Many that live in ‘the city’ think of Humboldt county, nestled in the redwood trees along the California coast, as some little backwards community. We may be small and we may not have all the opportunities and advantages of more metropolitan settings, but we also don’t have many of the drawbacks that face residents of bigger cities. Humboldt county is also home to a wonderfully diverse set of artisans and authors. Humboldt continues to play a role in several fictional books, whether as the main setting or as a place the characters are just passing through. Here are a variety of titles Humboldt county residents may want to take a closer look at.
The Eve Tree by Rachel Devenish Ford (Small Seed Press, 2011) As Molly tries to save her ranch from a forest fire, Jack tries to save his wife Molly from herself. Something happened sixteen years ago that Molly has never recovered from and Catherine, Molly’s mother decides she must complete a project that may be Molly’s only chance.
Someone to Blame by C.S. Lakin (Zondervan, 2010) Set in the fictional town of Breakers, California, the author of this book once owned a business in Trinidad. The story surrounds the tragedy of one family and the events that occur once they arrive in Breakers, trying to run from their problems. With interesting characters and a wonderful grasp on Humboldt county’s landscape, Someone to Blame will cause readers to remember the characters long after the last page is turned.
Shell Games: A John Marquez Novel by Kirk Russell (Chronicle Books, 2003) The first in a series about a former DEA agent who now heads up a special units team for the Department of Fish and Game. Poached abalone, two dead divers, and drug smuggler trolling the waters of northern California’s coastline make this an action-packed thriller.
Wings by Aprilynne Pike (Harper Teen, 2009) With appearances by both Humboldt and Del Norte counties, this fantasy teen novel about a girl who is a fairy and doesn’t know it, is a fun read about what could really be lurking in the redwood forests along Highway 101. Wings is the first in a series of books about Laurel and the two worlds she finds herself in.
Wrecker by Summer Wood (Bloomsbury USA, 2011) Born in 1965 during the turmoil of Vietnam to a single mother living in San Francisco, Wrecker doesn’t have much of a start in life. By the time he is three years old, Wrecker’s mom is in prison and he is bouncing around the foster care system until he ends up in Humboldt county with relatives. Although he arrives scared and unsure, the odd but lovable characters that make up Humboldt county eventually become his family.
