While many people think of university presses as only publishing dry academic tomes, that’s not entirely accurate. In reality, they publish a wide range of books across various genres. From memoirs and essay collections to history, poetry, novels, and short story compilations, their catalog is diverse. Some even venture into fantasy, dystopian fiction, fabulist works, mysteries, and more.
Unlike commercial publishers driven by profit, university presses are often motivated by a passion for publishing quality literature. This means they take risks on books that might not appeal to the masses, but offer unique perspectives and voices. If you’re interested in discovering innovative novels, eye-opening histories, regionally specific anthologies, or works in translation, then university presses are an excellent resource.
They often feature authors from marginalized communities, offering a fresh perspective on underrepresented stories. I’ve personally benefited from their efforts, stumbling upon hidden gems that have enriched my reading experience. This list of books is just the tip of the iceberg – it’s meant to serve as a starting point for your exploration of university presses and their incredible offerings.
Must-Read Books From University Presses
Memoirs and General Nonfiction
A Two-Spirit Journey by Ma-Nee Chacaby (University of Manitoba Press)
Ma-Nee Chacaby’s memoir is a powerful and deeply personal account of her life as a Two-Spirit Ojibwa-Cree lesbian. With unflinching honesty, she shares her experiences with family, history, motherhood, illness, activism, relationships, trauma, and healing, weaving a complex tapestry that explores the intersections of love, loss, and resilience.
While not an easy read due to its confrontational themes, this book is ultimately a testament to Chacaby’s indomitable spirit, warmth, and wit, as well as her unyielding commitment to self-love and empowerment. Reader discretion is advised for mentions of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and physical assault.
Brilliant Imperfection by Eli Clare (Duke University Press)
White Freedom by Tyler Stovall (Princeton University Press)
While university presses often conjure up images of dense academic texts, this book defies expectations by presenting complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way. Stovall’s meticulous examination of the concept of freedom reveals a surprising truth: Western notions of liberty have historically been used to fuel fascist and white supremacist ideologies.
This thought-provoking exploration delves into the intricate relationships between freedom, power, and oppression, shedding new light on a multifaceted topic that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply relevant.
The Toni Morrison Book Club by Juda Bennett, Winnifred Brown-Glaude, Cassandra Jackson, and Piper Kendrix Williams (University of Wisconsin Press)
The concept of a group memoir is certainly an intriguing one. In this unique publication, four women from diverse racial and sexual backgrounds come together to explore the profound impact their book club has had on their lives. Serving as a catalyst for introspection, Toni Morrison’s work provides the foundation for candid and expansive discussions about race, racism, accountability, and the role of literature in shaping our understanding of the world.
True Sex by Emily Skidmore (New York University Press)
In her insightful book on LGBTQ+ history, Emily Skidmore sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of 18 trans men living in small towns across the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through meticulous research, she reconstructs their lives with remarkable detail, highlighting their daily struggles, romantic relationships, and family dynamics.
By delving into this forgotten era, Skidmore provides a rich tapestry of trans history in America, adding nuance to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted experiences of trans individuals.
The Alchemy of Us by Ainissa Ramirez (MIT Press)
Ainissa Ramirez’s book is a thought-provoking exploration of the profound influence that material innovations have had on our lives. The scientist and science writer delves into the stories behind pivotal inventions such as clocks, light bulbs, and silicon chips, tracing how these game-changing developments have shaped not only technological advancements but also cultural and historical narratives.
Essay Collections & Anthologies
Shapes of Native Nonfiction Edited by Elissa Washuta and Theresa Warburton (University of Washington Press)
This compilation of essays by Indigenous writers delves into a wide range of themes, including family, home, landscape, identity, trauma, history, and memory. The essays not only explore these topics but also examine the writing process itself, sharing stories about personal experiences and moments that have shaped their lives. Additionally, some pieces take on more outwardly focused perspectives, examining art, culture, and politics within Indigenous communities.
What sets this book apart is the diverse array of innovative forms in which the essays are presented, offering a truly unique reading experience.
Infinite Cities: A Trilogy of Atlases — San Francisco, New Orleans, New York by Rebecca Solnit, Joshua Jelly-Schapiro and Rebecca Snedeker (University of California Press)
Consisting of three volumes that seamlessly blend together, this comprehensive collection is an unprecedented compilation of city-specific atlases. Each book is a masterclass in cartography, featuring intricately drawn maps that delve into the intricate complexities of urban life. From mapping waste management systems and radio broadcasting networks to chronicling the history of the transatlantic slave trade and jazz’s evolution, these maps offer a kaleidoscope of perspectives.
Paired with thought-provoking essays from an eclectic group of contributors, these atlases bring New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco vividly to life, revealing the rich tapestry that underlies each city’s unique identity.
This is One Way to Dance by Sejal Shah (University of Georgia Press)
Shah’s essays are a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together threads of personal experience, cultural identity, and geographical context to create a rich tapestry of thought and emotion. With deft prose and an assured voice, she explores the intersections of food, dance, friendship, language, and place – all set against the backdrop of her Indian American upbringing in western New York and her experiences navigating predominantly white spaces.
Her writing is both lyrical and introspective, veering seamlessly from meditative musings to direct explorations of particular ideas and experiences. The result is a collection that feels at once deeply personal and universally relatable, a true celebration of the human experience.
Sovereign Erotics Edited by Qwo-Li Driskill, Daniel Heath Justice, Lisa Tatonetti and Deborah A. Miranda (University of Arizona Press)
This anthology defies categorization, comprising a diverse range of creative works including essays, short stories, and poetry. It’s an excellent primer for discovering talented queer and Two-Spirit Indigenous writers. The eclectic mix of pieces explores themes such as childhood nostalgia, grappling with loss, and the complexities of history.
You’ll also find futuristic tales that transport you to new worlds, alongside thought-provoking essays that delve into the intricacies of queer identity and a sense of belonging. Ultimately, this book showcases the remarkable diversity within queer Indigenous literature.
Poetry
Some Are Always Hungry by Jihyun Jun (University of Nebraska Press)
Jihyun Jun’s unique approach to poetry is exemplified by her utilization of food as a fundamental element in her work. What sets her apart from other poets is her tendency to blur the lines between culinary recipes and poetic verse. Her poems often take the form of recipes, weaving together stories of comfort, freedom, pain, and chaos.
Through her writing, Jun explores themes that are deeply personal and universal, including immigration, survival, displacement, family lineage, grief, communal celebration, and diaspora. Her poetry is a testament to the transformative power of food in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place within the world.
Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude by Ross Gay (University of Pittsburgh Press)
This captivating collection of poems embodies the beauty of everyday life, weaving together threads of appreciation, insight, and amusement. With vivid descriptions of ripening plums, lush gardens, bustling city streets, and warm gatherings around the dinner table, Gay’s exuberant writing style shines through. The book is a delightful celebration of the small pleasures that often go unnoticed, reminding us to cherish these moments and find gratitude in the mundane.
A Brief History of Fruit by Kimberly Quiogue Andrews (University of Akron Press)
With vivid prose, Andrews’ poems capture the poignant struggle of navigating multiple identities, born from experiences of moving between countries and cultures. The collection is characterized by a deep exploration of themes such as home, belonging, and the complex relationships between people, places, and the self. Through this introspective work, readers are invited to reflect on their own connections to the world around them.
Bashō’s Haiku: Selected Poems of Matsuo Bashō by Matsuo Bashō, Translated by David Landis Barnhill (SUNY Press)
University presses are renowned for publishing both contemporary masterpieces and timeless classics, often featuring new translations of influential works from the past. A prime example is this exquisite anthology of haikus by Bashō, widely regarded as one of Japan’s most celebrated poets in the genre. His poetry is a must-experience for enthusiasts of haiku and literature alike.
This carefully curated collection showcases some of his most iconic and revered poems, offering readers a unique opportunity to appreciate his artistry and mastery.
Fiction
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (West Virginia University Press)
Philyaw’s masterful collection delves into the intricacies of Black female experiences, weaving a rich tapestry that spans four generations across time. This thought-provoking narrative traverses the realms of love, intimacy, family dynamics, parenting challenges, and communal expectations, offering a nuanced exploration of the complex inner lives of these women, all tied to their Southern church backgrounds.
Kafka in a Skirt by Daniel Chacón (University of Arizona Press)
University presses have a peculiar fondness for publishing short story collections, which made it challenging to curate this list. Among these enchanting tales, deeply rooted in Chicano culture, are stories that weave together the complexities of El Paso and the U. S.-Mexico border. Within them, Chacón masterfully probes walls – not just physical barriers like those marking international borders, but also internal, emotional, and even imaginary ones.
Through this exploration, she sheds light on the multifaceted nature of walls, transcending their literal meaning to reveal profound insights into human experience.
LGBTQ Fiction and Poetry from Appalachia Edited by Jeff Mann and Julia Watts (West Virginia University Press)
University presses have a unique ability to showcase regional cultures, and this collection is no exception. It’s a treasure trove of LGBTQ+ Appalachian writers’ work, comprising poetry and stories that delve into the complexities of being queer in Appalachia. The pieces are a mix of poignant explorations of the challenges faced by queer individuals in the region and celebratory portrayals of the rich cultural heritage of queerness in Appalachia.
By bringing together dozens of voices, this collection offers a nuanced and multifaceted exploration of what it means to be both Appalachian and LGBTQ+, highlighting the unique intersections of identity and culture that shape the lives of those who call this region home.
Limbo Beirut by Hilal Chouman, Translated by Anna Ziajka Stanton (University of Texas Press)
In the midst of chaos, Beirut became the backdrop for a gripping narrative that unfolded over several days in May 2008. The city was plagued by clashes between Hezbollah militants and Sunni fighters, a violent eruption that would forever change the lives of five individuals from diverse backgrounds. As the story unfolds through their unique perspectives, Chouman masterfully weaves together threads of identity, home, violence, belonging, and trauma.
Through the eyes of a pregnant woman, a gay artist, an engineering student in Germany, a doctor, a former militant, and a disillusioned novelist, this novel delves into the complexities of human experience.
The Belle Créole by Maryse Condé (University of Texas Press)
Maryse Condé’s novel masterfully weaves a complex narrative that delves into the psyche of Dieudonné, a Black gardener accused of murdering his employer and lover, a wealthy white woman. The story unfolds through non-linear storytelling, oscillating between past and present as Dieudonné navigates the city and his own memories, grappling with the aftermath of the traumatic event.
In doing so, Condé probes the simmering racial tensions and societal upheaval in 21st century Guadeloupe, shedding light on the island’s turbulent history and contemporary struggles.
A Death in Harlem by Karla F.C. Holloway (Northwestern University Press)
University presses boast an impressive range of publications, with this historical mystery being a prime example. Set in 1920s Harlem, the story follows the first Black policeman as he investigates a murder that sends shockwaves through the city’s elite. Drawing inspiration from Nella Larsen’s ‘Passing’, the novel delves into themes of colorism, racial passing, and the intricate relationships between class, race, and power during the vibrant Harlem Renaissance.
For those seeking more literary gems from indie presses, be sure to explore our archives, including ‘100 Must-Read Indie Press Books’.