by Gabriella LePage, Atlanta-based photographer, writer, and creator of @gabriellalepage and bygabriella.co. Gabi is founder of @booklanguage and @literaryleague, a free in-person and digital book club!
Food plays a role in so many stories, from nonfiction pieces to historical fiction to rich coffee table books, we see it time and time again. In celebration of food-forward stories, here are a few books that feature apples, both literally and figuratively.
The Late Bloomers' Club by Louise Miller
Have you read The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller yet? If not, go get your hands on a copy immediately. It’s an absolute gem of a cozy read, especially in the colder months.
Then, once you’ve flown through that, pick up The Late Bloomers’ Club. Equally as charming, this one tells Nora’s story, the sweet owner of the Miss Guthrie Diner. It’s delightful, heartwarming, and will suck you right in, effectively transporting you to the town of Guthrie itself.
It’s even got a charming farmhouse and an ancient apple orchard (!). It doesn’t get sweeter than that.
William Mullan: Odd Apples
If it’s a conversation-starting coffee table book you’re after, look no further than William Mullan’s photo series, Odd Apples. Fascinated by the uniqueness of apples, Mullan began photographing rare apple varieties. Each subject is set against brightly colored backdrops, with equal parts quirk and charm.
This one’s a lovely one to set out, flip through, and simply enjoy. I’ve got a feeling your guests will love it, too!
On The Road by Jack Kerouac
I simply couldn’t write this list up without a classic. Enter Jack Kerouac’s On The Road. And this one’s quite sweet - with apple pie popping up while, as the name suggests, on the road.
“I ate another apple pie and ice cream; that's practically all I ate all the way across the country, I knew it was nutritious and it was delicious, of course.” ― Jack Kerouac, On the Road
Might I suggest having a slice (or two) of apple pie handy while giving this one a read? Feels like a must!
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty does it again with one of her latest novels, Apples Never Fall. This 2021 novel tells the story of the Delaney family. We’ve got a few miserable parents (Stan and Joy), four adult children, and a stranger named Savannah who appears at Stan and Joy’s door one night bleeding after a fight with her boyfriend.
Then, Joy goes missing and Savannah’s nowhere to be found.
Intrigued? Pull up a chair, get cozy, and get yourself a savory apple snack to nosh on while reading. Apple cheddar turnover, anyone?
It Might be an Apple by Shinsuke Yoshitake
Looking for a picture book for the kids? Try It Might be an Apple by Shinsuke Yoshitake. Suited for children 2-6 years of age, It Might be an Apple explores and encourages the power of imagination, all beginning with one single apple. Powerful, right?
At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier
Calling all historical fiction fans! This one’s all yours. At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier brings us back to 1838, where we meet James and Sadie Goodenough who have settled in the swamps of northwest Ohio. We see them attempting to stake their claim on the property where they’ve landed by cultivating apple trees with saplings purchased from the local, and appropriately named, John Appleseed.
Fast forward to 1853 where we meet their youngest child, Robert, as he wanders through Gold Rush California. When his past makes an unexpected appearance, he’s got an important decision to make.
Oh, the intrigue!
Apple Recipes from the Orchard by James Rich
Finally, here it is. Perhaps the type of book you’ve been waiting for—an apple lover’s dream, a cookbook existing solely to help you get creative with your apples. Meet Apple Recipes from the Orchard by James Rich.
Pop this one in your cart, place your Yes! Apples order, and get ready to indulge in savory salads, main course meals, and delectable pies.
Which book is calling your name? Are you picking up a novel, cookbook, coffee table book, or something else first?!
