Guide to Midwestern Conversation book

Well, hey there! Come on in, sit down. Can I getcha anything? A coffee? Glass of wine? Bagel bites from the garage fridge? You sure? Okay, well, you just let me know. Welcome to A Guide to Midwestern Conversation, a manual to and a road trip through the twelve states designated as “The Midwest” by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, New World Encyclopedia, United States Census Bureau, and most dads. Those states are, in alphabetical order (well, almost; I’m starting with my home state but, I promise, this is the only time I’ll play favorites): Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

The Midwestern attitude toward others is something special. We do go out of our way for our neighbors and our guests. We do place a premium on making folks feel welcome and taken care of. We do have an extra cooler in the back of the Camry if ya need it for your trip to the lake; seriously, just let us know and we’ll go right out and grab it for ya.

All this to say that this guide is about as far from laughing at the Midwest as you can get. It’s laughing with, for, and because of the millions of wonderful people who make up the heart of this country—and the entirety of the Culver’s rewards program. I want this guide to clarify your conversations. To start conversations. I want you and your friends to read a few pages out loud and then have to put the book down, next to the Tater–Tot casserole, while you share stories about which friend’s finished basement was the best for playing truth-or-dare.

Whether you’re looking to become a Midwesterner yourself, trying to communicate better with a middle-American loved one, preparing for a trip to the heartland (bring a jacket!), or just brushing up on your hometown lingo, I hope this book feels like a warm hug and a firm handshake (with eye contact).