Book recommendations Celebrating faculty excellence: showcasing published works and scholarly contributions
Book recommendations
Fall 2025
By Caddie S. Dufurrena
Since 1961, the University of Nevada Press has proudly published books that celebrate the stories, culture and history of Nevada and the American West. Many of the titles the Press publishes, including the titles featured here, embody that mission in full. Each one is a window into our region’s complexity and resilience, shaped by authors who live here, teach here and care deeply about this place. These books offer more than information on entertainment; they carry the voices of our communities forward, illuminating the bonds between people and land, between past and future. In this issue of Nevada Silver & Blue, we’ honored to highlight sections that reflect the heart of our work and the spirit of our region: grounded in experience, rich in insight and meant to last.
Chasing Giants: In Search of the World’s Largest Freshwater Fish
By Zeb Hogan
Zeb Hogan, University of Nevada, Reno research biologist, teams up with journalist Stefan Lovgren for “Chasing Giants,” the story of the world’s largest freshwater fish. Host of National Geographic’s “Monster Fish” and the United Nations Convention of Migratory Species scientific councilor for fish, Hogan has spent 25 years traveling the globe in search of river giants like the arapaima, sawfish and stingray. Blending science, adventure and urgent conservation, Hogan explores the mysteries and ecological importance of these endangered species and the global race to protect them before they vanish from our waters forever.
Principled University Leadership: Critical Decision-Making in Academia
By Marc Johnson
“Principled University Leadership” comes from Marc A. Johnson, the 16th president of the University of Nevada, Reno. Drawing on years of experience, Johnson shares what it takes to step into leadership, how economic factors influence decisions, and practical ways to help universities move forward. He also addresses some of the most complex issues in higher education today, including diversity, equity, inclusion and free speech. Rooted in his small-town upbringing and dedication to community, Johnson offers useful advice and real-world insights for anyone interested in or already navigating the challenges of academic leadership.
More than Sheepherders: American Basques of Elko County, Nevada
By Joxe K. Mallea-Olaetxe ’88 Ph.D.
Historian Joxe K. Mallea-Olaetxe, who came to the U.S. from the Basque Country in the 1960s, offers a vibrant portrait of Elko’s Basque community in “More Than Sheepherders.” With contributions from four Elko residents, the book blends cultural history and personal narrative to trace the evolution of Basque identity in Nevada. From early ranching families to the post-1970s National Basque Festival, Mallea-Olaetxe captures a community shaped by tradition and change. A longtime educator at the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College, he brings both scholarly insight and heartfelt storytelling to this rich, uniquely Nevadan account.
The Daughters: A Novel
By Ben Rogers ’01, ’02 M.S.
In “The Daughters,” Ben Rogers — 2011 Outstanding Young Alumnus — who grew up in Reno and is deeply connected to Nevada’s literary community, follows Peter “Z” Zemeckis, a washed-up author whose quiet life is upended by new neighbor Dr. Nancy Chu. As Z becomes enmeshed in Nancy’s family story, he’s forced to rethink his own narrative. Spanning 1970s Texas to 2010s California, this beautifully layered novel reflects Rogers’s keen sense of place and character. Though the setting shifts, his roots in the West shine through, making “The Daughters” a richly resonant tale of family, memory, and unexpected conditions.
Snow Fleas and Chickadees: Everyday Observations in the Sierra
By Eve Quesnel ’99, ’02 M.A.
In “Snow Fleas and Chickadees,” University alumna Eve Quesnel guides readers through the forested Sierra Nevada near her Lake Tahoe—area home. With deep roots in the region, Quesnel blends personal storytelling with insights from biologists, foresters and ornithologists to uncover the quiet marvels of everyday nature. Each of the book’s 21 essays begins with a detailed illustration by artist Anne Chadwick — from a black bear’s hibernation to the mystery of a lone boulder in the woods — inviting readers to slow down and observe. This is a heartfelt tribute to the Sierra, perfect for locals and explorers alike.
My Life in Nevada Politics: The Memoirs of Senator Richard H. Bryan
By Richard H. Bryan, '59
“My Life in Nevada Politics” tells the remarkable story of Richard Bryan’s rise from his Las Vegas childhood to the heights of public service as Nevada’s governor and U.S. senator. A proud graduate and former student body president of the University, Bryan reflects on his decades shaping policy, protecting Nevada’s landscape and advocating for his constituents with unmatched personal connection. His memoir offers sharp political insight and heartfelt storytelling, capturing a life devoted to the Silver State. For anyone interested in Nevada’s modern history, this is an essential and engaging account from one of its most beloved leaders.
Environmental Change in the Lake Tahoe Basin: A Synthesis of Science and Public Policy
By Robert N. Coats et al.
“Environmental Change IN the Lake Tahoe Basin” offers a sweeping yet detailed account of Tahoe’s environmental history and future, written by leading scientists, including University Foundation Professor Sudeep Chandra and University of California, Davis Research Associate Robert N. Coats. Drawing from decades of research — including work conducted through the University and the Desert Research Institute — this volume blends science, policy and case studies to illuminate how collaborative, research-based management has shaped the lake’s fate. Both accessible and rigorous, the book serves as a vital resource for policy-makers and environmental professionals. Royalties support the Union of Concerned Scientists.