The 42 essays in this collection take their inspiration from the Midwest-- not just from its physical terrain but from its emotional terrain as well. Theycome from writers of diverse backgrounds: poets, novelists, filmmakers, andjournalists, some who came and stayed, some who came and left, and some who wereborn and raised in this place. The essays revolve generally around issues ofconflict between place and identity, and the theme of diversity -- be it religious, sexual, racial, artistic, cultural, occupational, or geographical -- runsthroughout. Writers featured in this collection include Maxine Chernoff, StuartDybek, Michael Martone, Cris Mazza, James McManus, Scott Russell Sanders, MarySwander, and many others of national reputation.