Lilyan Stratton's Reno is a unique hybrid. It's part short story collection, part historical scrapbook, all focused on the magnetic, messy soul of Reno, Nevada. The book doesn't follow one character. Instead, it builds a portrait of the city itself through the people who passed through it, especially during its mid-20th-century heyday as the 'divorce capital' and a gambling oasis.

The Story

Think of this book as a series of snapshots. One moment you're reading a short story about a woman waiting out her six-week residency for a divorce, trying to figure out who she is when her old life is legally erased. The next, you're looking at a reproduced ad for a 1950s 'divorce ranch' or learning about the real lawyers and judges who built an industry on broken hearts. The fictional stories are about everyday people—dealers, showgirls, newcomers, and loners—all tangled in hopes of quick money or a clean slate. The informational bits ground those stories in the startling reality of how the city operated. Together, they create a full, breathing world.

Why You Should Read It

What struck me most was how human it all feels. Stratton doesn't judge her characters or the city. She just shows you the desperation, the dark humor, and the fragile dreams. You get the glitter of the casino floor and the dust of the empty desert just outside town. The themes are huge—reinvention, regret, luck—but they're always tied to a specific person buying a cheap wedding ring or staring at a slot machine. It made me think about the stories we tell ourselves to get through the day, and what happens when we go somewhere specifically to become someone new.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves American history that isn't glossed over, or readers who prefer character depth over fast-paced plots. If you enjoyed the vibe of movies like The Cooler or books that capture a specific time and place, you'll fall right into Reno. It’s a quick read in terms of pages, but it sticks with you. You'll look at your own fresh starts a little differently.