David McGlynn, assistant professor of English at Lawrence University, was one of five authors recognized Oct. 21 by the Utah Center for the Book during ceremonies at the Salt Lake City Library.
McGlynn was awarded the best fiction title for his 2008 book “The End of the Straight and Narrow,” a collection of nine short stories that examines the inner lives, passions and desires of the zealous and the ways religious faith is both the compass for navigating daily life and the force that makes ordinary life impossible.
In addition to fiction, authors were honored in the categories of nonfiction, poetry, children’s literature and young-adult novel as part of the 10th annual Utah Humanities Council Book Festival. The awards recognize excellence in writing that carries a Utah setting or theme. Winners are announced each fall for books published the previous year.
At its June 2009 commencement ceremonies, Lawrence honored McGlynn with its Award for Excellence in Creative Activity, which recognizes outstanding creative work. A member of the Lawrence faculty since 2006, McGlynn earned his Ph.D. in English literature and creative writing from the University of Utah.
