Shelley Read is an accomplished author, best known for her international bestseller, "Go as a River." This captivating coming-of-age tale, set in the wilderness of Colorado, has been translated into over 30 languages and optioned for film by Mazur Kaplan in partnership with Fifth Season. The novel explores themes of love, loss, family, survival, and the power of hope, blending tragedy and inspiration seamlessly.
Read is a graduate of the University of Denver, where she studied writing and literary studies. Her passion for literature and education led her to a longstanding career at Western Colorado University, where she taught literature, writing, and environmental studies for almost 30 years. During her tenure, she made significant contributions to the university, including founding the Environment & Sustainability major and the PRIME program for at-risk students.
In addition to her work as an educator, Read is a regular contributor to several publications, including the Gunnison Valley Journal, Crested Butte Magazine, and the Denver Post. Her writing has been recognized with nominations for the Goodreads Choice Award and selection as an Amazon Editor's Pick Best Debut 2023. As a fifth-generation Coloradoan, Read draws inspiration from the natural beauty of her home in the Elk Mountains of the Western Slope, where she lives with her family.