You’ve probably got some extra time on your hands, so why not spend it with a good book! Here are some favorite non-fiction books with Central Illinois as the subject.

1. “Lincoln at Peoria: The Turning Point” by Lewis E. Lehrman - A complete examination of the extraordinary antislavery speech Lincoln delivered in Peoria on October 16, 1854.
2. “Frontier Illinois” by James Edward Davis - This sweeping history tells the story of Illinois from the Ice Age to the Civil War, including the earliest civilizations and the subsequent settlements that brought distinct cultural traditions to Illinois.
3. “The Wreck of the Columbia” by Ken Zurski - On July 5, 1918, a steamboat named Columbia collapsed and sank in the middle of the Illinois River, killing 87. This gripping account follows the compelling true story from the moment the captain sensed a problem to the pursuit by law enforcement officials to find truth and justice.