Portola Book Club! September Book Pick: A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley
Sep 2, 2026
Welcome back to another Portola Book Club blog! This month, we're featuring a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from an author with a special connection to the Monterey Peninsula. Jane Smiley has called Carmel Valley home for many years, and she has written 22 books while living in the area. While this month's book takes readers to Iowa, it's a great opportunity to discover the work of a celebrated author who lives right here in our community. As always, you'll find copies of this month's book available to borrow from our lobby library during your stay.
September Pick
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley is a story of a family on a farm in Iowa. When Larry Cook decides to divide his thousand-acre farm between his three daughters, long-held tensions begin to surface and the family starts to unravel. The novel is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear and explores family, relationships, and the complicated ties between parents and their children.
While the story takes place in the Midwest, its author has a strong connection to the Monterey Peninsula. Smiley has lived in Carmel Valley for decades, making A Thousand Acres an interesting introduction to one of the area's own literary voices.
About the Book
Published in 1991, A Thousand Acres was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1992, as well as the National Book Critics Circle Award. The novel is told from the perspective of Ginny, the oldest of Larry Cook's three daughters, as her family begins to change after her father decides to pass the farm on to his daughters. The story looks at the relationships within a family and how the past can shape the present. 
Where to Visit
Carmel Valley
While A Thousand Acres is set in Iowa, you can visit the place Jane Smiley has called home for many years: Carmel Valley. Spend an afternoon exploring the village, browsing local shops, and enjoying a meal surrounded by the valley's scenery. Some favorites among the local are Olivia & Daisy Books, Jerome's Carmel Valley Market, and Cafe Rustica. 
Image Courtesy of See Monterey
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Head to Garland Ranch Regional Park for some time outdoors. The park offers hiking trails through oak woodlands and meadows along the Carmel River, giving you a chance to spend some time in Carmel Valley's landscape.
Where to Read
Take your copy of A Thousand Acres to Carmel Valley and find a quiet spot to settle in with the book. You could spend some time at Garland Ranch Regional Park or find a table at one of the area's local cafes or wineries and read a few chapters while enjoying the scenery.
Cocktail Pairing
Pair A Thousand Acres with a Portola Private Barrel Manhattan from Jacks Monterey. Made with Angel's Envy bourbon, orange bitters, and Gran Lusso vermouth, the classic cocktail is a fitting choice.
Book Your Literary Itinerary
Discover the work of one of Carmel Valley's own literary voices while exploring the places she has called home. From Carmel Valley to the Monterey coast, Portola Hotel & Spa is a convenient home base for a literary getaway. After a day of exploring, settle in with a copy of A Thousand Acres from our lobby library and enjoy a little reading time.To reserve your stay, visit our website or call us at (888) 222-5851.
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