A nostalgic, funny, and heartfelt coming-of-age story set in the unforgettable world of Lake Wobegon.
Lake Wobegon Summer 1956 by Garrison Keillor offers a warmly comic, deeply nostalgic tale of youth in the Midwest. Told with gentle humor and vivid honesty, the novel follows young Gary as he stumbles through a season of first loves, embarrassing mistakes, daydreams, and the slow realization that childhood is slipping away.
The story paints a lovable portrait of Lake Wobegon—its church basements, farm fields, gossip, Lutheran propriety, and quirky residents—while following Gary’s longing to be a writer, a baseball hero, and perhaps even a sinner worth forgiving. Keillor blends sweetness, satire, and sharp insight into the universal awkwardness of adolescence, making this one of his most heartfelt novels.
💖 Why You’ll Love It
Warm, nostalgic coming-of-age story
Classic Keillor humor: quirky, gentle, and deeply human
A vivid portrait of small-town American life
Perfect mix of sweetness, awkwardness, and truth
Ideal for readers who love character-driven, feel-good fiction
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of A Prairie Home Companion
Readers who enjoy nostalgic or coming-of-age stories
Book clubs wanting heartfelt, discussion-friendly fiction
Lovers of humorous small-town storytelling
❤️ Fans Also Liked
Dandelion Wine — Ray Bradbury
A Long Way from Chicago — Richard Peck
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid — Bill Bryson
Lake Wobegon Summer 1956 by Garrison Keillor
- Title: Lake Wobegon Summer, 1956
- Author: Garrison Keillor
- Genres: Coming-of-Age / Humor / Small Town Stories
- Publication Year: 2001
- Publisher: Viking
- ISBN-13: 9780670030033
- Format: Hardcover
- Language: English
- Condition: Like New — clean copy and jacket
- Edition: First Edition
- Recommended Reading Age: Adult (16+)

