm, where the berries are the second most beautiful thing after its residents’ personalities.

Stories like this give readers not only a glimpse of what the country looks like but also how its people are. It perfectly captures the kindness and sweetness of Oregonians, similar to how it captures the freshness and sweetness of its produce.

Joyride isn’t your typical Oregon story, as its focus falls more on countryside labor. But in detailing how the greens are best maintained, Gretchen Olson has also written about the calmness of the country’s people and the peace found in its countryside.

Enjoy Joyride by Gretchen Olson through this link!

Ramona Quimby Series by Beverly Clearly

Growing up in Portland, Oregon, author Beverly Clearly has transferred her experiences and the sceneries she’s encountered in her books set in Oregon. Her Ramona Quimby stories are mainly set in Klickitat Street, an actual area in the city. Readers who will check the stories out will not only be familiarized with the area but also the people living in it.

It’s obvious that Beverly Clearly loosely based her books and stories on her life. Hence, readers may expect a realistic portrayal of Oregonians, especially those living on Klickitat Street. Experience the hustle and bustle of its shops and how the neighborhood treats each other through these stories.

Get to know Ramona Quimby’s story through this link!

A Meeting at Corvallis by S.M. Stirling

To wrap this list up, we have a unique addition to our books set in Oregon. While the previous stories realistically capture the country’s present charm, A Meeting at Corvallis strips it down to its barest form. This dystopian story by S.M. Stirling is set in western Oregon. Everything looks the same, except that the area is without technology. People are forced to revert to their basic or ancient routines and systems to settle in.

Similar to Joyride by Gretchen Olson, Oregon in this story is used as an accessory—merely a place where the story unfolds. But in writing so, S.M. Stirling still manages to authentically replicate western Oregon. It may not be how it is now, but factors of it remain in the story. It’s a journey through the area with an added mystery or thrill.

Meet the protagonist at A Meeting at Corvallis by S.M. Stirling now!

Explore Oregon—On Paper and In Person

Without a doubt, Oregon is a magnificent country filled with impressive attractions. Whether on paper or in person, its beauty should be appreciated and acknowledged. If you want to check the country out but don’t want to go through the hassle and effort of traveling, check out the best books set in Oregon. Start with our list above and look up more online!