The book’s release is timely, as 2016 is Indiana’s bicentennial year. “IN Writing: Uncovering the Unexpected Hoosier State” is a collection of stories Douglas Wissing has written about the state.
Wissing is the author of 10 books and has also contributed writing to The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and several other news outlets, according to a press release from Indiana University Press. This is his most recently published book.
“I’ve been writing about Indiana’s astounding complexities for over 20 years,” Wissing said. “It’s an honor that Indiana University Press and the Indiana Historical Society have collected these far-flung essays into one volume so that others can enjoy our rich history.”
The stories included in the book tell of farmer-soldiers and their relationship with Afghan insurgents, Bloomington’s Tibetan community and Indianapolis and its well-known Crown Hill cemetery, among other things.
Wissing has many fans, including author and native Hoosier Dan Wakefield and former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton.
Hamilton said the book has helped him gain appreciation for his Hoosier heritage. Wakefield said Wissing’s book is a good fit for those who want to learn more about Hoosier history — who Hoosiers are and what they do.
“Every time I dip into it, I experience unexpected pleasures,” Wakefield said in the press release.
Melanie Metzman
