Reviewer Praise
“A wicked pleasure... Huneven is a wise storyteller...this novel has plot, character, structure and a delicious, deeply human pettiness that I think most honest readers will relate to... [Huneven's] descriptions of food are the best I've ever read."
Mary Beth Keane, New York Times Book Review
“Enthralling… The strengths of Huneven's novel lie in her deep understanding of human nature...It's fascinating to watch how skillfully Huneven moves committee members from one side to the other, and to watch, appalled, as the inevitable slowly happens. Those scenes are a master class in group dynamics...Search is a fun read. While the book is laced with plenty of humor (which Dana herself does not always see), it is laced, too, with plenty of wisdom. We can search, Huneven is saying, but you just never know what you might find.”
Laurie Hertzel, Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Sassy and savvy. . . a surprisingly amusing account of ecclesiastical politics in the age of ‘wokeness’ … [With recipes] as mouthwatering an experience as reading Martin Walker’s Bruno… Though thick with satirical moments, [but] not quite a satire, since Huneven has too much respect for all her seekers.”
Dan Cryer, Los Angeles Times
“Whoever said that university politics are vicious because the stakes are so low probably never served on a ministerial search committee…Delightful…wry and thoughtful…Huneven has total command of her material…Huneven is such a smart and funny writer.”
Ann Levin, Associated Press
Praise for Search
“Readers will find Dana’s takes on committee microdramas, factions, and vagaries of church and friendship relatable. Food lovers will enjoy Dana’s restaurant visits and detailed food descriptions. The book’s finale is a collection of AUUC members’ signature recipes, a pleasing finish to this fresh work by award-winning novelist and food journalist Huneven.”
“Huneven shows her range with a folksy, funny fifth novel on the unlikely subject of how bad decisions happen to good committees. . . engaging and thought-provoking. The voting, the vetting, the drama, the discord, the anti-oppression training—it’s all here. . . tender, salty, and worthy of note.”
“I’ve loved every book Michelle Huneven has written and Search is the best—the most delectable—yet.”
“I was utterly charmed by Huneven’s characters, who reminded me of the best work of Tom Drury and, perhaps unsurprisingly, Laurie Colwin. But Huneven’s wit and wisdom are all her own. Search is a sumptuous novel, well worth savoring.”
