travel books on maine

Maine Offbeat Travel Guide Books 2024

May 11, 2022

• Acadia National Park / Uncategorized

Maine Travel Guide Books 2022

Written by Stephen Ondich

Maine travel guide books help you plan your Maine visit in 2022.  Whether traveling to Acadia , Bar Harbor , Bangor or Baxter State Park , a travel guide book can help.

Below we share reader feedback on new or recent updated guides to the Pine Tree State !  I’m including links where you can buy the books.

However,  I am not an affiliate and receive no compensation from any of these Maine travel books – just trying to do  Maine visitors a solid! Safe Travels! 

Maine Guide#1: Moon Maine 

Moon Maine is a 2020 Maine travel guide book written by Hilary Nangle .  This book focuses on multi-day coastal and inland excursions.  Nangle is a native Mainer who loves to ski, blog and is a connoisseur of farmstead cheese. Thus, she gives a uniquely local take on her destinations.   

At 664 pages,  Moon Maine covers a lot of ground. Of course, there is a lot of ground to write about in this beautiful New England state. 

Moon Maine is an excellent follow up to her 2018 guide to Acadia National Park. Nangle wins style points for eloquent descriptions and attention to detail and accuracy. Accordingly, Moon Maine is at the top of our list!

Maine Guide #2: Lonely Planet Maine & Acadia National Park

Lonely Planet’s guide to Maine & Acadia is a comprehensive colorful text co-written by Regis St Louis &   Adam Karlin .

It is map-heavy, which I find helpful.

Published in 2019, just prior to the pandemic, the sites and suggestions are still very relevant to 2021.  The format is easy to digest and at 240 pages, there is not a lot of fluff. That is a good thing. After all,  you want to get out an explore, right?

This Maine travel guide gets straight to the point – where to go and what to skip. This is another good addition to the Lonely Planet family of travel guides.

Maine Guide #3: Acadia: The Complete Guide: Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island (Color Travel Guide)

Acadia National Park is the focus of many New England-area travel guides. However, this 2018 publication by James Kaiser brilliantly captures the most beautiful destination in Maine.

Acadia the Complete Guide   is a stunning visually appealing Maine travel guide book focusing on the highlights, niche locations and history surrounding Mount Desert Island.  Kaiser also delves into the geology and ecology of the island. 

Additionally, you’ll find things like local drinks, food suggestions and rainy-day excursions. Of course, no one thinks of rain while planning their Acadia adventure. Yet, Bar Harbor receives almost 57 inches of rain a year – it has to happen during someone’s vacation!

Maine Guide #4: Explorer’s Guide Maine 

Explorer’s Guide Maine covers traveler destinations throughout the entire Pine Tree State.  At almost 600 pages, this guide gives ample coverage to all of Maine’s regions. Mid-coast, Down East,  South Coast, Maine Woods… you’ll find good information inside.

Co-authors Nancy English and Christina Tree both have longstanding ties to New England which shows in their research and recommendations.  This book contains an extensive amount of information. There’s a lot to digest here. Thus,  read it while you’re in the planning stages of your trip to get the most out of this text.

Maine Guide #5: Best Easy Day Hikes Acadia National Park

Best Easy Day Hikes: Acadia National Park by Delores Kong and Dan Ring is a 136 page guide book with clear concise directions for day hikes on Mount Desert Island.   

The issue facing first time Acadia visitors is that the park offers many once-in-a-lifetime hiking opportunities. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the options, especially when you have limited park time.  Additionally, it’s also easy to try hikes that may be a little too ambitious.  This Maine travel guide book breaks down Acadia’s hiking options so you can plan your day trips intelligently. 

Pro tip… Acadia is all about the planning. The National Park spans more than 47,000 acres .  Additionally,  Park Loop Road can seize up with Los Angeles-rush hour-style gridlock during the busy summer months.  If you go there and wing it, you’ll waste a lot of time and miss quite a bit.

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Maine Travel Guide

Packing for Maine is sort of like packing for an adventure: You'll want to bring your sturdiest boots and most weather-resistant jacket, and the kind of bag that has room for fresh blueberries. Scenic Maine is known for its relaxed New England lifestyle, not so much the mansions of Greenwich or Newport as the earthy, sea-dashed homes that look like they've got stories. Bring your flannel, your favorite Stephen King novel (for the full experience of Maine's most famous resident, of course), and a taste for lobster, and you'll be ready for anything.

Eastern Standard Time

Best Time to Go

Maine gets cold in the winter, so unless winter is your favorite season and you are a big fan of the cold (no judgment here), summer and fall are the best times to go. While summer is peak tourist season and allows visitors to enjoy all that Maine's beaches and seafood have to offer, fall might even win out — the weather is usually brisk and comfortable, and the New England fall foliage can't be beat. In fact, Maine has entire events planned around its famous foliage: Harvestfest in York, Fryeburg Fair, OgunquitFest, and more. Craft fairs are extremely popular during the fall throughout Maine, so if your favorite part of traveling is discovering unique treasures, you'd be hard-pressed to find a season to visit better than autumn. And, of course, there's Halloween. Though not as popular a New England destination as Salem, Massachusetts, or New England neighbor Sleepy Hollow , New York, Maine nonetheless does Halloween in style, and fans of the holiday will find themselves among like-minded people.

Things to Know

Maine is a largely laid-back, outdoorsy state. If you're too clipped when speaking to locals, you might come off as uptight — be friendly with your communication and you can't go wrong. Don't eat lobster with a bib, don't ask if the blueberries are local (they are), and get comfortable with small talk, because Maine locals love to talk about the weather. For a state where so much of what there is to do is outdoors, it makes sense.

For some local delicacies, try Moxie, a soft drink that can be an acquired taste. Amato's pickles are based in Portland, and have the market cornered in Maine. And, of course, whoopie pies. The very first ones were sold in Lewiston, Maine, and nowhere does them better.

There's also a huge antiquing scene in the state, and if you're at all interested in ferreting out some vintage finds, Maine is an excellent choice for you. Almost every town has its own antique shop that folks swear is the best around. Even if you're not an avid thrifter, it's worth checking out some of Maine's most famous antique shops, just for the experience.

How to Get Around

Depending on where in Maine you're spending your time, there are a variety of ways to get around.

Trains: Amtrak runs a local service known as the Downeaster, which runs from Boston, Massachusetts, to Brunswick, Maine. Hop on for easy transportation to major towns and cities throughout Maine.

Buses: There are several bus lines operating throughout Maine, depending on what counties you're in. Greyhound runs throughout, but there are several more localized services that might be better for your needs.

Taxis: Taxis are available throughout Maine, but as in most places, you must call a service directly if you're not in an urban area already. Ferries: Maine is serviced by two ferry lines specific to Casco and Penobscot Bays.

Best Hotels

Inn by the sea.

Address: 40 Bowery Beach Rd., Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 Phone: (207) 799-3134 Book Now

A skip away from Portland lies the Inn by the Sea, a gorgeous beachfront resort with a full-service spa. Inn by the Sea's outdoor fire pits and fireplaces in every suite make it a prime choice for a winter stay. Have breakfast at Sea Glass, the property's restaurant, before taking a long walk on the pristine private beach, or heading into Portland for a day of fun.

Cliff House Maine

Address: 591 Shore Rd., Cape Neddick, ME 03902 Phone: (207) 361-1000 Book Now

Cliff House Maine sprawls along the oceanside cliffs of Cape Neddick, making a stay here feel like something out of classic literature. The ocean looks close enough to touch, and the sounds of it will lull you to sleep each night — almost every suite has a partial or complete coastal view. Cliff House Maine also features a full-service spa for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Black Friar Inn and Pub

Address: 10 Summer St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 Phone: (207) 288-5091 Website

This charming establishment has an old European charm, created from salvaged wood from historical mansions that didn't make it to modern day. Breakfast is included at this cozy, comfortable inn, and each of the six rooms is in high demand during peak season – especially for those wanting to explore nearby Acadia National Park.

White Barn Inn

Address: 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, ME 04043 Phone: (207) 967-2321 Book Now

No list of top Maine getaways would be complete without the inclusion of White Barn Inn, whose luxurious suites and Forbes Five-star restaurant make it a must-stay for any discerning traveler. As a resort, White Barn Inn features several activities and experiences, from cooking alongside the hotel's chef to woodland dog sledding.

Lighthouse Suites at Pine Point

Address: 3 King St., Scarborough, ME 04074 Phone: (800) 780-3213 Book Now

What would Maine be without its lighthouses? Lighthouse Suites at Pine Point embraces all that is classic to Maine, starting with its charming New England decor. Pine Point's beaches are some of the most gorgeous on the East Coast, and Lighthouse Suites are a mere few steps away. Designed for extended stays, the luxurious suites are built for long-term comfort, and are ideal for those looking to get away for a season.

Hidden Pond

Address: 354 Goose Rocks Rd., Kennebunkport, ME 04046 Phone: (207) 967-9050 Book Now

A private woodland resort, Hidden Pond's most incredible amenity is its Treetop Lodges — tree houses from studios to two bedrooms, tucked among the birch trees. If you prefer more grounded lodging, Hidden Pond's bungalows and cottages are cozy, charming options. Enjoy a massage at the full-service spa, take a dip in one of the two pools, or harvest fresh berries for your own dessert at Hidden Pond's farm.

The Press Hotel

Address: 119 Exchange St., Portland, ME 04101 Phone: (207) 808-8800 Book Now

The Press Hotel is a Portland icon — a boutique stunner inspired by writers' offices of the 1920s. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated with pieces from local artists, making no two stays the same, should you be a repeat guest. Centrally located within easy visiting distance of many of the city's most beloved institutions, The Press Hotel is a perfect choice for those heading to Portland.

Nathaniel Lord Mansion

Address: 6 Pleasant St., Kennebunkport, ME 04046 Phone: (207) 967-3141 Book Now

Maine is dotted with historical mansions that have found new life as inns and bed-and-breakfasts, and the luxurious Nathaniel Lord Mansion is one of the most well-known. Formerly a shipbuilder's and sea merchant's mansion, the property has been carefully maintained, from the gorgeous original paneling to the stunningly restored furniture. The building overlooks the river and is a short walk to Dock Square for dining and shopping.

Best Restaurants

Central provisions.

Address: 414 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101 Phone: (207) 805-1085 Website

Portland's Central Provisions gets its name from its history — originally a storehouse for provisions, it has been renovated and updated with the help of local craftspeople and artisans into the eatery and market it is today. A focus on small plates with fresh ingredients allows you to sample everything Central Provisions has to offer, and on your way out, you can grab a few things — farm fresh eggs, aromatic coffee, and more.

Eventide Oyster Co.

Address: 86 Middle St., Portland, ME 04101 Phone: (207) 774-8538 Website

Eventide Oyster Co. has a location in Boston now, but the original is in Portland — and where else would a brown butter lobster roll spring into existence? Eventide Oyster Co.'s original takes on New England favorites include a fried oyster bun, a lobster stew, and house-made oatmeal cream pies. Reservations are recommended.

The Knotted Apron

Address: 496 Woodford St., Portland, ME 04103 Phone: (207) 805-1523 Website

This bistro's limited menu will have you ordering one of everything — and with its seasonal changes, you can go back and have a new, unique experience. Nestled in the bustling heart of Portland, The Knotted Apron is famous for its classic recipes with a refreshing, delicious twist.

Anju Noodle Bar

Address: 7 Wallingford Sq., Unit 102, Kittery, ME 03904 Phone: (207) 703-4298 Website

Satisfy your cravings for cozy ramen, delectable bao, and zippy kimchi at this incredible Kittery noodle bar. Anju is known for its individual takes on classic ramen recipes, with ingredients so fresh you'll wonder how you can eat noodles at home again. Don't miss the pork buns and spicy miso ramen.

Palace Diner

Address: 18 Franklin St., Biddeford, ME 04005 Phone: (207) 284-0015 Website

The Palace Diner is a railcar-style eatery serving up breakfast and lunch daily, with a down-home menu to die for. Fill up on classic buttermilk flapjacks or a juicy fried chicken sandwich, and don't forget to grab a slice of their famous brown butter banana bread, too.

The Clam Shack

Address: 2 Western Ave., Kennebunk, ME 04043 Phone: (207) 967-3321 Website

Serving fresh lobster, scallops, fish, and more since 1968, The Clam Shack is Maine's most famous seaside seafood spot. The lobster rolls here are simple and incredible, with butter and a hint of herbs, letting the fresh lobster really shine. Don't miss the fried clams, either — it's called The Clam Shack for a reason. Note: It's only open seasonally.

Address: 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, ME 04043 Phone: (207) 967-2321 Website

The White Barn Inn features a Forbes Five-star, AAA Five-diamond restaurant, and the food is as good as those accolades claim. The White Barn Inn has two dining options — its namesake restaurant for a more elegant and romantic meal, or the Little Barn, a relaxed, casual experience with the same acclaimed food. Reservations are recommended.

Earth at Hidden Pond

Address: 354 Goose Rocks Rd., Kennebunkport, ME 04046 Phone: (207) 967-6550 Website

Hidden Pond is one of Maine's top spots to stay, not in small part because of its incredible restaurant. With fresh ingredients from the on-site farm, it's hard not to be a little overblown in the description of Earth's dishes. Inspired by a little of everywhere, Earth offers three-course prix-fixe meals for $65 per person and four-course options for $80 per person. Reservations are recommended.

Things to Do

Acadia national park.

Maine's most stunning attraction takes up most of Mount Desert Island, and is replete with hiking for all levels, hidden natural beauty, and educational events for families. Whether you plan to hike, camp, swim, or kayak, Acadia National Park's legendary beauty is a can't-miss for any Maine visitor.

Farnsworth Art Museum

Address: 16 Museum St., Rockland, ME 04841 Phone: (207) 596-6457 Website

With a range of thoughtful, eclectic, and fascinating exhibits alongside its permanent collection, the Farnsworth Art Museum is a gem tucked away in Rockland. Featuring American artists with a focus on those with Maine connections, the museum frequently hosts lectures, workshops, and performances that make it a must-visit for any art lover.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Address: 132 Botanical Gardens Dr., Boothbay, ME 04537 Phone: (207) 633-8000 Website

Open seasonally from May through October, this botanical garden is known not only for its lush flowers, but also for its comprehensive herbarium, which draws botanical enthusiasts from all around. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the blooming gardens or learn about conservation and horticulture through the venue's programming.

Portland Museum of Art

Address: 7 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101 Phone: (207) 775-6148 Website

This museum is as much a piece of art in and of itself as it is a collection. The stunning architecture of the PMA, as it's fondly known, draws as many design lovers as its exhibitions do art lovers. With a focus on fostering connections between the community and art, the PMA provides educational programming as well as rotating exhibitions. With pieces by Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, and many more, the museum frequently switches out what's on display, so check in advance to see if your favorite is out.

International Cryptozoology Museum

Address: 32 Resurgam Pl., Portland, Maine 04102 Website

This tiny museum has, according to one enthusiastic reviewer, a "real mystery shack vibe," which makes sense given its devotion to all things cryptid. Including, but certainly not limited to, exhibitions dedicated to Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, the museum also focuses on those cryptids that were eventually proven real, like the coelacanth.

Wild Blueberry Land

Address: 1067 US-1, Columbia Falls, ME 04623 Phone: (207) 483-2583 Website

If you've ever wondered what happened to that one girl in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, now you know — she's having a grand old time at Maine's most charming farm. Living peacefully somewhere between theme park and farmers' market, Wild Blueberry Land is a beloved landmark and home to arguably the best blueberry pie within the state's borders.

Merryspring Nature Center

Address: 30 Conway Rd., Camden, ME 04843 Phone: (207) 236-2239 Website

This 66-acre park is perfect for families, with programming specifically tailored to children of all ages. Enjoy trails, birding, a diversely populated arboretum, a vernal pool, and a wide variety of wildlife as you explore the park and its many habitats.

Nubble Lighthouse

Address: Sohier Park Rd., York, ME 03909 Website

Of Maine's 65 lighthouses, the most famous is the Nubble Lighthouse, whose classic silhouette is almost synonymous with New England itself. Visit to take in the beauty of the lighthouse, then explore the park surrounding it, where visitors can enjoy fishing, scuba diving, and more.

Best Shopping

Len libby candies.

Address: 419 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 Phone: (207) 883-4897 Website

Google Len Libby Candies and you'll see they are the proud home of a life-size chocolate moose named Lenny, who has been around since 1997 and shows no signs of melting down. He alone is worth a visit, but while you're paying your respects to legendary Lenny, don't miss Len Libby's confections, which range from homemade peanut butter cups and truffles to lobster-shaped lollipops.

Abacus Gallery

Address: Multiple Locations Website

Maine's most popular curio and artisan crafts shop, Abacus Gallery has several locations throughout the state, each with unique offerings. They are best known for their iconic calendar and stock of jewelry, but they also sell home goods, art, and much more.

Freeport Outlets

Address: 1 Hummingbird Ln., Freeport, ME 04032 Website

The Freeport Outlets include over a dozen shops both small and large, including designer names like Dooney & Bourke and local comic shops like DotCom Comics and Collectibles. There's a little something for everyone here, making it a real family pleasure.

Bangor Mall

Address: 663 Stillwater Ave., Bangor, ME 04401 Phone: (207) 947-7334 Website

If you find yourself in need of some basics, itching to have a little shopping frenzy, or just missing that mall vibe, Bangor Mall is a great option. It's quite large, clocking in at about 40 shops and restaurants and spanning a wide variety of big-box stores and boutiques.

Nervous Nellie's Jams and Jellies

Address: 598 Sunshine Rd., Deer Isle, ME 04627 Phone: (800) 777-6845 Website

Located on a several-acre campus, Nervous Nellie's features the promised jams and jellies, as well as a tea room, sculpture workshop, and Nellieville, the town-in-progress built by the sculptor in residence. Worth a visit just to see what Nervous Nellie's really is, you'd be remiss not to leave with at least a few of their delectable canned jams.

Elmer's Barn

Address: 107 Rockland Rd., Coopers Mills, ME 04341 Phone: (207) 549-7671 Website

Elmer's Barn does not have a website, only a Facebook page — if you know, you know. A sprawling barn full of curios, antiques, oddities, and all kinds of little treasures, Elmer's is a local legend and a state-wide icon.

Treehouse Toys

Address: 47 Exchange St., Portland, ME 04101 Phone: (207) 775-6133 Website

This indie shop is a real joy for adults and children alike. With a welcoming, colorful aesthetic and a real devotion to play, Treehouse Toys carries brand names as well as more local and hard-to-find toys.

Longfellow Books

Address: 1 Monument Sq., Portland, ME 04101 Phone: (207) 772-4045 Website

Named for the famed Maine poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Longfellow Books is a gorgeous independent bookstore that's a must-visit for any Portland tourist with a love for the written word. It also hosts lectures, speakers, and author Q&As, so check the events calendar before heading over.

Portland Flea-for-All

Address: 585 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101 Phone: (207) 370-7570 Website

A gem in Portland's Arts District, Portland Flea-for-All is a curated vintage, antique, and artisan market that's easy to spend hours wandering through. The market's mission is to make itself as accessible and welcoming as possible, so go ahead and browse — it's for a great cause.

Spring : Summer temperatures range from 20°F to 65°F on average, with a bit of rain but generally lovely weather. If traveling during spring, be sure to bring an umbrella, just in case.

Summer : Summer is peak tourist season — no wonder, given Maine's stunning beaches and delicious lobster. Summer is also the best time for wild blueberries. Maine sees occasional summer thunderstorms, but overall, the weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 51°F to 75°F, though they can sometimes reach 80°F and beyond.

Fall : Fall is a stunning time of year in Maine, thanks to the legendary foliage. It can be chilly, especially later in the season, and temperatures range from 25°F to 50°F on average. Fall in Maine tends to be a drier season — if you choose to visit at peak foliage time, you should enjoy beautiful weather.

Winter : Winter is very cold, and Maine sees a lot of snow. You should visit during winter if it's your favorite season, but otherwise, stick to milder seasons. Winter temperatures frequently get into the single digits – the average is 4°F — and below with wind chill. The average high for the season is 40°F; if you choose to visit, bring a warm coat.

Apps to Download

Google Maps : Google Maps has an integration with Maine's bus systems. iOs | Android

FarOut Guides : This premier trail guide app is ideal for Maine and beyond. iOs | Android

Friends of Acadia : Also known as Acadia Quest, this adventure-focused educational game app is for hikes through Acadia National Park. iOs | Android

Related Articles

12 recommended reads for those traveling to Maine (or who want to)

If you're looking for a book with a strong sense of place, try one of these books set in maine..

• BY Anne Bogel
• IN Book Lists , Books & Reading , Literary Tourism

I love when a book whisks me away to a different time and place—if only in my mind. In recent weeks I just happened to read several stories all in a row that happened to be set in Maine: the forthcoming Olive Kitteridge novel Lucy by the Sea , Adam White’s The Midcoast , and Linda Holmes’s Flying Solo . One of my favorite stories in this year’s Summer Reading Guide is Alice Elliott Dark’s Fellowship Point . And one of my favorite books of last year was Susan Conley’s Maine-set Landslide .

I hadn’t realized a Maine setting was such a pattern for me. What is it about Maine?

“Back when I lived out of state, people always used to get excited when they found out where I was from,” explains the narrator of The Midcoast . I’m not surprised. There’s something fascinating about Maine, and judging by the plethora of novels set in the easternmost of the United States, I am not the only one who gets excited.

Maine is a place where people move for the views, the cost of living, and, in some cases, the pace of life (especially if you’re judging from some of the protagonists who appear in this book list!). Titles set here—especially the coastal stories—promise to be evocative and atmospheric, with a strong sense of place. And to many of us, including me, Maine is intriguingly unlike the places where we spend our day to day lives.

I have never been to Maine, and would very much like to visit. For now I’ll have to content myself with the rich literary offerings, and I have to say, that’s not a terrible consolation prize.

12 books set in Maine

Some links (including all Amazon links) are affiliate links. More details here .

Empire Falls

Olive Kitteridge

The Last House Guest

The Next Great Jane

Haven Point

Fellowship Point

Flying Solo

This Is What Happy Looks Like

The Midcoast

The Stars Are Fire

Which books set in Maine have you read and loved?  Please tell us all about them in the comments section!

P.S. Emily Henry just announced her next book and it’s set in the great state of Maine! If you haven’t yet listened to our conversation on What Should I Read Next, it’s great. Listen in here to WSIRN Episode 332: Beach Reads for Book Lovers .

P.P.S. Enjoy  130 recommended reads for those traveling to New York City , Take a trip to the icy Arctic with these 8 awe-inspiring nonfiction books , and more literary tourism .

142 comments

Gary Schmidt, author of The Wednesday Wars, has a number of books for middle-grade (or older) readers in which the Maine setting plays a large part, including Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Just Like That, Trouble, and Orbiting Jupiter. All of Schmidt’s books are wonderfully sensitive to the emotional lives of adolescents.

I love Gary Schmidt’s books! I read Just Like That last month and loved it. The Maine setting was like a character.

Great list! Years ago I read (and loved!) a series of books by Cathie Pelletier, all set in the fictional town of Mattagash, Maine. The series includes The Funeral Makers, Once Upon a Time on the Banks, The Weight of Winter, and The One-Way Bridge. I honestly don’t remember the details of the books, but I remember they were hilarious, witty, filled with quirky characters, and captured all the ups and downs of their nutty, every-day lives. Pelletier also wrote A Marriage Made at Woodstock, which is hands-down one of the funniest books I have ever read. This is set in Portland, Maine, and tells the story of Fred and Lorraine, who met at Woodstock and married but whose lives have since evolved in very different directions. He’s become a rather dull and stuffy accountant, and she is a passionate animal rights activist and psychologist. I think was written in the 1990’s so it is a bit dated, but it is still one of my favorites.

My brother and sister-in-law moved to Maine last summer, and I’m thinking I need to plan a trip there to visit! Happy Reading!

I was coming to the comments to mention Cathie Pelletier as well! “Quirky” is one of my favorite genres of books, and hers definitely fit the bill!

As a Canadian who drives down there every other summer when we’re not abroad, I can tell you that for us it’s the coast. We try to make it to at least one ocean every summer and the Maine coast and ocean are the closest to us. The small town atmosphere is a wonderful change from the big city life we live every day. Thank you for this list, there’s a couple I’m not familiar with that I will definitely look up and put on my beach read list that I pull out every summer ❤️

I love it when my state is noticed! Thank you for sharing this list.

We just got back from Maine! I loved the Anita Shreve book and cannot wait to read Midcoast.

The Real Person!

Author Anne Bogel acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

It’s absolutely my pleasure! You’ll have to tell us if the authors got it right. 🙂

As a Mainer, I think there’s good reason so many books are set here in my little slice of heaven.

Monica Wood and One in a Million Boy definitely deserves a mention.

And though I’m not a fan of many of his books, our most famous author is probably Stephen King.

Oops. I forgot to mention Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert which she wrote pre-EatPrayLove.

I also enjoyed When We Were The Kennedys A Memoir from Mexico, Maine by Monica Wood.

Yes, how could I forget The One-in-a-Million Boy! Thanks for adding it here.

Yes to Monica Wood! Also, Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty.

I just finished Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore. Loved it. A great read with a very well described Maine setting.

Amazing, I just posted about that but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. I can’t wait.

I didn’t even know about that one!

Two other titles that came under my radar two weeks ago (while I was vacationing in Maine) are both titled Vacationland, one by a late night show writer, a memoir of sorts about his vacation adventures and the other one a fiction tale that I have not read yet by Meg Mitchell Moore.

Yes! Was coming here to say that John Hodgeman’s Vacationland, while no -fiction, is a laugh-out-loud collection of essays about having a 2nd home on the coast of Maine (not far from where E.B. White lived)!

Vacationland is on my nightstand right now! I haven’t started it yet but thought it might be a good read for my own upcoming vacation.

What a coincidence, I just bought a copy of “Haven Point.”

Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert definitely belongs on this list!

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica Psychological suspense.

Posted 48 hours before my trip to Maine. Thank you!!!

I love it when bookish serendipity strikes!

Hi Anne, I just got back from Maine (less than 2 weeks ago). I did the same thing that you did (found books to get me in the mood). I chose 2 Stephen King books. I had not read Stephen King in the past, but I was planning to visit his house in Bangor, Maine, so I thought I’d give them a try. His books are full of references to locations in Maine. You might want to add them to your list and visit his house!

Sorry, I was so excited by the title of your article, that I wrote my reply before reading your post. I assumed you were prepping for an upcoming trip to Maine. I’ll be adding books from your list to my TBR. Sorry for my overzealous initial response 🙂

Leslie, I am definitely preparing for an upcoming trip … in my imagination. I hope to plan an actual trip before too long!

If only it were true about the cost of living!! As a born and raised mainer I had to move out of state to have any chance at buying a house. Miss it constantly!

I have a couple YA favorites set in Maine: The Last True Poets of the Sea but Julie Drake (Shakespeare retelling!) and Horrid by Katrina Leno (though I think the first is truer to the Maine vibes than the latter!).

Colony by Anne Rivers Siddons is another good Maine read.

I’m not a YA or romance reader, but I’ve got to add This is What Happy Looks Like to my list because I simply adore Camden, Maine, although it’s been a lot of years since I was last there.

Colony is one of my favorite books!

Colony is one of my faves too!

Perfect timing – Maine has become my happy place, and a friend and I are returning for our annual mid-coast road trip next week! I’ve actually got The Next Great Jane already packed in my carryon for this one. I just finished a book titled Chickens, Gin, and a Maine Friendship: The Correspondence of E.B. White and Edmund Ware Smith that I picked up at Sherman’s in Bar Harbor last year, and I now know more about mid-century henhouse building than I ever thought I’d need to, but I still found the letters between these two writers to be pretty entertaining.

Have a wonderful trip!

I love reading about a place before I visit! I have not been to Maine in years, but I know these will make me want to return. We visit Cape Cod fairly often and I’ve read many novels based there. Has helped me discover some places off the beaten path!

Great list! I would add Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore. Just finished it and loved it. I could feel Maine in her descriptions.

I’m delighted to hear it, as I’m planning to read this soon—I didn’t even realize the Maine connection!

We visited Maine this summer for the first time and after returning I immediately began researching titles of books set in Maine so I could chase that “Maine Vibe”… love this list!!!

I grew up in Vermont and we traveled to Maine every summer for vacation. It’s been six years since we moved south and I miss it every summer.

When We Were The Kennedys by Monica Wood is one of my favorite books that takes place in Maine.

For atmosphere, interesting characters, and life in coastal Maine circa 1940, read A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Cline. It’s about the woman behind the iconic Andrew Wyeth painting Christina’s World. And, no list about Maine is complete without The Beans of Egypt, Maine by Carolyn Chute.

I enjoyed that book and completely forgot about its setting! Thanks for mentioning it here, and adding the Chute title.

My favorite book set in Maine is “A Piece of the World” by Christina Baker Kline. I loved this story inspired by the icon painting Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth.

Great list! I enjoyed Mahalas Lane by Marianne Cushing, which takes place in mid-Coast Maine in the small community of Owl’s Head. I read it in June while we were staying in Owl’s Head! It’s a quick read that’s full of mystery and a sweet love story. The author brings to life so much of Owl’s Head, including the cute Owl’s Head General Store, the famous lighthouse, the gorgeous beaches, and the small islands right off the coast. I even walked over to the actual Mahalas Lane and recognized the house that’s “shaped like a boat” and is central to the story!

As someone from “away” (aka lived in Maine the last 20 years 🙂 ), I have enjoyed Christina Baker Klein’s books, especially Christina’s World, based on an Andrew Wyeth painting. Orphan Train is also based in Maine.

Great list!! I love Maine and we have visited several times. I might be due another trip soon. I added several from your list to my TBR. The Stars are Fire, Olive Kitteridge, Haven Point, The Midcoast, and Flying Solo. Thank you!

We grew up reading “The Worry Week” every summer dreaming of a Maine beach vacation. One of my favorites to read when longing for vacation, although my children argue the Penderwicks should take its place I simply inform them I’m ok with a tie on this debate. 🙂

One of my most favorite books ever! The Penderwicks are not even close!

I’ve never heard of this book before now, but you two have talked me into ordering a copy off eBay. Thanks for the fun recommendation!

I recently read the first in a series- The Poacher’s Son by Paul Doiron. While the mystery was so-so, the descriptions of Maine were great (and focused more on Maine vs. Coastal Maine). I enjoyed it enough I want to read more in the series.

I was just coming to talk about Paul Dorian’s books about Maine wildlife officer Mike Bowditch. There are 12 books in the series now. The author obviously loves the flora. Me fauna in his home state. It’s a good idea to read these in order.

Reading aloud the Penderwicks series to my kids is what inspired my trip to Maine. Most happen in Massachusetts, but The Penderwicks at Point Mouette chronicles their vacation to Maine, and the lonely, breezy, moose-inhabited coastlines entranced me. I’m going back (and taking the kids this time) this fall, so I’m excited to have new inspiring Maine reads with which to prepare.

I haven’t read the whole series yet and didn’t realize that installment unfolded in Maine! Thanks for sharing here.

I really enjoyed a book of collected essays by E.B. White titled “One Man’s Meat,” in which he details his life as a new farm owner in rural Maine for a news magazine published in New York City. The essays run the course of several years through the 1930s and 40s. Really engaging reading.

For those who love Maine, please consider the Mike Bowditch series by Paul Doiron. Mysteries set in the Maine wilderness and its small towns, featuring a Maine game warden/investigator. Great sense of place and likeable protagonist. As a Mainer who has to live too far from ‘God’s country’, I love these books because they take me right back to pine trees, fog, rocky coast, and all that make Maine unique.

Love this list! As a transplanted West-Coaster living in NH, I’m still soaking up everything about this region.

I wanted to second (or 3rd or 4th!) Kline’s A Piece of the World, as well as add the classic by Sarah Orne Jewett, The Country of Pointed Firs, which both contain rich details about daily life in an earlier Maine.

I read “Country of the Pointed Firs” in college, and ever since then, I have wanted to go to Maine. It’s been a while since I graduated :), but I do hope to make it to Maine someday soon! cg

I would add The Beans of Egypt Maine by Carolyn Chute and the classic, The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett.

The Beans of Egypt Maine by Carolyn Chute may be the first book I read which was set in Maine. It was oh, so familiar as I think there are many places in the U.S. which this story could take place. Olive Kitteridge: consider begin reading her first novel and read them in order. Kitteridge is an amazing writer. (I’ve visited Maine numerous times and now, one of my children (and a niece) and their family live in Bar Harbor. My favorite part of Maine is the northern, forested part. Glorious!

The In-Betweens by Mira Ptacin and Milltown by Kerry Arsenault are some great non-fiction Maine reads to add to your list.

And don’t forget the early fiction favorites Miss Rumphius and Charlotte’s Web!

I’d completely forgotten Miss Rumphius and Charlotte’s Web were Maine books!

Oops, didn’t mean to reply to you directly! But those are great ME recs!

Yes! Me too. Sarah Orne Jewett makes you see and hear and smell Maine.

Jim Nichols’ Blue Summer and all his other books.

A children’s book set in Maine came to mind first. Blueberries for Sal is my earliest memory of a book. Every summer my grandmother, mom, aunts,and cousins would go to pick wild blueberries (in northern NY, not Maine.) While my aunts, mom, and older cousins would pick berries, Grandma would read to us younger children so we didn’t wander off. Another book that comes to mind is a memoir by George Howe Colt The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Home. I love this list, both Anne’s recommendations and those in the comments.

Oops, The Big House is Cape Cod not Maine.

Yes! Thanks for mentioning Blueberries for Sal here.

I LOVE Blueberries for Sal and One Morning in Maine! These bring back such fond memories of reading to my children.

The Moosepath League saga by Van Reid is set in Maine in the late 19th century. It’s very charming, funny, and has such endearing characters!

I love Maine and just got back on Sunday from our yearly trip. This list will keep my vacation mindset going! I really enjoyed Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Authors ( and their Muses) by Terri Lynne DeFino.

Oh, Anne, Maine is really a magical place! It always seems to me that Maine is a major character/player in every book set in Maine, unlike other books. I wish you could plan to come visit! Drive up the coast, not just to the southern beaches, but as far as Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. I moved to Maine 44 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. I love the people, the pace of life, the quality of life, the weather, and the uncrowdedness of it. When I first moved here, I felt I had gone back 50 years in time. I love that you’ve made this list, and it’s a good one. I’ve read many, but will put others on my TBR. No list is complete, as other readers attest, without putting Monica Wood on it! Especially When We Were the Kennedys, a memoir of when her father died when she was only 9, set in the real life western Maine town of Mexico. After having lived in Maine for so long, many books’ characterization of Maine people and their accent are cringe-worthy caricatures. But Elizabeth Strout, Richard Russo and Monica Wood get it right. Thanks for highlighting Maine, I couldn’t believe it when I opened your post!

Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore just came out this summer and it’s set in Maine. I LOVED both the setting and the characters – you really come to love and care about them. A definite must-read for if you’re interested in a Maine setting.

Great list.. I just returned from vacation in Stratton Maine. I also just finished the book The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel, which was excellent. The book was recommended by a friend, and she said after reading it helped her understand her son more. I am taking away a few books & adding to my TBR list. Thank you.

Crazy true story

Well this is fortuitous, i leave for maine tomorrow morning!

PERFECT TIMING. Have a wonderful trip!

Finding Freedom by Erin French (of Lost Kitchen fame). It’s nonfiction and beautifully written!

I didn’t realize there was a Maine connection! Thank you for sharing.

Linda Greenlaw’ Lobster Chronicles:Life on a small island. Also her Jane Bunker mystery series.

I agree! We spent a week on the Eggamoggin Reach (just down the road from where E.B. White lived) and had the opportunity to go out on a lobster boat a few times. Beautiful spot, amazing opportunity to see Maine away from the typical tourist spots. I read Lobster Chronicles after that – it gives such a feel for real life in that remarkable place.

I’m a Mainer and this post and the comments brought me a lot of joy and new titles for my TBR! Most of my favorites have already been mentioned. I especially love all of Christina Baker Kline’s and Monica Woods’ books. For non-fiction, I would add Erin French’s The Lost Kitchen cookbook and memoir Finding Freedom, and Mill Town by Kerri Arsenault. And if you visit, please consider exploring the non-coastal areas as well! The northern part of Maine is incredibly beautiful and far less crowded 🙂

Thank you for the book recs and the travel tips!

Mill Town would pair well with When we were the Kennedys as it takes place in the same area. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a young adult book that takes place during a not very pleasant episode in Maine history. My favorite Robert McCloskey Maine books are One Morning in Maine and Burt Dow, Deep Water Man.

I am currently reading Lucy by the Sea and it is lovely… as long as you’re ready to read about life during the pandemic! I loved Oh William! as well (which also involves a brief trip to Maine). I’ve never read any of her other books, so just know you don’t have to read the other two Amgash series books in order to enjoy these two!

I should say you don’t have to read any of the other books from EITHER the Amgash or Olive Kitteridge series. Olive has just briefly been mentioned (I’m about halfway, so maybe she is mentioned more?), but the book is about Lucy and William… so I guess it has ties to both series? Goodreads doesn’t put it with either. So, read as a standalone! Why not!

I just went to Maine and – without realizing it, one of the books I had just finished and the one I was currently reading were both set in Maine. It does have such a strong sense of place and seems to attract/produce a certain type of person that lends itself well to fiction! I’d add Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (which I liked better than Flying Solo); It All Comes Down To This by Therese Anne Fowler; and a strong endorsement of your recommendation of The Stars Are Fire, which is one of the most engrossing books I’ve read in the last 10 years.

I love it when that happens! So fun when your book matches your destination.

I can’t believe how perfectly timed this list is! My family plans to vacation in Maine the end of August, and I will certainly need a bag of books to take along, so I am excited to try some of these. I am sad to see that Lucy by the Sea (by one of my favorite authors!!!) will be out a few weeks too late to take along, but I am hopeful that another one (or three or four) will be the right fit. My husband has been to Maine before, but it’s a first for me and our 5 children, so I am excited, and books can only improve the adventure, right?

If you read Oh, William! you’ll get a small taste of Maine, and you’ll be all primed to read Lucy by the Sea (which is a follow-up to that story) when it comes out! Have a wonderful visit.

For classical lobstering and a great series, I always return to Elisabeth Ogilvie’s Tide books. I love to read repeating characters and the Bennetts are my favorite Maine family. Ogilvie also has some mysteries, YA, and historical novels, but the Bennett’s Island (actually Criehaven) stories are the best.

YES! I recently read Ogilvie’s Tide series…So Maine!

I was so excited to see Elizabeth Strout as a new book coming out. Wrote to tell my book club as we really enjoy her books and both Olive and Lucy are such great characters.

Great list, as always- I’m a big fan of the Mike Bowditch mysteries by Paul Doiron. Living in neighboring NH, it’s fun to know about mud season, black flies, etc!

Night of the Living Rez is a new release by Morgan Talty that paints a vivid picture of life on the Penobscot reservation in Maine. It is dark and gritty but very accessible for any reader interested in Native American lit.

So excited about this new book!

I love the Maine setting! I’ve read many great books set there, including Elizabeth Strout and Stephen King novels. My sister lives in the small community of Cousins Island in southern Maine, and I’ve visited often. It is a magical place. I have Midcoast on my TBR list!

I was going to mention Monica Wood’s books as well! Very good ones. I have a hard time reading many modern fiction books set in Maine as a native, born and raised. Unless a writer has lived here, I often find writers cannot capture the true Maine spirit and way of life. I tried to read the book set in Calcasset. I live two towns north of Wiscasset, and it just didn’t work or ring true for me. (I’m not sure of that writer’s personal locale.) I’m often hesitant to try newer Maine set books but may be willing to attempt a few from this list. You must come visit, Anne. It is so great here. If you ever want to do a list of children’s books, there are a plethora of those based in Maine that are wonderful. Below I added a link to my blog where I reviewed “When We Were the Kennedys” by Monica Wood. Also on my blog is a review of “The Magic Ship” by Sandra Paretti, a historical fiction story set in Maine on the eve of World War I in Bar Harbor, a hidden treasure.

Love Maine, and books about Maine. One that I really enjoyed that wasn’t on this list is Margreete’s Harbor by Eleanor Morse.

That’s a new title to me—thank you for sharing it here!

And I forgot to mention my most favorite children’s book, The Worry Week by Anne Lindbergh. Three sisters alone in their Maine house for a week..

Wow, from reading other folks responses here, I need to look into When We Were The Kennedys!

I keep checking my local library in hopes they will start a wait list for Fellowship Point, but no luck so far.

I am on a wait list for Vacationland!

I started Flying Solo & was enjoying it , but for some reason my mind drifted after the part where she goes to get a coffee with the guy from the library. I may try to get back to it.

Of course I loved Olive Kitteridge & the Anita Shreve book as well.

I had a cousin in law from Maine & she & my cousin would always travel back up there to see the fall foliage. Her charming accent always stood out to me, being from Texas. She was a transplant for the latter years of her life.

I too have always been fascinated by Maine & loved reading about it, despite never having been.

I started reading Fellowship Point with a library book. About 1/3 in, I ordered a book for my shelves! It’s so good! Some Shell Seeker vibes.

That’s an apt comparison!

I’ve never been to Maine, but after reading Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan out loud to my daughter several years ago, I have always dreamed about seeing the Maine coastline. The story actually takes place in Kansas, but Sarah is from Maine and talks about it in the story with great love and vivid imagery. Patricia MacLachlan also authored my absolute favorite picture book, All the Places to Love.

I’m smack-dab in the middle of Flying Solo and loving it! I also loved Evvie Drake Starts Over, so I was excited when I saw that this second book was about to be released. Any book that makes me laugh out loud has my whole heart forever.

My husband and I honeymooned in Maine, and spent our fifth anniversary there! We have family living there, and our daughter’s middle name is Acadia. We need to get back – it’s been awhile!

For kids, or for those who want to see Maine as well as read about it, Robert McCloskey (of Make Way For Ducklings fame) wrote and illustrated a bunch of books set in Maine – Blueberries for Sal has already been mentioned, but Time of Wonder is my personal favorite.

For older kids, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt is excellent.

For grownups, Stephen King includes a lot of Maine in his books. Under The Dome is set in Maine, as well as portions of The Stand.

You have to get One Morning in Maine for your daughter before she loses her first tooth. Exceptionally sweet like Blueberries for Sal.

Oh yes indeed, Time of Wonder is my favorite McCloskey too. I just quoted that at my son’s high school graduation (I am the school principal) .. “a little bit sad for the place you are leaving, a little but glad for the place you are going.”

I loved “Colony” by Anne Rivers Siddons.

I have been to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in Maine. So beautiful!

Katherine Hall Page writes a wonderful mystery series set largely in Maine.

The Stranger in the Woods: the Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finley is astonishing! I don’t think I’ve seen it mentioned in the comments yet, and I’m kind of surprised. It’s quite the unbelievable tale!

I have that on my shelf but haven’t read it yet. I didn’t realize it takes place in Maine!

YA fans should check out Out of Nowhere by Maria Parian and Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt!

I went to Bowdoin College in Brunswick. I could totally see that lovely town as the inspiration for the setting of Olive Kitteridge. Olive, Again, the sequel, is another gem from Strout. It’s been almost 10 years since so have been in Maine … time to plan a trip.

I live in Vermont and visit Maine three or four times a year- sometimes more. One of the best Maine authors I’ve read is sadly deceased now but her books give an honest view of Island life in Maine. Her name is Ruth Moore. I haven’t read all of them but the four I have read have been excellent! Try Spoonhandle or Candlemas Bay .

Here’s a few more good Maine reads that I haven’t seen mentioned:

Almost, Maine by John Cariani (Contemporary teen fiction)

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare (Kid’s historical fiction)

Arundel by Kenneth Roberts (Historical fiction — and there’s several sequels if you want more!)

I also enjoyed “We are the Kennedy’s” a memoir of Mexico Maine by Monica Wood.

Not literary masterpieces, but the Murder She Wrote cozy mysteries are based in a small Maine town.

Bill Geagan’s books – Nature I Loved, The Good Trail, etc. Beautiful descriptions of life in Maine!

Thank you, Anne, and everyone else for the many recommendations for books in Maine! I have been down a rabbit hole! I would like to visit there someday. Until then, I can travel via books and YouTube. I really enjoy these literary travel posts!

A Year in the Maine Woods by Bernd Heinrich is a great non-fiction story of the author’s year with the flora and fauna of Maine. I’ve read it several times.

For those who love a good classic novel, Sarah Orne Jewett’s “Country of the Pointed Firs” is an all-time favorite of mine. It’s a very understated and calming book, but the writing is superb. I pull this out when I need to be transported to a simpler time and a beautiful location.

Yay!!!!! I diligently kept checking and it paid off. My local library finally put up the wait list for Fellowship Point and I am at the head of the line.

If this comes in before my upcoming trip, that would be perfect! I need to carefully choose a book to take along.

Meanwhile I am still running around the streets of Lisbon/reading Two Nights in Lisbon.

I need to lie low today after Mohs surgery. Family gone to collect my daughter from College. So maybe I’ll get to the end of this whodunnit or why they did it?!

Thank you for this list, I love literary tourism, especially since I’m planning a trip to Maine next month! I downloaded Fellowship Point to my kindle last night and started reading. I was immediately drawn in. Thank you!

Here’s an old one that I don’t think anyone has mentioned yet. Pink Chimneys by Adreana Hamlin. This from my comments when I read it in 2017. “I enjoyed this historical fiction. The author’s primary work was that of a journalist which is obvious in the way she gathered the historical information and turned it into a narrative. The book was originally published in 1987, re-published in 2007 for the 20th anniversary and now has been reissued for its thirtieth anniversary. That is quite a record for a simple fiction book. The historical perspective on 19th century Bangor, Maine as it developed into a lumber capitol serve as framework to expose women’s choices, or lack thereof, for work, medical care, birth control and general lifestyle. The main characters were strong female personas with satisfying roles to inhabit.”

When I went to Maine six years ago, I read two books, one an historical novel, called “Pink Chimneys” about 19th century Bangor, the other one “The Lobster Coast”, a history of the coast of Maine and the lobster industry. I enjoyed them both! I also want to recommend a middle grade series of three books called “Oxbow Island Gang” about a group of friends who solve mysteries on their little island. These books were written by a friend of mine, Rae Chalmers, who lives on a Maine island and I thoroughly enjoyed them as they gave me a strong sense of place!

Oh, and another Maine book that was a fascinating read. A true story about a man who lived off the grid in the Maine woods for 27 years, never connecting with another human. It is called “A Stranger in the Night”.

Oops! It is called “The Stranger in the Woods”! Sorry about that!

Oh my goodness, you wrote that there is a forthcoming Olive Kitteridge novel and I got SO excited 😂 I’m thinking you meant to say a forthcoming Elizabeth Strout novel. I absolutely loved the Maine setting in the Olive books!

Some of my favorite Maine novels are the Tide trilogy, High Tide at Noon, Storm Tide, and Ebbing Tide by Elisabeth Ogilvie, about life on the fictional Bennett’s Island off the coast of Maine. There are further books in the series for those who get sucked in and want more! The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett is an oldie (1896!) but a goodie, about the people and community in a coastal town. The first time I visited Acadia National Park, I burst out, “Oh! It’s the country of the pointed firs!” And the Olive Kitteridge novels, of course!!!

Thanks so much for including Haven Point. For those who like 19th century literature, Sarah Orne Jewett’s Country of the Pointed Firs is lovely and VERY Maine.

Loved Olive Kitteridge,Empire Falls, and The Stars Are Fire. I’m currently reading The Midcoast and after spending a day in Damariscotta this summer, I wonder what the locals think of it.I really don’t care for any of the characters and hope it picks up soon. Halfway through. I lovedvthe setting for Maine, but story frustrated me. I have to have characters I actually care about.

As a Mainer, I commented on this column back in July, but I was moved to check it out again after you posted your Favorite Posts of 2022 (glad this made it!). I was just reading an old [Maine magazine] Downeast, from June 2020, and in it they feature the “100 Maine Books you Must Read”. I’ve read some of them, but clearly not enough, so I have self-designated the month of March 2023 to be Maine-Reading Month! I’m so excited! I have 3 books from your list (The Midcoast, Flying Solo, and The Stars are Fire) as well as “State O’ Maine” by Louise Dickenson Rich, “One Man’s Meat” by EB White, “Spoonhandle” by Ruth Moore, The Sign of the Beaver, a children’s book by E. G. Speare, mentioned by one of your readers, and Miss Rumphius! I’ve never read it!

I am a big fan of Van Reid’s MOOSEPATH LEAGUE stories ( https://www.thriftbooks.com/series/the-moosepath-league/41051/ ). These stories cover Maine’s history and geography all wrapped up as part of a series that is a delight to read. There is a female heroine, Various and Sundry, the three Moospath League elder men, and a dashing hero who you don’t know is the hero till he is just that. There is much more than my elementary description so I hope you give it a try to see for yourself?

These comments are gold and so fun to see how many of us have read the same Maine-set novels!!

My addition (gave up trying to see if it was mentioned) is Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes. Excited to bring my children up to Maine this year!

I didn’t know the Morgan Talty book was set in Maine; thanks for sharing!

I have read most of your suggestions of books set in Maine. We honeymooned in Bar Harbor in October, many years ago. I love a novel set in a large family beach house. Thanks to your readers for so many additional suggestions!

I will add LITTLE GALE GUMBO by Erika Marks (the author hails from Maine but spent time in New Orleans and connects the two so smartly). And earlier this year I read the new novel PETE AND ALICE IN MAINE, which is both a Maine novel, and a pandemic novel. I’m a sucker for anything set in Maine, or Vermont!

Sarah Graves has a series of cozy mysteries set on an island off the coast of Maine near Canada. She describes the coastal area so well that it becomes part of the storyline.

Admittedly a much older book, but I thoroughly enjoyed My Love Affair with the State of Maine by Scotty MacKenzie about 2 outsiders from New York who purchase a store in Goose Rocks and run it for a season. SO fun!

I just finished This is What Happy Looks Like and it was so good. Thanks for the rec!

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17 Best Books Set in Maine

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If you’re looking for the best books set in Maine, you’re in the right place.

Maine is one of the most intriguing places in the United States. Located in the far Northeast, the Pine Tree State is home to rugged coastlines, rocky and beautiful Acadia National Park, and the far-flung endpoint of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a state both cozy and remote.

It brings to mind winter cabins in the middle of the forest, lonely lighthouses dotted along the dramatic coast, and quiet fisherman’s villages nestled against the sea.

Maine’s ruggedness and remoteness make it a popular setting for horror books, particularly those written by famous native author Stephen King.

However, I have included books from all genres on this list to help you find the right read for you. Here are the best books set in Maine that will transport you there!

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Best Books Set in Maine

The Cider House Rules by John Irving

This award-winning novel is set in rural Maine during the first half of the twentieth century and follows the eccentric Dr. Larch and his orphan protege.

Buy on Amazon | View in Goodreads

It by Stephen King

One of the most acclaimed horror novels of all time,  It is set in small-town Derry, Maine. The story follows seven adults who have returned to their hometown and must confront a nameless evil that they first discovered one summer when they were teenagers.

Other Stephen King books set in Maine:

• Salem’s Lot
• Pet Sematary

Lost on a Mountain in Maine by Donn Fendler

If you’re a fan of survival stories, you will enjoy this true-life tale of one young boy’s incredible will to survive.

Donn was twelve when he got separated from his Boy Scout troop in a hiking expedition, leading to a harrowing two weeks alone on a mountain while he fought to survive.

The Guest Book by Sarah Blake

This novel follows three generations of an elite family living on Crockett’s Island off the coast of Maine. The story examines the life and legacy of the family members as they navigate the evolving social and political landscape from their beloved island retreat.

Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert

Off the coast of Maine, Ruth Thomas is born into a feud fought for generations by two groups of local lobstermen over fishing rights for the local waters. At eighteen, she has returned from boarding school thrown over her education and joined the “stern men” working the lobster boats.

Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan

This fiction novel follows three generations of women from one family as they return to the family’s summer beach home in Maine. The four women each have their own struggles, and they come together in this funny, emotional story about the strength of family.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Alternating between Depression-era Minnesota and present-day Maine, this gripping novel is a story of upheaval and resilience, of second chances, and unexpected friendship.

Other Christina Baker Kline books set in Maine:

• A Piece of the World
• The Way Life Should Be

The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve

Based on a true story,  The Stars Are Fire  is a historical fiction novel about the devastating Maine coastal fires that occurred during the summer of 1947. This story follows one woman’s struggles and triumphs as her life is irrevocably altered after the fires.

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts

This emotional women’s fiction book is about a mass shooting that occurs at a mall in Portland, Maine. It follows several survivors and the events in the year after.

Clammed Up by Barbara Ross

If you are looking for a cozy mystery set in Maine, this is the perfect one to pick up. Taking place in a small coastal town, it follows a woman who has returned home to help her family’s struggling clambake business, only to find herself investigating a shocking murder.

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky

Charlotte and Nicole are childhood best friends who grew up spending summers together on the coast of Maine. Now both adults with separate lives and careers, they find themselves back in Quinnipeague for a final summer.

But what both women don’t know is that they are each holding something back that may change their lives forever when it’s revealed.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in the small town of Crosby, Maine. It centers around retired schoolteacher Olive Kitteridge who clings to consistency and despises change.

Other Elizabeth Strout books set in Maine:

• Amy and Isabelle
• The Burgess Boys

The Love Goddess’ Cooking School by Melissa Senate

This novel follows a woman, Holly, whose grandmother was known as the Love Goddess of Blue Crab Island, Maine – a legendary chef and fortune-teller. Now Holly has returned to Maine to attempt to live up to her grandmother’s legacy and find love for herself.

Among Other Things, I’ve Taken Up Smoking by Aoibheann Sweeney

Set between New York City and Maine, this critically-acclaimed novel tells the story of a girl on a journey to discover her eccentric father’s past and learn more about herself.

The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel

This is the remarkable true story of a man who spent three decades living alone in the forest of Maine, finding ingenious ways to survive on his own in the wild.

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms

When two women with the same name both think they have won a contest for a dream home giveaway, they each head to Christmas Cove, Maine in order to claim the prize they think is theirs.

The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda

If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller set in Maine that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Last House Guest will not disappoint.

After a wealthy young summer visitor to Littleport, Maine dies mysteriously, her best friend who lives in town is trying to find out what happened… only to be marked as a person of interest in the murder.

These are some of the best books set in Maine.

Have you read any of these books set in Maine? Do you have any favorite books set in Maine that I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Know someone else who wants to read books set in Maine? Then please do pin this post.

Where next?

Start with this list of the very best  travel adventure books . It includes great reads that will fuel your wanderlust and have you staying up late to finish them.

And if you’re looking for more books set around the US, check out some of these popular posts:

• 27 Incredible Books Set in NYC
• 15 Bewitching Books Set in New Orleans
• 23 Atmospheric Books Set in the South

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Best Sellers in Maine Travel Guides

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