Books Set in California – Make the Most of Your Road Trip

Set in Chili, Northern California (San Francisco and the Sierras)

My notes: I loved this book. It gives the reader a view of the Gold Rush from a woman’s perspective, rarely captured in literature. Additionally, the experiences of non-Europeans were central to the plot, specifically those of the Chilean and Chinese immigrants. Allende’s prose is enthralling, as expected from this gifted writer. While many of her books contain magical realism elements, Daughters of Fortune does not (a plus from my perspective, as magical realism is not my favorite genre). I recently listened to the book while driving up to Sequoia National Park, and the Audible narration is great.

Set in San Francisco, wine country and Sierras

My notes: Bound for Gold is a dual-timeline novel set in the present day and the Gold Rush. It is fast-paced and classifiable as a thriller, but I include it for its historical fiction value. While the novel is part of the Peter Fallon series, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read any of the other books in the collection.

Set in San Francisco, Yosemite, the Central Valley, Los Angeles and surrounding areas

My notes: John Jakes’ epic family saga covers California history post-Gold Rush into the early 1900s. It stretches from San Francisco down to San Diego, with a bit of Central valley thrown in. As well, the main character has his fingers in about every industry California is known for. Too much? Maybe. But Jake’s novel is engaging and certainly introduces its reader to a LOT of California that is not available in other historical fiction works. If you want to pick one book set in California to enhance a road trip throughout the state – this book would be a perfect choice.

Set in the Central Valley (and before that Oklahoma)

My notes: This novel is FANTASTIC! It was supposed to be published in 1939 but got eclipsed by The Grapes of Wrath. What was the publisher thinking? In my opinion, Babb’s novel is hands-down better than Steinbeck’s (and I think The Grapes of Wrath is also great). Only the second half of the book is set in California, where the migrant farmers’ experiences are masterfully recounted. The first half of the book describes the Dust Bowl so well that you literally feel the blowing dirt embedding in your pores. Save this book to revisit when you travel through Oklahoma and Kansas.

Set in Northern California (Oakland)

My notes: This is the third of a series, and I read them all in order, but you can enjoy this novel as a stand-alone read. Golden Poppies is set during the early years of the Great Migration, a historical era not covered often by fiction. I enjoyed the storylines on the Pullman porters and the suffrage movement in California. This is one of the few books I found that is mainly set in Oakland.

Set in Northern California (San Francisco and Oakland)

My notes: This is one of the only books I’ve come across that tells the story of Chinese immigration through a woman’s eyes in the 1920s. It covers the west coast equivalent of Ellis Island – Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, as well as the anti-Chinese immigration laws in place at the time. The sordid world of child sex trafficking is also a prominent theme. There were some good plot twists included that make this an enticing recommendation.

Set on the Monterey Peninsula (Northern California coast)

My notes: I’m not including Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath in this list because, well, you’ve probably already read it. However, you may not have picked up Cannery Row, and it is a fantastic book to get a sense of Monterey and the region’s fishing industry. It is classic Steinbeck in style and tone.

Set in Salinas in the Central Valley

My notes: This book is another favorite of mine by John Steinbeck. It characterizes the region around Salinas in the fertile farming region of the San Joaquin Valley. If you are driving through Salinas, you MUST stop for an hour or two at the National Steinbeck Center and check out the exhibits.

Set in Grass Valley in the western Sierra foothills

My notes: Do the 1970s actually qualify as historical fiction now? Yikes, I think they do, which makes me feel very old. Anyhoo, this novel won both a National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize. It is also a dual timeline story that bounces between the 1970s the main character inhabits and the 1800s of the protagonist’s grandmother. I never grew attached to the grandmother (she seemed snooty), but I did like the other characters. The book is chock full of western history, particularly about mining, and in that way, it fleshes out many of the books set during the peak of the Gold Rush.

Set in Northern California around Watsonville, up to San Francisco, and over to Sacramento, along stagecoach routes.

My notes: The Whip is one of the more compelling human stories on this list, in my opinion. Charlie Parkhurst was born a woman, but once they moved west, lived the rest of their lives as a man. But not just any man – as one of the most renowned stagecoach drivers in California. Their female biology was discovered only after death. No one knows if Charley was transgender or masquerading, but for sure, they were accepted and perceived as a man. I think I would have framed the story differently and could have done without the romantic subplot, but otherwise, I loved this book for tackling a story that needed to be told.

Set in Northern California

My notes: I’m waiting to listen to this book, set in a 1970s commune in Northern California until I get back to explore more up there. I classified this book as historical fiction because of its 1970s setting – but it seriously pains me to do so. I was a teenager then — yikes.

Set in Southern California (Los Angeles) and Vietnam.

My notes: OK – yet another “historical fiction” book from the 70s. As many of my not-that-old-yet readers remember, this era saw a large influx of Vietnamese refugees, and they transformed the cities they landed in. LA was one such city. I always appreciate learning about immigrant experiences – that is US history, right? Cue this book up during a day trip to LA, and get some good takeout from one of the city’s many Vietnamese restaurants.

My notes: Urrea is one of the most prominent San Diego authors and his books frequently straddle San Diego and Mexico. This is one of his more recent novels and it is a fantastic account of a multi-generation Mexican American family.

Set in San Diego (Southern California)

My notes: I read this book many years ago, and the story has stayed embedded in my soul. Read this when cruising through Los Angeles or exploring the Topanga Canyon area (maybe on your way to the Getty Museum). The story juxtaposes a wealthy LA family against an illegal couple living in the nearby canyons. This book IS Southern California in many ways.

Set in Los Angeles (Southern California)

My notes: Oh my heart, this book series is one of the most memorable I have ever read. Maybe it also belongs in historical fiction, but I am tired of feeling old, so let’s call it contemporary. What is particularly remarkable about this series is that the first volumes portray San Francisco in the 70s and 80s in all their crazy glory without a retrospective filter. They were written contemporaneously with HIV hitting the city, one of the worst-hit regions early in that pandemic. So this is social history “live.” I laugh and cry so much when I read and reread this series. It DESERVES a spot in the top 100 of The Great American Read (#74). Hands down.

Set in San Francisco (Northern California)

My notes: You aren’t going to find too many great books set in Oceanside (in San Diego County), but this is one. Brit Bennett has become one of my favorite contemporary authors. Her new book, The Vanishing Half, is as good or better than this debut novel. The Vanishing Half is set, in part, in LA.

Set in Oceanside (near San Diego, Southern California)

My notes: I had this book in my “to-read” pile for a few years and finally picked it up during a recent van trip to Joshua Tree National Park. I drove through and looked around 24 Palms (when it was 113 degrees outside) and can say the book captured the ambiance of that community well. Definitely add this book to your desert reading list.

Set in 24 Palms, near Joshua Tree and in LA’s skid row. (Southern California)

My notes: This is one book on the list that is set throughout the west, including California, particularly the Oakland area. But it is so good I encourage you to read it (along with some of the non-fiction books below). I am grappling with my understanding of Native American history and am starting to realize this will take the rest of my lifetime. The introduction and intermission sections of this book stopped me in my tracks. If you only listen to those sections – do it. I enjoyed the Audible version, but I also have a hard copy because I loved some of the writing so much. There are a LOT of characters, though, so Audible can take some effort to follow.

Set around Oakland (in part) (Northern California)

My notes: What is not to love about an old lady living in a van with her cat and inviting a runaway teen to join her? This Catherin Ryan Hyde novel is another winner, set all along the Pacific Coast. Many, if not most, of Hyde’s books are set in California, so check out her other options too. I have never NOT loved one of her books.

Set along the Pacific Coast

My notes: This Pulitzer Prize winner is one of my favorite books of all time. You may wonder why it is showing up in a California-oriented book list. Trees. California is home to both the giant sequoias and the coastal redwoods and some of the most diverse forests left on Earth. To understand California, you need to understand trees. Pop down to the Nature section to read more about The Hidden Life of Trees, another book that will get you “feeling” the trees.

My notes: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo surprised me. It delves into old Hollywood and is part historical fiction, part family saga, and part mystery. It was a fun book with original, interesting characters and some twists and turns that kept me interested. This is a fun audiobook and easy to follow (in case you are a person who has to keep hitting rewind). Perfect for your LA/Hollywood explorations.

Set in Long Beach, Southern California

My notes: I’ve read about half of this series and love the Long Beach vibe and local sights.

Set in the Sierra’s

My notes: I just finished this first Ron Ketchum mystery, and I’ll be back for more. The mystery matched up nicely with my recent trip to Sequoia National Forest. It was perfect, except a subplot with a human-eating mountain lion made my neck hairs stand up during deep forest hikes. I never saw a mountain lion while there, but you know you never see them; they see you.

Set in and around Los Angeles

My notes: There are 35 books in this series, with more to come – and I have read every single one. I’ve grown to love the characters and need to keep up with their adventures. This series gives you an excellent feel for Hollywood Hills, West LA, and the entire area around UCLA. Plus, they are well-plotted mysteries.

Set in a fictional version of Santa Barbara

My notes: Sue Grafton got all the way through “Y” is for Yesterday before she passed away. So no “Z”. She will be missed, but fortunately we have 25 letters of the alphabet she did finish. Read these when you are sunbathing in Santa Barbara, the city her fictional town is based on.

Set in the Sierra foothills

My notes: A nice little cozy set in the Sierra foothills. Just a little note on my rating system – I rate relative to what I expect for a specific genre, so cozy mysteries have a lower bar than contemporary fiction, for example.

High desert near Palm Springs

Northern California wine region

Napa Valley

Northern California coast

Silicon Valley

Southern California mountains

LA

South Central LA

1950s Santa Barbara-like town

1940s LA

LA

LA

Southern California surf towns

My notes: This is the first of 2 volumes in a classic and exquisite dystopian/sci-fi saga. A must-read for fans of the genre. Fun to read if you are driving from LA, North. Imagine walking in the characters’ footsteps on your own post-apocalyptic journey.

Set in a Los Angeles suburb and up the coast/valley to the redwood region

My notes: Time travel fans, pick this one. Part set in LA, part in the South somewhere, this is time travel at its best.

Set in an Los Angeles, Southern California

My notes: I’ve read some of this collection (it is vast), and I keep this book in my van to be at hand when I head back to the desert. It is THE collection of short stories and essays for desert reading. Unfortunately, there is no audiobook or ebook version that I could find. If you find a paper copy, nab it while you can.

My notes: If you are traveling through California and wish to educate yourself about the diversity of indigenous peoples, this is the one volume you should read. The nine included stories are curated and discussed by one of the most respected and respectful regional anthropologists, Theodora Kroeber. By reading these stories, one can get a good perspective of the wide range of cultures inhabiting virtually every inch of California’s lands before the European/American invasions.

My notes: Hyped as THE writer to really “get” California, I think it may be closer to THE book that New Yorkers like to read to say they “get” California. That said, I did find the writing exceptional and some of the stories interesting. But PLEASE don’t make this the only book set in California that you read.

My notes: Some of the most popular spots for California tourists are the string of 21 Spanish missions along the Old Camino Real, starting in San Diego and ending in Sonoma. One of the most famous is the San Juan Capistrano Mission of sparrow fame. I’ve toured several, and they are beautiful, peaceful respites today. What many people don’t know about, however, is the impact these missions had on the indigenous people they enslaved. I’ve been waiting for this highly acclaimed book for a while now – on hold from my library – and am eager to read it.

My notes: This relatively short book can be read like a collection of essays, so it’s suitable for travel. The reader will get a strong understanding of the diversity of cultures that make up the many California tribes inhabiting deserts, mountains, foothills, and coastal regions.

My notes: This book was very hard to read, I will not lie. But it is essential to understanding California’s history.

My notes: Similar to The Way We Lived, described above, this book is also comprised of a collection of short essays, stories, poems, etc., that help explain the diversity of California’s native people. Because many are now extinct or close to extinct, it is an essential validation of their very existence.

My notes: This is the nonfiction work of JoAnn Levy that compliments her two fictional works described above. It is comprised of real diary entries written by women as they traveled to the gold fields of California.

My notes: I picked this book up from my library, but I may listen to the audio version on my next trip. As a person afraid of heights and not too keen on long tunnels, I know I am in awe of the men who risked their lives to build the transcontinental railroad through the Sierras.

My notes: Less than 1/3 of this book pertains to California, but because The Great Migration of black citizens from the south to points north and west is a critical part of our history, I include it here. I found the descriptions of the drive west particularly interesting and as compelling as the Okie migration during the Dust Bowl. The settlement of Los Angeles’ and Oakland’s black communities are covered in detail.

My notes: I enjoyed listening to these essays while driving through the high desert. Written by an early woman settler and naturalist, the essays bring the stark, seemingly lifeless desert to life.

My notes: I mentioned this book way up above when I discussed The Overstory. As I read The Hidden Life, my appreciation for trees and forests grew as large as the Grinch’s transformed heart. I kept pausing and saying to myself, “Wow, this is remarkable.” Be aware — this book could literally transform you into a tree hugger. Welcome to California!

Set mostly around Sacramento, but also Orange County

My notes: I do like true crime, but I will be honest – I don’t read it when traveling alone in the wilderness. I’ve never been frightened camping by myself, but if I read this book while cuddled up alone in my van, it could be a completely different story. So maybe save this book for after you return from your travels. It is a great true crime story.

Set in Los Angeles, Southern California

My notes: I read this book back when it came out. Seriously. I was probably 14 years old and I think I bought it through the Scholastic Book program at school (do NOT ask me why this was a selection for middle school kids, but it was the early 70s). I STILL remember reading this book pretty much in one sitting – I read all night long. And I was terrified. This was a horrific crime, so read this book if you can handle it. It is a landmark moment in California history.

My notes: Lucille Ball. What a woman. This book would be an excellent companion to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo described above. While the early sections of the book are set on the East Coast, the last half is all Hollywood and Palm Springs. Not only do you get a sense of The Industry, as Californians refer to it, but you also get a sense of one of the most amazing, humble, and accomplished businesswomen the US has seen. The Audible book is narrated by her daughter Lucy Arnez. This is a great listen if you are heading to Hollywood. Take in the Lucy exhibit at The Hollywood Museum (but check to see if it is open first).

Set in Hollywood and Palm Springs, Southern California

My notes: After learning about old comedy, check out one of the newest LA-based comedians, Tiffany Haddish. I included this book because Tiffany’s life story tells us about the modern comedy club scene in LA (and you may want to go to a show) and about what it’s like to be a kid raised in foster care. I was not expecting too much from this book, but it ended up being one of my favorite memoirs ever. Tiffany reads the Audible version, so if you listen, be prepared to laugh out loud at times (and cry at others).

Set in Los Angeles, Southern California

My notes: This is one of the most inspirational books I’ve read. Mrs. Burton has to be one of California’s most vital, and determined women. When you listen to or read this book, you will get to know more about LA, most likely areas you won’t visit. Books like this help visitors understand the city they visit – beyond the tourist installations.

Set in and around Los Angeles, Southern California

My notes: Palo Alto is one of the wealthiest enclaves in the US. But even there, bad things happen. Chanel’s memoir could also fit under true crime. Overall, her book is all about finding courage when you don’t think you have it. And some days, we do need to dig deep for that courage.

Set in Palo Alto around Stanford University, Northern California.

My notes: No list of California-based memoirs is complete without The Wild. I’ll never through-hike The Pacific Crest Trail, the ship has sailed, but I recently completed a day hike within site of it – and I was impressed.

Set along the Pacific Crest Trail

My notes: Gregory Boyle and the nonprofit he founded, Homeboy Industries, is “…in the business of second chances.” You will be changed by reading this book. You will, I promise. Perhaps, while traveling through LA, you will manage a visit to The Homegirl Cafe or one of their other businesses.

Set in Los Angeles, Southern California

My notes: You may not stop in Merced, it may only be a city you wave at as you drive up the central valley (I do recommend taking Highway 99 over Interstate 5 if you want to experience more of this region). But this list is about providing books to help you get a feel for all of California and its citizens. Merced is home to one of the largest Hmong communities in the world. If you are interested in refugees, medicine, anthropology, or any aspect of humanity, I think you will be fascinated by this book.

Set in Merced (San Joaquin Valley)

My notes: I read about Ishi back in the 1970s when I was in high school. The link here is to the 50th-anniversary edition. My curiosity for learning about our nation’s indigenous peoples was sparked when I read this book. I still can’t completely wrap my head around what Ishi must have experienced, knowing he was the last of his people. If you are driving in the northeast corner of the state, stop and reflect on all that was lost in the few short years when most of California’s native population was obliterated.

Near Lassen National Park, Northern California

My notes: First, one of the best drives in California is along Highway 395, which runs south to north along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. If you drive this highway, you MUST stop at Manzanar National Historic Site. Visit the interactive museum and book store for sure, but also tour the camp and the recreated buildings and exhibits. Over 10,000 Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese men, women, and children were held here during WWII. I stop every time I drive by, and there is always something new to see. This book tells the story of the Wakatsuki family through the eyes of 7-year-old Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston. This is a classic.

Set in Manzanar Internment Camp. East of the Sierras