Idaho: Rodeo Ropers, Inventors, Astronauts, Authors and So Much More . . .

As a native Idahoan there are two things I get tired of hearing about from outsiders:

1. Potatoes.
2. Smurf turf.

Yes, Idaho produces a lot of potatoes. Yes, the Boise State football field is blue. But there are so many things that make Idaho a wonderful place to live besides potatoes and BSU football. We have amazing hot springs, bike trails, camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, hunting, whitewater rafting and kayaking.

Kayakers from all over the world compete in the North Fork Championship.

North Fork of the Payette River near Banks, Idaho.

  Fun facts about Idaho:

• Idaho is the 13th largest state in the U.S.
• 63% of Idaho is public land
• Idaho produces 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones
• Idaho has 3,100 miles of rivers (more than any other state)
• Idaho has the longest gondola in North America (Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho).
• The first alpine chairlift was used in Sun Valley, Idaho
• At 212 feet, Shoshone Falls are higher than Niagara Falls
• The deepest river gorge in North America is Hells Canyon (7,900 feet deep)
• The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area is the largest in the lower 48 states (2.3 million acres of backcountry)

*To learn more fun facts about Idaho visit: inidaho.com

Famous folks who have called the Gem State home:

• Barbara Morgan: NASA Astronaut
• Joe Albertson: founder of Albertsons grocery store chain
• J.R. Simplot: founder of Simplot (one of the largest privately-owned companies in the world)
• Sacajawea: Shoshone Indian guide and interpreter for explorers Lewis and Clark
• Gutzom Borglum: sculptor of Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Philo T. Farnsworth: invented the cathode-ray tube that would later lead to television
• Gene Harris: jazz pianist
• Paul Revere & the Raiders: band
• Built to Spill: band
• Lana Turner: film and television actress who starred in over 50 films
• Aaron Paul: actor best known for role in Breaking Bad
• William Petersen: actor best known for role in CSI Las Vegas
• Dan O’Brien: Olympic gold medalist and world champion decathlete
• Kristin Armstrong: Olympic gold medalist bicycle racer
• Picabo Street: Olympic gold medalist alpine ski racer
• Jerry Kramer: NFL player
• Shea McClellin: NFL player
• Harmon Killebrew: MLB player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame
• Larry Jackson: MLB pitcher
• Dee Pickett: Pro Rodeo Champion
• Ezra Pound: poet and critic in the early modernist movement
• Edgar Rice Burroughs: author of Tarzan of the Apes
• Vardis Fisher: author of Children of God, Tale of Valor, and Mountain Man
• Ernest Hemingway: author of numerous short stories and novels, including Farewell to Arms, The Sun Also Rises, and For Whom the Bell Tolls

*To learn about more famous Idahoans check out visitidaho.org.

One of my favorite things about writing this post was learning about Idaho authors. I had never heard of Edgar Rice Burroughs or Vardis Fisher. So let’s talk more about authors and books! This is a book blog after all. I am pleased to introduce a variety of books written by Idaho authors.

Art:

Beginning Watercolor Painting: Learn Easy, Fun, Creative Watercolor Painting by Marilee Donivan

Kandu and the Magic Meadow: A Color Mixing Story by Marilee Donivan

Joshua Tree: 30 Paintings by Mark W. McGinnis

Ponderosa Pines: 24 Paintings by Mark W. McGinnis

Poplar Leaf Study: Version One: 24 Paintings by Mark W. McGinnis

Snake River Basin: 72 Paintings by Mark W. McGinnis

Children’s:

A Conversation with Shakespeare by Diane Bilyeu

An Orange for You: A Child’s Book of Awareness by Mark W. McGinnis

Artie the Sleepy Bat by Michelle Netten

Big Little by Leslie Patricelli

Binky by Leslie Patricelli

Blankie by Leslie Patricelli

Buddhist Animal Wisdom Stories, Volume 1 by Mark W. McGinnis

Fa La La by Leslie Patricelli

Huggy Kissy by Leslie Patricelli

Grandma, Does My Moon Shine Over Your House? by Jane Freund and Mary Hansen Freund

Mama’s Purse by AJ Irving

Mooser on the Loose by Jane Freund

Morgan’s Walk by Bonnie Kloster

No No Yes Yes by Leslie Patricelli

P is for Potato: An Idaho Alphabet (Discover America State by State) by Stan Steiner

Potty by Patricelli

Ruby Lee and the Very Big Deal by Nancy Buffington

Simon the Slow Penguin by Michelle Netten

Teddy the Unready Tyrannosaurus Rex by Michelle Netten

The Christmas Tin by Sheila Eismann and Ali F. Putz

The Girl Who Had a Big Adventure: Cancer, Chemo & Cupcakes by: Stacia Mers and Jane Freund

Then the Twins Came by Sharon Rose Anderson

Tubby by Leslie Patricelli

Viku and the Elephant by Debu Majumdar

Viku to the Rescue: A Story from the Forests of India by Debu Majumdar

Viku and the Ivory Thieves: A Story from the Forests of India by Debu Majumdar

Wily Riley The Coyote Conqueror by Jane Freund

Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli

Christian Fiction:

A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

Beyond the Shadows by Robin Lee Hatcher

Love Without End (A King’s Meadow Romance Book 1) by Robin Lee Hatcher

Whenever You Come Around (A King’s Meadow Romance Book 2) by Robin Lee Hatcher

Shield of faith (Cady Miller series) (Volume 1) by Danney Clark

Shield of Honor (The Cady Miller Series) (Volume 2) by Danney Clark

Shield of Justice (Cady Miller Series Book 3) by Danney Clark

Sovereign Ground (Breaking Bonds Book 1) by Hilarey Johnson

Sunday’s Promise (A New Day book 1) by Janice Hildreth

Monday’s New Beginning (A New Day book 2) by Janice Hildreth

Tuesday’s Child (A New Day Book 3) by Janice Hildreth

The Heart’s Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

Winds of Freedom by Rebecca Carey Lyles

Winds of Wyoming by Rebecca Carey Lyles

Cooking:

Comfort Food Gets a Vegan Makeover by Jill Skeem

Fantasy/Sci-Fi:

Broken Things: A Dystopian Thriller by G.S. Wright

Cheyenne: A Timeless Series Novel (Book 1) by Lisa L. Wiedmeier

Promises: A Timeless Series Novel (Book 2) by Lisa L. Wiedmeier

Daylight: A Timeless Series Novel (Book 3) by Lisa L. Wiedmeier

Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel (Book 4) by Lisa L. Wiedmeier

Against the Dawn: A Shaede Assassin Novel by Amanda Bonilla

Blood Before Sunrise: A Shaede Assassin Novel by Amanda Bonilla

Crave the Darkness: A Shaede Assassin Novel by Amanda Bonilla

Death Storm: A Dark Fantasy Zombie Apocalypse (Hungry Gods Book 1) by G.S. Wright

Death’s Reach (Hungry Gods Book 2) by G.S. Wright

Echoes of Savanna by Lucinda Moebius

Empire of Shadows by Miriam Forster

Feeder (Chroncles of the Soul Eaters Vol. 1) by Lucinda Moebius

Indigo Traveler by Merri Halma

Raven’s Song: A Haven Novel by :Lucinda Moebius

Shaedes of Gray: A Shaede Assassin Novel by Amanda Bonilla

Fiction:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Down in the River by Ryan Blacketter

Evel Knievel Jumps the Snake River Canyon: And Other Stories Close to Home by Kelly Jones

Faraway Places by Tom Spanbauer

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

I Loved You More by Tom Spanbauer

Lila by Marilynne Robinson

Sewing Shut My Eyes by Lance Olsen

The Laughing Monsters by Denis Johnson

The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall

Train Dreams by Denis Johnson

Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson

Volt by Alan Heathcock

Guides/Outdoor Recreation:

Idaho for the Curious: A Guide by Cort Conley

Idaho Off the Beaten Path, 8th: A Guide to Unique Places by Julie Fanselow

The Day Hiker’s Guide to Stanley, Idaho Scott Marchant

The Day Hiker’s Guide to Sun Valley & Ketchum by Scott Marchant

The Hiker’s Guide: Greater Boise by Scott Marchant

The Hiker’s Guide to McCall & Cascade by Scott Marchant

The Middle Fork: A Guide by Cort Conley

Historical Fiction:

Cocos Island Treasure: You Can Still Find Pirate Booty If You Know Where to Look! by Stanley McShane

Desiderata (Karolus Chronicles Book 1) by Judy Ferro

Agnes (Karolus Chronicles Book 2) by Judy Ferro

Flight of the Earls: An Heirs of Ireland Novel by Michael K. Reynolds

Lies: Ann Putnam Jr.’s Recounting of the Salem Witch Trials by Oliver Dahl

Railroad Redemption by Wynette I. Mellen

Soldier of Rome: The Legionary (The Artorian Chronicles Book 1) by James Mace

Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt (The Artorian Chronicles Book 2) by James Mace

Soldier of Rome: Heir to Rebellion (The Artorian Chronicles Book 3) by James Mace

Sons of the Sea A Tale of the Old Grimsby Fishermen by Stanley McShane

The Dark Lady by Dawn Chandler

The Last Confederate Battle by John J Cline

The Woman Who Heard Color by Kelly Jones

Historical nonfiction:

American Indian Tribes of Idaho by Robert D. Bolen

Blackfeet Raiders Nomads of the North by Robert Bolen

Smoke Signals & Wagon Tracks by Robert D. Bolen

The Horse Indians by Robert Bolen

The Lakota Sioux Indians by Robert D. Bolen

The Snake People by Robert D. Bolen

Treasure Valley’s Electric Railway by Barbara Perry Bauer & Elizabeth Jacox

War Chief Paulina by Robert D. Bolen

Humor:

Drinking with Dead Women Writers by Elaine Ambrose and AK Turner

Drinking with Dead Drunks by Elaine Ambrose and AK Turner

This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store by AK Turner

Mommy Had a Little Flask by AK Turner

Hair of the Corn Dog by AK Turner

Gold Pans and Iron Skillets by Carol M Green

Midlife Cabernet: Life, Love & Laughter After Fifty by Elaine Ambrose

Milk Cans and Quilt Blocks by Carol M Green

Never Sniff A Gift Fish by Patrick F. McManus

The Grasshopper Trap by Patrick F. McManus

They Shoot Canoes, Don’t They? by Patrick F. McManus

Horror:

Spilling Blood Bundle (Episodes 1-4 of the Vampire Horror Thriller) (Spilling Blood Season) by G.S. Wright

Spilling Blood (Episode 5) by G.S. Wright

Inspiration/Self-Help:

18 Stepping Stones to Transforming Grief: Find the Courage to Transform Any Tragedy by Laurie and Biff Boggs

Best Friend Worst Enemy: Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Your Life by Jane Freund

Codependency: The “Normie” User Guide – How the Non-Addict learns to Love the Addict when Love Hurts by Rochelle Cunningham

Free My Heart of Grief to Love by Sandra Moore Bernsen

Life Transitions by Carl Lovell

Med Free Bipolar by Aspen L Morrow

Menopause Sucks: What to Do When Hot Flashes and Hormones Make You and Everyone Else Miserable by Joanne Kimes & Elaine Abrose

The Secrets Behind the Eyes by JoEllen Claypool

Watson’s Way by Joel Lund

Memoir/Biography:

A Realist’s Guide to Being a Pastor’s Wife by JoEllen Claypool

Broke, Hungry & Happy by Rae Ann Norell

Crash Landing Into a Field of Outhouses by Rochelle Cunningham and Kenneth A. Bauer

Crystal Clean: A Mother’s Struggle With Meth Addiction and Recovery by Kimberly Wollenburg

Eggshells and Elephants – My Cancer Journey Thus Far by Jane Freund

Hitting Fear Head On by Laurie and Biff Boggs

Into the Horizon: A Lifelong Obsession with Motorcycles by Lance Gines

Life is a Circus Run By a Platypus by Allison Hawn

On the Dark Side of the Moon: A Journey to Recovery by Mike Medberry

Sherman by Elaine Sturm

Soul Sale: A Rude Awakening by Americus Dotter

Throwing the Bones by Jeannine Antoniou

Traplines: Coming Home to Sawtooth Valley by John Rember

Walked Away 1: From Mormon Truth to Real Grace by R.L. Fogg

Middle Grade:

Mysteries in Our National Parks: Deadly Waters: A Mystery in Everglades National Park by Gloria Skurzynski

Mysteries in Our National Parks: Over the Edge: A Mystery in Grand Canyon National Park by Gloria Skurzynski

Mysteries in Our National Parks: The Hunted: A Mystery in Glacier National Park by Gloria Skurzynski

A Million Ways Home by Dianna Dorisi Winget

A Sliver of Sun by Dianna Dorisi Winget

A Smidgen of Sky by Dianna Dorisi Winget

Prisoner 88 by Leah Pileggi

The Dreamers: A Story of Sam Kullen by Oliver Dahl

The Nightmarers: Another Story of Sam Kullen (The Dreamers) by Oliver Dahl

Mystery/Thriller:

A Darkly Hidden Truth (The Monastery Murders) by Donna Fletcher Crow

A Very Private Grave (The Monastery Murders) by Donna Fletcher Crow

An Unholy Communion (The Monastery Murders) by Donna Fletcher Crow

BREAKING STEELE: A Sarah Steele Legal Thriller (Sarah Steele series Book 1) by Aaron Patterson

TWISTING STEELE: A Sarah Steele Legal Thriller (Sarah Steele series Book 2) by Aaron Patterson

MELTING STEELE: A Sarah Steele Legal Thriller (Sarah Steele series Book 3) by Aaron Patterson

Confession: Samuel Elijah Johnson Series by Troy Lambert

Death by Autopsy: A Toni Day Mystery by Jane Bennett Munro

Grievous Bodily Harm: A Toni Day Mystery by Jane Bennett Munro

Too Much Blood: A Toni Day Mystery by Jane Bennett Munro

Murder Under the Microscope by Jane Bennett Munro

Dreams, Ghosts and Tractors by Jeanette S. Andersen

If Cooks Could Kill: An Angie Amalfi Mystery by Joanne Pence

Two Cooks A-Killing: An Angie Amalfi Mystery by Joanne Pence

Red Hot Murder: An Angie Amalfi Mystery by Joanne Pence

Courting Disaster: An Angie Amalfi Mystery by Joanne Pence

Bell, Cook, and Candle: An Angie Amalfi Mystery by Joanne Pence

Into the Darkness: A Ridge Falls Story by Marlie Harris and Troy Lambert

Lost and Found in Prague by Kelly Jones

Mustard’s Last Stand by Kathy McIntosh

Notorious (The Nate Richards Mystery Series Book 1) by Ray Ellis

Dead List (The Nate Richards Mystery Series Book 2) by Ray Ellis

One O’Clock Hustle: A Rebecca Mayfield Mystery (Rebecca Mayfield Mysteries Book 1) by Joanne Pence

Two O’Clock Heist: A Rebecca Mayfield Mystery (The Rebecca Mayfield Mysteries Book 2)

Redemption by Troy Lambert

Shadow of Reality (An Elizabeth and Richard Mystery Book 1) by Donna Fletcher Crow

A Midsummer Eve’s Nightmare (An Elizabeth and Richard Mystery Book 2) by Donna Fletcher Crow

A Jane Austen Encounter (An Elizabeth and Richard Mystery Book 3) by Donna Fletcher Crow

Stray Ally by Troy Lambert

Temptation by Troy Lambert

The Lost Madonna by Kelly Jones

Who R U Really? by Margo Kelly

Non-Fiction:

100+ Tips for Overcoming Self-Sabotage in YOUR Life! – A Freundship Tips Book by Jane Freund

Ahead of the Flaming Front: A Life on Fire by Jerry Mathes 

 Amor and Exile: True Stories of Love Across America’s Borders by Nathaniel Hoffman

Be Your Own Hero: Senior Living Decisions Simplified by Catherine L. Owens

Bound for the Backcountry by Richard H Holm

Discovery The Common Sense Weight Solution by Jacklyn Shue Brown

Fever and Guts: A Symphony by Jerry Mathes

Fractured: America’s Broken Health Care System and What We Must Do to Heal It by Ted Epperly MD

From the Ganges to the Snake River by Debu Majumdar

Hanged – A History of Idaho’s Executions by Kathy Deinhardt Hill

Idaho Beer: From Grain to Glass in the Gem State (American Palate) by Steven J. Koonce

Idaho Wine Country by Alan Minskoff

Making Livable Places: Transportation, Preservation and the Limits of Growth by Todd Shallat

The Blue Doorknob: The Artistic Life of Cornelia Hart Farrer by Rita Branham Rodriguez

The Crucial Voice of the People, Past and Present: Education’s Missing Ingredient by Victoria M. Young

The Editor’s Eye: A Practical Guide to Transforming Your Book from Good to Great by Stacy Ennis

Spirits of the Salmon River by Kathy Deinhardt Hill

Stalked by a Mountain Lion: Fear, Fact, And The Uncertain Future Of Cougars In America by Jo Deurbrouck

With Our Good Will by Doug Copsey

Write Well Publish Right by Lucinda Moebius

Paranormal:

Strange: Unexplained Tales from Idaho and Beyond by Catmarie Wilson

Photography:

Idaho Impressions by Mark Lisk

Idaho: Portrait of a State by Mark Lisk

Poetry:

A Batch of Pancakes: Poems Prose and Wisdoms by Thomas Logan

American Amnesiac by Diane Raptosh

Anatomy of Melancholy and Other Poems by Robert Wrigley

Earthly Meditations: New and Selected Poems by Robert Wrigley

The Journal West by Jerry Mathes

 

Stranger in Town: New & Selected Poems by Ron McFarland

Through the Trees: The poetic end to a toxic relationship by Nina C. Palmer

Religious Non-Fiction:

A Woman of Substance by Sheila Eismann

Dear God, He’s Home by Janet Thompson

Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer by Janet Thompson

Dear God, Why Can’t I Have a Baby by Janet Thompson

Freedom Is Your Destiny by Daniel Eismann

It’s a God Thing by Larry Baker with Becky Lyles

Praying For Your Prodigal Daughter: Hope, Help and Encouragement for Hurting Parents by Janet Thompson

The Fine Art of Female Friendships by Jane Freund

The Ultimate Survival Guide For Youth Ministers: Maintaining Boundaries in Youth Ministry by Joel Lund

On a Wing and a Prayer by Becky Lyles

Stirrings of the Spirit by Sheila Eismann

Romance:

A Place to Land by Mary Vine

Maya’s Gold by Mary Vine

Steampunk:

Apocalypse Witch by G.S. Wright

Young Adult:

Boundless (Unearthly) by Cynthia Hand

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

Fan Art by Sarah Tregay

Gift of the Phoenix by Donna Cook

Inherit Midnight by Kate Kae Myers

Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Of Pirates and Werewolves (Book 1) by Isaiah Silkwood

Temple of Kahrnahrgx by Joel Lund

The Boy Who Returned from the Sea by Clay Morgan

The Boy Who Spoke Dog by Clay Morgan

The Kissing List: Stories by Stephanie Reents

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Advertisement