What do you think of when you think of Michigan? The Great Lakes and it’s miles of sandy shoreline, the Mackinac Bridge, the U.P., cozy cabins in the woods, the Detroit Lions, and perhaps, in the middle of February, a winter wonderland. Michigan has so much to offer its visitors and residents, including an annual selection of Michigan’s best books.
Every year, our very own Great Lakes State selects up to twenty of the most notable books written by a Michigan resident or about Michigan or the Great Lakes in general. According to the Library of Michigan, “each selected title speaks to our state's rich cultural, historical, and literary heritage and proves without a doubt that some of the greatest stories are found in the Great Lakes State.” This should come as no surprise since Michigan has countless idyllic settings to tell the perfect story.
Take The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson, for example—a sweet middle-grade historical fiction novel set on a lighthouse in the middle of the sparkling, wild waters of Superior and its miles of rugged shoreline. Or Funny Story: A Novel by Emily Henry—set in the easy-going sun-drenched sea-side town of Waning Bay, Michigan in the hot, lazy days of summer. Or The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell—a mystery with a touch of folklore, set in the eerie and isolated Massasauga Swamp near Whiteheart, Michigan. For many Michiganders, these settings are as treasured as they are familiar.
The complete list of 2025 Michigan Notable Books can be located on the Library of Michigan’s website, and a select few can be found on the shelves of your local library. In addition to the The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, Funny Story, and The Waters mentioned above, the library owns these two 2025 Michigan Notable Books:
True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between by Gretchen Whitmer – “From Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer comes a personal and humorous account of her life and career, full of insights that guided her through a global pandemic, showdowns with high-profile opponents, and even a kidnapping and assassination plot.”
The Lions Finally Roar: The Ford Family, the Detroit Lions, and the Road to Redemption in the NFL by Bill Morris – “In 1963, William Clay Ford purchased the Detroit Lions for $6 million, marking the start of a tumultuous era of mediocrity for the team. Despite a legacy of legendary players like Bobby Layne, Joe Schmidt, Calvin Johnson, and the iconic Barry Sanders, the Lions struggled with poor management and missed opportunities for decades. However, under the leadership of Bill Ford’s daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, and key hires like GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, the team has finally found success, signaling a hopeful new chapter in both their history and Detroit’s transformation.”
Michigan’s literary scene is as rich and diverse as its landscapes, offering readers stories that capture the heart and history of our beloved Great Lakes State. Whether you’re drawn to historical fiction, gripping mysteries, or inspiring real-life accounts, there’s a Michigan Notable Book waiting for you. Stop by the library and check out our Michigan Notable books display, pick up a book, and lose yourself in a story that proves some of the best tales are found right here in Michigan!
