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Idaho Center for the Book selects two ‘Great Reads’ for National Book Festival

On the left, the there is the cover of Salmon Weather: Writing from the Land of No Return. It shows a woman in a skirt an empty field, with the sky filled with clouds behind her. On the right of the image, the there is cover of Love in the Library. It is an illustrated cover with a woman sitting with a book, looking up at a man holding three novels. They are in a library. Each cover has a National Book Festival emblem on directly beside them.

Idaho Center for the Book announced 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 Furhman (Adult Selection) and “Love in the Library” by Maggie Tokuda-Hall (Youth Selection). The books will be promoted and celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 6, in Washington, D.C., along with Great Reads selections from across the country.

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 essays that have been described as “awe-inspiring” by 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. 

A potrait of CMarie Furhman. A woman with long, dark hair and bangs, wrapped in a blanket. Behind her is a lake and clouds.
CMarie Fuhrman, Photo: Bradley Orstead

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 is based 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 an Idaho incarceration camp, Minidoka, where she was imprisoned during World War II with other Japanese-Americans. 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.

A portrait of Maggie Tokuda-Hall. She has long, dark hair and is wearing a denim jacket, a polka dot blouse, and a silver necklace with a red stone. She is smiling directly into the camera.
Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Photo: Red Scott

Maggie Tokuda-Hall is the author of the award-winning picture book “Also an Octopus,” the young adult 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 dog.

Virtual Author Events

Join Idaho Center for the Book and the 2025 Idaho Great Reads authors for discussions about their books:

6 p.m. (MST), Sept. 10: CMarie Fuhrman, Reading and Conversation with Idaho Rivers United

CMarie Fuhrman and special guests from Idaho Rivers United will explore the powerful connection between rivers, storytelling, and the advocacy for our public lands. The event will conclude with a Q&A session and an opportunity to purchase signed copies of “Salmon Weather.” Register to secure a virtual seat for Fuhrman’s reading.

6 p.m. (MST), Sept. 23: Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Reading and Conversation with Friends of Minidoka

Maggie Tokuda-Hall will read and discuss selections from her acclaimed book with Robyn Achilles, executive director of Friends of Minidoka. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A – readers of all ages are encouraged to participate. Register to secure a virtual seat for Tokuda-Hall’s reading.

About Idaho Center for the Book

The Idaho Center for the Book, 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, the center promotes Idaho’s rich literary and bibliophilic heritage through various programs and collaborations with local, state and national organizations. The center is 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.