“I want to read a book set in a small podunk rural town”: Small town reader seeks realistic representation. Where are the books with populations under 1800?

Hey there, I’m just a reader living in a tiny town of 1500 people, and I’ve been searching for a book that truly represents small-town life. I’m working on a graphic novel set in a town similar to my own, but I’m struggling to find any books with a population smaller than 1800 people.

It’s frustrating to pick up a book about a small town and find that it doesn’t really capture the essence of tiny town living. My town doesn’t have a police force, fire team, mental health services, or even a Walmart. We don’t even have a pharmacy! It feels like stepping back in time.

So, if you have any recommendations for a book set in a small, rural town, I’d love to hear them. I gravitate towards YA or less spicy adult/NA books, and I prefer realistic fiction that tackles mental health challenges. It’s something I personally struggle with, trying to find a therapist without being able to drive.