Utah literature

Torrey House Press series: Eli J. Knapp’s In the Crosswinds: Birds, Humans, and the Paradox of Place is witty, humble, compassionate book perfect to tuck into outdoor adventure backpack

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the sixth in an ongoing series of features highlighting authors and new books published by Torrey House Press in Utah.  In an earlier Torrey House Press book, The Delightful Horror of Family Birding: Sharing Nature with The Next Generation, Eli J. Knapp, with a unique blend of humility and humor, described … Read more

A masterpiece of enlightened American West storytelling: Torrey House Press publishes Karin Anderson novel, Things I Didn’t Do

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth in an ongoing series of features highlighting authors and new books published by Torrey House Press in Utah.  There is only one fiction book being published this year by Torrey House Press, but it is an impressive newcomer to the pantheon of outstanding Utah narratives. Karin Anderson’s Things I … Read more

Torrey House Press series: Zak Podmore’s outstanding Life After Dead Pool on trinity of water rights, conservation and climate change in the American West

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in an ongoing series of features highlighting authors and new books published by Torrey House Press in Utah.  In 2011, like many others, Zak Podmore thought that the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell would be around for centuries, with the Colorado River being sacrificed and forever stripped of its … Read more

Torrey House Press series: Teow Lim Goh’s Bitter Creek excels in epic poem form for its edifying power as historical testament

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Why do we no longer turn to epic poetry to portray the majesty and tragedy of history? Michael Auslin, writer and editor, explained, “No art form – and History is ultimately an art – can portray the pathos and grandeur of history quite like epic poetry. Could its return somehow bridge the divide between academics … Read more

Torrey House Press series: Craig Childs’ The Wild Dark riveting masterpiece of creative nonfiction on stargazing with a full-dark sky

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in an ongoing series of features highlighting authors and new books published by Torrey House Press in Utah.  In an Ecological Society of America article published more than 20 years ago, Travis Longcore and Catherine Rich wrote, “Lights follow roads, and the proportion of ecosystems uninfluenced by altered light … Read more

A jewel of chamber theater opens PYGmalion Theatre Company’s 2024-2025 season: Julie Jensen’s Tender Hooks

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It is clear to comprehend why Julie Jensen’s outstanding body of plays have earned her the honor of being Utah’s most widely produced playwright in and out of state. With her exceptional instincts for word economy and layering wholly credible emotional profiles for her characters, Jensen’s plays evoke Utah’s geography while conveying epiphanies that are … Read more

A perfect trinity of playwright, actor, company: Revival of Jenifer Nii’s Fire!, about Wallace Thurman, set for Plan-B Theatre production run

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FIRE . . . flaming, burning, searing, and penetrating far beneath the superficial items of the flesh to boil the sluggish blood. FIRE …  a cry of conquest in the night, warning those who sleep and revitalizing those who linger in the quiet places dozing. FIRE . . . melting steel and iron bars, poking … Read more

Utah Arts Festival 2021: More than just wife and husband, A. M. Luzzader and Chadd VanZanten find mutual support in each other for productive careers as authors

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A.M. Luzzader has cultivated a thriving enterprise as an independent author She has published novels with apocalyptic themes for adults but who decided to switch things up as the pandemic expanded by writing children’s books including fantasy adventures with a young mermaid and a humorous mystery series. Meanwhile, her husband, also an author as well … Read more

Torrey House Press’ recent spate of releases in nonfiction, fiction, essays, poetry underscores breadth and depth of fresh perspectives

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Part II of The Utah Review’s feature package on Torrey House Press’ 10th anniversary offers a roundup of reviews about THP’s recent releases in 2019 and 2020. For Part I, see the centerpiece article. As Torrey House Press (THP) begins its second decade, the press continues to ramp up its pace for new … Read more

Torrey House Press marks 10th anniversary with robust momentum spreading beyond its Utah, Intermountain West roots

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of a two-part series about Torrey House Press marking its 10th anniversary. Part II presents a roundup of reviews from some of THP’s recent releases in 2019 and 2020. Of all the impressive developments in the Utah Enlightenment of the last 10 years, the broadest and most consequential is … Read more