A warm, funny, and deeply nostalgic collection of stories from Lake Wobegon—where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.
 
Leaving Home by Garrison Keillor gathers some of his most memorable Lake Wobegon monologues—originally shared on A Prairie Home Companion. With his trademark wit and affection, Keillor paints portraits of Midwestern childhood, family chaos, adolescent longing, and the complicated joy of realizing there’s a bigger world waiting for you.
 
From church potlucks and school plays to family secrets and coming-of-age confusion, Keillor captures the odd tenderness of small-town life. These stories move between the hilarious, the reflective, and the quietly profound, giving readers a vivid sense of the rhythms, traditions, and lovable eccentricities of Lake Wobegon.
 
This is one of Keillor’s most beloved works—a perfect blend of comedy, nostalgia, and heart.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
Classic Lake Wobegon storytelling: warm, funny, heartfelt
Charming, nostalgic look at small-town American life
Short, engaging pieces that are easy to dip into
Perfect for fans of gentle humor and character-driven writing
Signature Garrison Keillor voice at its best
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of A Prairie Home Companion
Readers who love short stories and essays
Anyone who enjoys humorous literary fiction
Book lovers who appreciate nostalgic, character-focused writing
 
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Lake Wobegon Days — Garrison Keillor
A Man Called Ove — Fredrik Backman