“The Executioner’s Song” by Norman Mailer is a true-crime novel about Gary Gilmore, a man convicted of murder in Utah during the 1970s. The book follows his crimes, trial, and his unusual request to be executed rather than appeal his sentence.
It paints a stark picture of his life, the people around him, and the events leading up to his death by firing squad.
The novel “Riders of the Purple Sage” by Zane Grey takes readers to the rugged landscapes of 1870s Utah. It tells the story of Jane Withersteen, a Mormon woman, and her fight to maintain her independence against the pressures of her community.
Enter Lassiter, a gunslinger with a mysterious past, who becomes her ally. The book blends themes of justice, loyalty, and the deep conflicts faced by its characters, all set against vivid descriptions of the wild Utah frontier.
“The 19th Wife” by David Ebershoff weaves together two stories. One follows Ann Eliza Young, the wife of Brigham Young, who exposed the harsh realities of polygamy in the 19th century.
The other centers on a modern-day murder mystery involving a fundamentalist sect, where a young man named Jordan returns to uncover the truth about his mother, accused of killing his father. Through these narratives, the book examines faith, family, and the weight of secrets.
The novel “The Giant Joshua” by Maurine Whipple tells the story of Clorinda MacIntyre, a young plural wife, as she navigates life in the harsh setting of 19th-century Utah.
It highlights the struggles of early Mormon pioneers, focusing on their sacrifices and the challenges of faith and survival in an unforgiving desert. Through Clorinda’s eyes, readers see the complexities of family, community, and belief in a time of trial and change.
John D. Fitzgerald wrote “The Great Brain,” a story set in late 19th-century Utah. It follows Tom, a clever boy who always seems to be working some scheme to outwit others and make money.
Told from his younger brother’s perspective, the book captures their small-town life and Tom’s antics, like fooling neighbors or setting up elaborate plans to solve problems. It paints a vivid picture of family, friendship, and growing up in a tight-knit community.
“Upright Women Wanted” by Sarah Gailey is a Western adventure set in a world with strict rules and censorship. The story follows Esther, who flees her home after tragedy strikes, seeking refuge with a group of Librarians.
These Librarians carry contraband books across the desert while defying a repressive government. Along the way, Esther discovers her own strength and secrets about the people she travels with.
The book blends action and a glimpse into a society trying to control what its people read and believe.
Edward Abbey’s “Hayduke Lives!” picks up after “The Monkey Wrench Gang,” following George Hayduke as he resurfaces to continue his eco-sabotage efforts against developers threatening the wilderness of the Southwest.
Hayduke, thought to be dead, takes bold actions to protect the land, facing corporate greed and environmental destruction. The book has moments of tension and dark humor, capturing the rugged beauty of the region and the fight to preserve it.