Eastern Sierra Reading List

Eastern Sierra Reading List: Literature Edition

If you’re planning a trip to Bishop, there’s no better way to deepen your understanding of this special place than through reading. I’ve put together a reading list of some local favorites that capture the nuance of the region’s beauty, history, and culture. Many of these books served me well while I was writing my own book about home, Miracle Country, and I’m excited to share them with you now. Best of all, you can support our local indie bookstore on your trip! Just head over to Spellbinder Books on Main Street in downtown Bishop to get your hands on these titles and many others.

For fans of pretty prose: 

The Land of Little Rain by Mary Austin 

A timeless classic that provides an early portrayal of California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada region. Lovely, brief, and perennially surprising, this collection of essays explores the natural environment and cultural history of the area and is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the region.

The High Sierra: A Love Story by Kim Stanley Robinson 

A nonfiction work combining personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and nature writing to explore our beloved mountains. A passionate and informative tribute to our region’s history, geology, flora, and fauna, as well as the impact of human activity on our landscapes, and some historical tidbits. 

A Land Between: Owens Valley, California by Rebecca Fish Ewan

Linked essays weave the author’s experience with a cultural history of the region. Mostly written in the outdoors, it’s a nuanced and empathetic portrait of a place that has been deeply impacted by colonization and capitalism.

The Illuminated Landscape: A Sierra Nevada Anthology edited by Gary Noy and Rick Heide

These essays, poems, and other writings showcase the beauty and complexity of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This anthology features contributions from a diverse range of writers, including John Muir, Mark Twain, and Joan Didion. The writings explore geology, ecology, and human history, as well as personal reflections. A lovely chorus of voices. 

The Sound of Mountain Water by Wallace Stegner 

A collection of essays exploring the human relationship with nature, with a focus on the American West. Stegner writes with a deep reverence for the natural world and provides insights into topics such as conservation and land use, with a few salient peeks into local Eastern Sierra issues. 

For fans of history: 

Viola Martinez, California Paiute: Living in Two Worlds by Diana Meyers Bahrby 

A captivating biography of a woman who fought for Native American rights. It offers insight into Native struggles in the early 20th century and the impact of one woman’s activism on the California Paiute tribes.

Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins 

A recently published novel taking place in Owens Valley during World War II. The story follows a local family as they interact with Manzanar, the Japanese internment camp. The novel explores ideas of love, justice, history, and family ties, all set against our Sierra skyline. 

Left in the Dust by Karen Piper 

This investigation of race, politics, and environmental justice sheds light on how discriminatory policies have led to environmental degradation and health issues, especially among people of color in Los Angeles. Also covered is the impact of the LA Aqueduct on Owens Valley. Piper emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism in promoting social and environmental change. An insightful, thought-provoking tome that highlights the ongoing struggle for justice in marginalized communities.

Water and Power by William L. Kahrl 

A fascinating read about the conflict over Los Angeles’ water supply in Owens Valley. Kahrl takes readers on a journey through the history of the region and how the city’s thirst for water forever changed local communities in Owens Valley. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental justice and the impact of urban development on rural areas.

The Boys In The Sky-Blue Pants by Dorothy Clora Cragen 

This book tells the story of the U.S. Army’s Camp Independence in Owens Valley from 1862-1877. Featuring excerpts from military letters, this book not only offers a historical account of the area, but also sheds light on the harrowing, forced removal of the Paiute community. Readers can learn about the resilience of the contemporary Paiute people, whose ancestors walked home through the desert. Their descendants are an important part of Eastern Sierra life today. 

For fans of adventure: 

Exploring the Monster: Mountain Lee Waves – The Aerial Elevator by Robert F. Whelan tells the thrilling tale of the physics behind mountain lee waves and how they have been explored through the decades by intrepid glider pilots. A funny book that includes harrowing accounts of glider accidents over Owens Valley, including one incredible survival story. The book also details unique local geography, which contributes to the formation of this wind phenomenon. Recommended for anyone interested in adventure stories, aviation, mountain weather, or the natural wonders of the Eastern Sierra Nevada region.