At the University of Iowa, we love our writers, our programs, we love our graduates and our students -- and we love the wealth of literature that they gift us, simply by being part of our community.

We have created "5 Reads for Friday" as an easy, laid-back series, compiling a short list of inspirational, helpful and fun treasures from our family to yours. Enjoy what you find, take what you need, and be well.

 

• From the Iowa Writers' Workshop: Workshop alum Brandon Taylor shortlisted for the Booker Prize
  
  Iowa Writers' Workshop graduate Brandon Taylor's book Real Life is on the prestegious award's shortlist!
   

• ---

  From the Iowa Review archives: Gemini, Louise Glück, 1973
  
  "There is a soul in me / It is asking / To be given its body"
   

• ---

  From the International Writing Program: IWP alumni Anja Kampmann and Pilar Quintana nominated for the National Book Award
  
  
  Anja Kampmann's novel “High as the Waters Rise”, translated from the German by Anne Posten, and Pilar Quintana's novel "The Bitch", are both on the NBA longlist!
   

  ---

•  From the University of Iowa Press: An interview with UI Press author Chuck Connerly
   

  "I try to look at all three components of sustainability--environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equity.  Without all three in balance, we will not have sustainability or sustainable development."
   

• ---

  From our Online Writing Courses: Stories of Place: Writing and the Natural World MOOC-Pack
  
  This MOOC-Pack focuses on using various types of creative non-fiction to tell stories about the local, the global, the invisible, and the uncertain.

And that's it!
We hope you enjoy. And check back each week for a new list.