Michael Perry’s Hunker: Essays on Human Connection struck a chord with local readers, the book crowned #1 in this category. No stranger to the top three – notably, Perry’s work placed both first and third in 2020 – his work has placed numerous times over the years, Perry a true local favorite. S.Z. Putnam’s Loose Change: Picking Up the Pieces peers into the harsh realities of addiction from her view as the partner of an addict, the HMong American writer’s debut a shattering, raw piece. Here on Lake Hallie: In Praise of Barflies, Fix-It Guys, and Other Folks in Our Hometown by Patti See is adored by locals, See’s book is a testament to and celebration of part of the Chippewa Valley’s culture, and what it means to live and play here. –McKenna Scherer