The forty-one essays in this collection take their inspiration from the Midwest--not just from its physical terrain but from its emotional terrain as well. They come from writers of diverse backgrounds: from poets, novelists, filmmakers, and journalists; from those who came and stayed, came and left, or from those who were born and raised in this place. The array of perspectives, then, is not surprising. Essays revolve generally around issues of conflict between place and identity; and the theme of diversity--be it religious, sexual, racial, artistic, cultural, occupational, or geographical-runs throughout. Writers featured in this collection include Stuart Dybek, Scott Russell Sanders, Mary Swander, James McManus, Maxine Chernoff, Michael Martone, Cris Mazza, and many others of national reputation.