One of the best books Ive read this year. I'm a bit familiar with church searches, tho I haven't been on one. Would love to now.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

While an interesting book about an unknown-to-me topic, I have to admit to skipping ahead quite frequently. However, the writing was very good/very professional. Because the level of detail (and so many detailed conversations kept happening) was constant, it all was bit much for me after a while. Not being a church goer, I had no idea how involved the search for a new leader was. Wow.

I enjoyed this very unique novel. I read three or four books a week so it is rare that I find a novel that is completely different from anything I have read. I had to go back to the beginning to make certain that this was a novel and not a true memoir. This novel grabbed me from the start with its quick pace and fascinating characters. The notion of choosing a pastor through this process was new to me, as a catholic we get our priests chosen for us. The year long process of pastor choosing was a study in human behavior. The give and take in the meetings, the alliances made between members of the search committee, and the descriptions of the food and drink were all fascinating. I recommend this book, it was wonderful! I think my book club would love this book, so much to discuss.

I have read all of Huneven's books and they never fail to both amuse me and make me think deeply (not so much amusement with BLAME). In SEARCH, Huneven gives us an up close and personal look at how one Unitarian Universalist church goes about finding a new minister. The politics involved in the process was truly remarkable! And it showed clearly that who serves on the search committee has a huge impact on the fate of the church long into the future. While the topic may seem dry, trust me, this book is fascinating! I plan to buy copies to give to the search committee at my own church.

What a delicious surprise. Dana P, a published author who also reviews restaurants, is tapped to join the search committee for a new pastor for her church, a congregation of diversity both in character and age. Dana herself is in her 50's, and lands in a situation she had no idea would turn out to be so all-encompassing. Populated with a cast (I want to say of thousands) that comes to life and enhanced by recipes of dishes included in the narrative, this is a book that deserves credit and recognition and needs to be promoted.

SEARCH is the most compulsively readable novel that I’ve read in a long time.. A ministerial search committee doesn't immediately strike you as fodder for a binge-read, but the group dynamics of this wildly diverse ( read odd assortment) committee combined with Huneven’s clever plotting, conspire to create a book that is difficult to set aside.

As someone who “ doesnt play well with others” in decision- making situations, I was engrossed in the personalities and process of the fictional committee. And, the church politics.

This book was a wonderful surprise and I hope it finds a huge audience. It deserves one.
Netgalley provided me a vomplimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.