The Book Matters series seeks to celebrate the written works of faculty members from a range of disciplines at the University of Iowa -- The Writing University. By shining a light on published works from a wide range of disciplines, these events are an opportunity for scholars and critical thinkers from across the campus and community to come together to discuss ideas, meet new colleagues, and celebrate the writing strengths of UI scholars outside of traditional writing departments.  

A companion program for Creative Matters, Book Matters is hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Research. The events are free and open to the public.

Books recently published by Iowa faculty 

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Upcoming Events

Weather, Fiction and Lies promotional image

Weather, Fiction and Lies

Thursday, October 2, 2025 3:30pm to 4:30pm
English-Philosophy Building
Stephanie LeMenager, one of the founders of the environmental humanities and pioneer in the critical theory of petromodernity, examines the unique role of fiction as a form of truth telling in an era of lies, propaganda and conspiracy theory, and in the shadow of climate crisis.Stephanie LeMenager is a Barbara and Carlisle Moore Professor of English and Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon.This event is presented by the Ida Cornelia Beam Visiting Professor lecture...
War as a Genre of Climate Change promotional image

War as a Genre of Climate Change

Friday, October 3, 2025 1:00pm to 2:00pm
English-Philosophy Building
Stephanie LeMenager, one of the founders of the environmental humanities and pioneer in the critical theory of petromodernity, explores how the climate crisis generates shorthand "genres" of expectation in response to uncertainty. She argues that one genre of climate crisis is war—in particular civil war.Stephanie LeMenager is a Barbara and Carlisle Moore Professor of English and Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon.This event is presented by the Ida Cornelia Beam...
Book Matters: Melissa Febos and Donika Kelly promotional image

Book Matters: Melissa Febos and Donika Kelly

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Prairie Lights Books
Join acclaimed authors Melissa Febos, professor of English and director of the Nonfiction Writing Program, and Donika Kelly, associate professor of English, as they read from their latest books and discuss the intimate, transformative themes that shape their work.Melissa Febos will read from her new memoir, The Dry Season. After the end of a difficult relationship, Febos committed to a year of celibacy, during which she discovered unexpected joy, clarity, and creative renewal. She blends...

I wish to participate in Book Matters

If you are a faculty member with a recently published or forthcoming book and wish to participate in future Book Matters events, please complete our form.

Complete the Book Matters Form

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Casey Westlake in advance at 319-467-0039.