Picture a Colorado storyteller who wove the rugged beauty of her homeland into a global sensation—meet Shelley Read! Her debut novel, Go as a River, has captivated readers in over 34 languages, blending lyrical prose with tales of resilience and love. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Read’s deep roots in the Elk Mountains shape her unforgettable narratives.
From her nearly three-decade career as a senior lecturer to her rise as an international bestselling author, Read’s journey is as inspiring as her stories. Let’s dive into the life and works of this literary gem!
The Making of Shelley Read
Born and raised in Colorado’s Western Slope, Shelley Read grew up surrounded by the towering Elk Mountains and sprawling peach orchards. A fifth-generation Coloradan, her connection to the land runs deep, influencing her storytelling. She earned degrees in writing and literary studies from the University of Denver and Temple University’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing, honing her craft with a passion for language and nature.
For nearly 30 years, Read taught writing, literature, and environmental studies at Western Colorado University. As a founder of the Environment & Sustainability major and a support program for first-generation students, she left a lasting mark on education. Her contributions to Crested Butte Magazine and Gunnison Valley Journal further showcased her love for storytelling and her community.
Shelley Read’s Unforgettable Stories
Shelley Read’s debut novel, Go as a River, published in 2023, is a literary triumph. Set in mid-century Colorado, it follows Victoria Nash, a young woman navigating love, loss, and survival against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Translated into 34 languages and optioned for film by Mazur Kaplan, the novel earned accolades like the High Plains Book Award and Reading the West Book Award. Critics, including Bonnie Garmus, praised its “unforgettable” prose.
Read’s writing style is lyrical and vivid, weaving themes of resilience, independence, and the human connection to nature. Her stories draw heavily on Colorado’s rugged beauty, with metaphors of rivers and mountains reflecting life’s unpredictable currents. While Go as a River remains her primary work, Read’s contributions to regional publications highlight her versatility, from poignant essays to evocative journalism.
Though her bibliography is still growing, Read’s ability to craft emotionally rich, place-driven narratives sets her apart. Her work resonates with readers who love introspective, character-driven tales akin to Where the Crawdads Sing or Lessons in Chemistry.
Why Shelley Read Matters
Shelley Read’s impact extends beyond her novel’s bestseller status. Her stories bridge the personal and universal, exploring how individuals find strength amid adversity. By rooting her narratives in Colorado’s landscapes, she invites readers to reconnect with the natural world, a timely message in an era of environmental challenges. Her academic legacy, fostering sustainability and supporting at-risk students, underscores her commitment to positive change.
Read’s global reach—evident in her novel’s translations and film adaptation—has introduced Colorado’s spirit to readers worldwide. Book clubs, from the UK’s Richard & Judy Book Club to local Colorado libraries, celebrate her work for its emotional depth and discussion-worthy themes. As a debut author, Read’s meteoric rise signals a bright future in literary fiction.
About Shelley Read
- Birthplace: Western Slope, Colorado
- Key Work: Go as a River (2023)
- Awards: High Plains Book Award, Reading the West Book Award
- Education: University of Denver, Temple University (Creative Writing)
Snag Go as a River and dive into Shelley Read’s lyrical world of resilience and heart!