Fiction

We have included imaginative works that faculty and students have enjoyed. These are, for the most part, not texts that will be taught explicitly. Where possible, we have noted the genre of the novel, though genre is, as Linda Martell notes on Cowboy Carter, "a funny little thing."

The Overstory

Recommended by Sophie B: "Explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, and reveals how powerful nature actually is."

The Overstory by Richard Powers is a sweeping, multi-generational novel that explores the intricate connection between humans and trees. Through a series of interconnected stories, Powers weaves together the lives of nine individuals, each with their own unique relationship to the natural world. As their paths converge, they become involved in the fight to protect America's forests from destruction, ultimately revealing the profound impact that trees have on our lives and the planet. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a powerful call to action, urging readers to recognize the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.