Fiction of the Southwest

The American Southwest stretches across arid deserts, void of signs of human life. It is scenic canyons that cut through red rocks, natural showstoppers in some of our county’s most breathtaking parks. The diversity of the region’s people and fascinating history continue to evolve today, and the fiction selections of this region highlight the merging of past and present while telling the stories of its people. Oklahoma The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck A Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic, The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of the Joad family and their migration to California from the Dust Bowl during…
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Fiction of the Rocky Mountain States

The majestic snow-peaked Rocky Mountains and rugged natural beauty of the six states that form this region provide the perfect backdrop for stories of growth, survival, and the most memorable times of our lives. Here are our picks for fiction of the Rocky Mountain States: Montana Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson When social worker Pete Snow attempts to help a nearly feral boy he discovers in the Montana wilderness, he must confront the boy’s disturbed father, a survivalist who is preparing for the coming End Times. As Snow works to gain the trust of the boy’s father, the…
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Fiction of the Midwest (part 2)

Let’s continue exploring fiction of the American Midwest, where the waving wheat fields of the Plains catch the golden afternoon sunlight, the rugged beauty of the quiet Dakotas beckons those who yearn to rest with nature, and the lakes that dot the landscape of Minnesota call for lazy summer days perched on their docks. For the first part of this region’s recommended reading list, we visited Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Minnesota Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy First in a series and penned by a mother/daughter writing duo, Monkeewrench introduces readers to software company Monkeewrench, which has created a computer…
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ROAM Magazine: Fall Issue Available!

The fall issue of ROAM Magazine is now available! Celebrating a love of travel, ROAM Magazine features articles and activities to inspire your passion for exploring the world. In this edition: Why Use a Travel Advisor in the Time of Covid-19? Reading Recommendations from Around the USA Bucket List Travel Destinations and Curating Your Bucket List The Mental Benefits of Travel Quiz: What Type of Traveler Are You? … and more! Happy reading!

The Beach Makes Us Happy

The beach makes us happy. Imagine the warm sand between your toes, the sound of waves lapping the shore, and a gentle breeze tickling your hair. Relaxing at the beach is peaceful, and a beach vacation can improve your overall well-being. Here are a few of the scientifically studied health benefits of travel and why visiting our favorite beach destinations makes us happier, healthier people: A day at the beach has been proven to help relieve stress. The gentle, repetitive sound of waves is meditative for our brains and sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D, which is good for our…
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