Utah Books to Read Before Your Trip
These Utah books offer a rich tapestry of history, adventure, and reflection, making them the perfect companion for anyone planning a trip to the state. I love reading books set in the places I travel, and I’ve spent a lot of time in Utah and come up with a great list of the best books set in Utah and books about Utah.
Whether you’re exploring the deserts, national parks, or diving deep into Utah’s cultural history, these books provide a way to connect with the land before, during, or even instead of your travels. From gripping thrillers set in the canyons to personal memoirs about the state’s rugged beauty, there’s a Utah book for every type of traveler.
Utah Books
Utah Novels
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
A cult classic that follows a group of eco-terrorists who embark on a mission to sabotage Utah’s construction projects, fighting to preserve the environment. Abbey’s gripping novel captures the rebellious spirit of nature lovers willing to risk everything for the preservation of the wilderness. Abbey’s work is a little problematic these days – especially toward and women and Native Americans – but it’s a classic for a reason. I read this in college and was thrilled and inspired.
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
This historical novel interweaves two stories: one about Brigham Young’s 19th wife in the 19th century and another set in present-day Utah exploring polygamy’s impact. Ebershoff’s exploration of polygamy and Mormon history is thoughtful and intricate, creating a fascinating narrative across time.
Part of the book takes place just over the border in Arizona, so you will also find this book in my Books Set in Arizona post.
The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall
A darkly comedic tale about a man juggling his four wives, multiple children, and a life full of secrets in Utah’s polygamous communities. Udall’s multi-layered novel blends humor with poignant social commentary, offering a window into the complexities of polygamy.
The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber
Set during the 1880s in a remote Utah town, this novel tells the story of a woman who must navigate a dangerous situation when a mysterious stranger arrives. Weisgarber weaves a haunting tale of love, survival, and resistance against societal norms in the rugged Utah landscape.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
A romantic comedy about a woman caught in a time loop during a family holiday trip in Utah, trying to figure out her love life and future. With its charming premise and heartwarming twist, this book offers a fun and emotional escape with an unforgettable setting. If you like to read holiday books during the holidays, like I do, you’ll enjoy this fun romp!
The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
A witty, unconventional story about a Mormon housewife who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a famous actor. Hale’s novel blends humor, heart, and a refreshing take on relationships, with an intriguing look at fame and family dynamics.
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
A classic Western novel set in Utah that follows a mysterious gunman as he tries to save a woman from an oppressive religious group. Grey’s novel is a timeless, action-packed saga that showcases the beauty and harshness of the American West.
Utah Historical Fiction and Historical Accounts
Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West by Wallace Stegner
A detailed biography of John Wesley Powell, who explored and mapped the American West, focusing on his scientific and personal challenges. Every book I read about natural history in Utah or exploring the Grand Canyon mentions Powell, his work, and this book. Stegner’s well-researched work brings Powell’s ambitious journey to life, capturing the triumphs and struggles of exploration.
Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida
A young girl and her family’s experience during their internment at the Topaz camp in Utah during World War II. A poignant, personal account of loss and resilience, Uchida’s novel paints a vivid picture of the injustices faced by Japanese-Americans during WWII. You can visit the Topaz Museum and the Central Utah Relocation Center (Topaz) site in Delta, Utah. The site is a National Historic Landmark run by the NPS.
Mormon Country by Wallace Stegner
Stegner’s non-fiction work offers a deep exploration of the Mormon experience in Utah, from its founding to modern-day challenges. This rich historical account offers a balanced and insightful look at the Mormon community’s cultural and religious significance in the West.
The Executioner’s Song by Norman Mailer
A true-crime account of Gary Gilmore’s life and execution in Utah, exploring themes of justice, crime, and punishment. Mailer’s gripping, journalistic storytelling leaves a powerful impact, offering an unflinching look at the American criminal justice system.
Thrillers and Mysteries Set in Utah
Picnic in Ruins by Todd Robert Peterson
A suspenseful mystery set in rural Utah, where a journalist investigating an old murder uncovers a dangerous conspiracy.
Peterson’s taut thriller is atmospheric, keeping readers on edge as it explores dark secrets lurking beneath a seemingly peaceful community. I found this to be quite the page-turner.
Because this takes place in both Utah and Arizona, you’ll also find it on my Books Set in Arizona post.
The Rope by Nevada Barr
In her first case, Anna Pigeon, a seasonal worker at Glen Canyon, wakes up trapped in a dry well with no memory of how she got there. As she fights to survive, she must rely on her inner strength to escape a sinister trap no one knows she’s in. I’ve read all of the Anna Pigeon books and love how Nevada Barr incorporates the natural and cultural history of the National Parks where her stories take place. Barr crafts a tense, fast-paced narrative filled with vivid descriptions of the Utah landscape and an engaging, determined protagonist.
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
A true-crime account of the violent actions committed by members of a fundamentalist Mormon sect, exploring the intersection of religion and extremism. Krakauer’s investigation is both gripping and unsettling, offering a critical examination of religious extremism in Utah’s Mormon communities.
Utah Memoirs
Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston
A memoir of Ralston’s harrowing experience being trapped in a canyon in Utah and his drastic decision to survive. I remember seeing this in the news when it happened and thinking how scary it must have been. I am glad we get the story straight from Aron. A gripping, survival story that will leave you on the edge of your seat, showcasing human resilience in the face of impossible odds. It was made into a movie called 127 Hours.
All My Rivers Are Gone by Katie Lee
A memoir chronicling the life of Katie Lee, who fought against the Glen Canyon Dam and the destruction it caused to the Colorado River and her homeland. She made 16 trips down the river before it was damned and knew and loved the river well. Lee’s passionate and evocative narrative highlights her deep connection to the land and her tireless battle for environmental preservation.
Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith by Martha N. Beck
In this memoir, Beck recounts her painful journey of leaving the Mormon Church, a decision that shattered her life and relationships, especially as she was raised among important elders within the Church. Her story explores the deep emotional and spiritual struggle of breaking away from a faith that had shaped her identity for years.
A candid and introspective memoir about faith, family, and personal freedom, highlighting the complexities of being raised in a prominent Mormon family.
Utah Natural History and Nature Writing
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
A personal, philosophical exploration of life as a park ranger in Utah’s Arches National Park, reflecting on nature’s beauty and human impact. This is one of the first books that made me fall in love with the southern Utah desert. Abbey is both poetic and realistic. Abbey’s passionate defense of wilderness and his biting critiques of modernity make this a cornerstone of environmental literature. Again, his treatment of Native Americans and women is not great – his delight and passion for the Utah landscape is.
Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams
A memoir and meditation on the Great Salt Lake and the author’s personal connection to both the land and her mother’s battle with cancer. This was the first book I read by TTW, and after finishing it, I resolved to read anything she wrote. Williams’ lyrical writing evokes the stark beauty of Utah’s landscape while exploring themes of loss, family, and environmental responsibility. I am moved by her writing every time.
Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert by Terry Tempest Williams
In another Utah book by TTW, she explores the red rock deserts of Utah, examining the intersection of personal, cultural, and environmental history. As with all of her books, you get a deep impression of the landscape that sticks with you. A deeply moving and poetic reflection on the desert’s influence on both nature and the human spirit. I told you I read them all!
Edge of Morning: Native Voices Speak for the Bears Ears (Editors Nathan N. Waite and Reid L. Neilson)
A collection of essays from Native American writers and activists reflecting on the significance of Bears Ears National Monument and the fight for its protection. A powerful and timely collection that gives voice to the Native American communities fighting to preserve their sacred lands.
The essays highlight the deep cultural, spiritual, and environmental importance of Bears Ears, offering a unique perspective on the ongoing struggle to protect this sacred space.
A Zion Canyon Reader (Editors Nathan N. Waite and Reid L. Neilson)
Published in partnership with the Zion Natural History Association, A Zion Canyon Reader compiles historical and literary accounts that offer diverse perspectives on Zion National Park and its surrounding region. Featuring works by John Wesley Powell, Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and others, the book explores the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and cultural significance. It also examines the ongoing debates over development versus preservation. Praised by Lyman Hafen as “the most comprehensive, insightful, and inspiring compilation of Zion writing ever assembled,” this book is a must-read for any Zion enthusiast.
This is one of the best books about Zion National Park. I love this kind of intro to National Parks. I also have the Glacier Park Reader and find both of them delightful. They also spur further reading about the parks.
The Anthropology of Turquoise: Reflections on Desert, Sea, Stone, and Sky by Ellen Meloy
A collection of essays reflecting on the intersections of the desert, the sea, and the human experience, with a special focus on the color turquoise. Like all of these books set in Utah with a focus on the landscape and how we relate to it, Meloy makes you feel like you are there, witnessing the desert with her.
It’s not just Utah in this book; she covers the Sierra Nevada, the Mojave Desert, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Bahamas as well as her home ground on the high plateaus and deep canyons of the Southwest. Meloy’s meditative prose is captivating, offering a fresh, philosophical perspective on the American Southwest and its natural wonders.
Everett Ruess: A Vagabond for Beauty by W.L. Rusho
The biography of Everett Ruess, an artist and adventurer who disappeared in the Utah desert in 1934, and his deep connection to the land. Rusho’s thoughtful portrayal of Ruess’s short life paints a vivid picture of a man devoted to both beauty and the wild landscapes of Utah.
Ruess’s legacy as a symbol of youthful idealism and the pursuit of artistic purity continues to inspire those who feel a deep connection to the American West and its natural beauty. I was inspired by how he totally immersed himself in the desert in a way that you can’t get away with anymore.
Basin and Range by John McPhee
A non-fiction exploration of the geology of the American West, focusing on Utah’s Basin and Range region, offering a fascinating look at the landscape’s origins by one of my favorite writers. I truly love this book and have read it a couple of times. He makes geology so interesting, and it’s even better when you read it in Utah, where you can look around and picture the history of the landscape in front of you. McPhee’s writing is rich in detail, seamlessly combining science and storytelling to reveal the history beneath the earth’s surface.
Whether you’re on your way to Utah or dreaming of its landscapes from afar, these books will bring the state’s unique spirit to life. Each one offers a different perspective on the people, places, and history of this remarkable region, making them the perfect way to enhance your journey.
Happy reading and safe travels!
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