The Idaho Center for the Book announces the two Great Reads books that will represent Idaho at the 2025 Library of Congress National Book Festival: “Salmon Weather: Writing from the Land of No Return” by CMarie Fuhrman (Adult Selection) and “Love in the Library” by Maggie Tokuda-Hall (Youth Selection). The books will be promoted and celebrated along with Great Reads selections from across the country on Saturday, September 6, in Washington, D.C.
Save the Date! Virtual Author Events
Join Idaho Center for the Book and the 2025 Idaho Great Reads authors for lively discussions about their books:
- September 10, 6:00 pm (MST): CMarie Fuhrman, author of “Salmon Weather”
- September 23, 6:00 pm (MST): Maggie Tokuda-Hall, author of “Love in the Library”
Details and registration information will be available soon. Contact idahocenterforthebook@boisestate.edu with any questions.
The 2025 Idaho Great Reads Selections
“Salmon Weather: Writing from the Land of No Return” (Adult Selection) by CMarie Fuhrman is a collection of 14 beautifully written essays that have been described as “awe-inspiring” (Mountain Journal). Drawing on a lifetime of witnessing the rhythms and transformations of Idaho’s Salmon River Mountains and other rural landscapes of the West, Fuhrman invokes themes of grief and healing, explores the land’s complicated history, examines her struggle to find peace after the drowning of her husband, and shares her deep connection to nature. The book will resonate with anyone who has found solace in nature, grappled with the past, or dared to envision a brighter future.
CMarie Fuhrman is an award-winning author, poet, and teacher whose work is deeply rooted in the Western landscape. In addition to her acclaimed book, “Salmon Weather,” she is the author of the poetry chapbook, “Camped Beneath the Dam,” and her writing has been featured in numerous prestigious publications. A former Idaho Writer in Residence, Fuhrman resides in the Salmon River Mountains of Idaho.
“Love in the Library” (Youth Selection) is Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s acclaimed picture book about her grandparents, Tama and George. Tama worked in the library of the Idaho incarceration camp, Minidoka, where she was imprisoned during World War II because she was Japanese American. There she met George, who helped her understand that she was not alone, and with that realization, she found hope. The book is a powerful true story of love and resilience in the face of injustice.
Maggie Tokuda-Hall is the author of the award-winning picture book Also an Octopus, the YA novel The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea, and the graphic novel Squad, with more books forthcoming. She lives in Oakland, California, with her husband, son, and objectively perfect dog.
About Idaho Center for the Book
The Idaho Center for the Book (ICB), an affiliate of the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, is dedicated to fostering reading, writing, and the appreciation of books. Established in 1993 by Boise State English Professor Tom Trusky, ICB promotes Idaho’s rich literary and bibliophilic heritage through various programs and collaborations with local, state, and national organizations. ICB is currently housed within Special Collections and Archives at Albertsons Library.
The Great Reads from Great Places program is made possible by the generous support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with additional support from the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.