December Staff Reading List

UNP staff members are always reading new books within our list and outside of what we publish. Here are some of the books our noses have been buried in.

Gourmet Rhapsody by Muriel Barbery

“In Paris, a renowned—and feared—food critic lies on his deathbed, craving a particular flavor and unable to recall it. From this premise, the novel ranges in unexpected and frequently poignant directions.”—Alisa Plant

The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert

“I’m most interested in it being set during the 1898 World’s Fair in Omaha and I’m unsure how I’ll feel about the love story aspect of it.”—Erica Corwin

The History of Surfing by Matt Warshaw

“Someone gave me this book for my birthday some time ago, and it was cool to read about the asocial Bob Simmons; the wild Mickey Dora; and how Kanvas by Katin surf trunks emerged from a boat sail business.” —Matt Bokovoy

Growth of the Soil by Knut Hamsun

“It’s a new kick: Nobel winners. This was the winner for 1920. Norwegians again!”—Ann Baker

Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

“All the praise is merited. Perfect holiday gift—aunt Linda, this has your name on it.”—Alicia Christiensen

The Wild Dark Flowers by Elizabeth Cooke

“I am currently reading part of the Rutherford Park series. I am really enjoying this novel as it tells the story of an aristocratic family in England and their struggles during the midst of World War I.”—Emily Wendell

Witches Abroad by Terry  Pratchett

“My most recent trip through the Discworld books . . . The three witches introduced in Wyrd Sisters are coerced into the role of fairy godmothers in Pratchett’s take on Cinderella. I was only able to read a few pages this morning and I can’t wait to read more.”—Rob Buchanan

11/22/63 by Stephen King

“I’m on a King kick.”—Rosemary Vestal

Golden Age by Jane Smiley

“It’s the final volume from her Last Hundred Years trilogy that all begins with an Iowa farm family, and it’s a rich and powerful read that showcases our American history through four generations of characters (essential family tree included in each volume).”—Alison Rold

What Did You Expect? by Paul David Tripp

“An honest and hopeful look at marriage. Tripp has a habit of writing what he thinks his reader is thinking (things like, I’m sure you’re wondering…), but his style is open and direct. Much appreciated.”—Anna Stokely