"Search," by Michelle Huneven

As an academic who has been on many faculty search committees, I loved the idea of a novel all about a search, albeit in this case, a Unitarian Universalist church’s search for a new minister. There are definitely similarities between the two types of searches! The novel, titled “Search,” by Michelle Huneven, is a wonderful examination of characters in a group (the search committee) as we get to know the committee members and other church members separately and as they interact with each other and with the candidates for the position. The main character, Dana, is a member of the church and a food writer; the other committee members are also members of the church, with various backgrounds, attributes, and agendas. Although they are progressive and idealistic, and are generally civil with each other, differences of opinion, personalities, and values provide much of the conflict (and interest!) in the story. I found the novel fascinating, insightful, and a joy to read. I have read other novels by Huneven, notably “Round Rock,” “Jamesland,” and “Off Course,” and find her an intriguing writer with great understanding of human nature, and with a subversive sense of humor.