For journalists, booksellers, librarians, and event organizers. Everything below is approved for reprint and download.
Will Pass hosts Who Reads Books Anymore?, a short-form video series with 2.5M+ monthly views in which he asks strangers about their reading lives.
He is the author of two novels. His debut, The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived, a dark comedy about interspecies friendships, was named among the 2025 Southwest Books of the Year. His second novel, The Whirlpool of Lebanon, is forthcoming September 15, 2026, from Thiessen Press.
Will writes from Colorado.
@willpassbooks
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There’s something in the water in Lebanon, Kansas.
An eccentric rancher discovers a whirlpool in his pasture that heals the sick and rolls back the years. Soon the whole town is desperate to drink, and the miracle won’t let go.
Download cover (JPG, 900×1440)
I am a dog but I do not die at the end of this book.
A dog cursed with the intelligence of a human runs from his comfortable home in search of the truth about his own mind. A dark, funny novel about freedom, friendship, and not quite being what you are.
“A rollicking joyride through small-town Kansas where the characters are as big as their hearts. The story sucked me in with the same awe and mystery as the whirlpool spinning at its center. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time—for better or worse—then this book is for you. I loved every page.”
Becky Mandelbaum, author of Bad Kansas (Flannery O’Connor Award) · advance blurb for The Whirlpool of Lebanon
“A well-crafted comedy about the bad side of miracles. Pass expertly blends humor with moments of darkness, and the pacing stays strong throughout, picking up speed toward the end and racing smoothly along to the finish.”
Kirkus Reviews · The Whirlpool of Lebanon · “Get It” selection
“An exquisitely constructed novel with a large cast of believable, well-rounded characters you come to care about. Pass also captures the nuances of High Plains village life, which many have attempted but few have achieved.”
Bryan L. Jones, author of North of the Platte, South of the Niobrara · The Whirlpool of Lebanon
“Strange, darkly funny, and surprisingly emotional. This book takes the idea of a miracle and turns it into something both beautiful and unsettling.”
Crystal · advance review of The Whirlpool of Lebanon via NetGalley
“There is a profound sense of place where it truly feels like you’re reading about real people that populate a real town in the sticks of Kansas. An accomplished balance of absurdity and humour with the grounded, delicate fears and hopes that encompass the most diverse of personalities.”
Ashlee Sawyer · advance review of The Whirlpool of Lebanon via NetGalley
“Pass masterfully blends humor, heart, and peril in this anthropomorphic tale, making it an unforgettable read.”
Southwest Books of the Year · The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived
“Pass’ novel abounds with witty dialogue, biting sarcasm, and page-turning action. Rou is a stalwart lead, smart as a whip and tenderhearted, and second banana Shakespeare is an endearing, jovial ball of energy.”
Kirkus Reviews · The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived · “Get It” selection
“I was absolutely blown away by this book. I went into it thinking it would be a cute little animal adventure, but it was so much more than that.”
Emily · Goodreads · The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived
“This story is an absolute gem of a read… I genuinely fell in love and laughed more deeply with the turn of every page.”
Leslie · Goodreads · The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived
“A bit sci-fi, a bit fantasy, a bit speculative, and quite a lot adventure. More by Will Pass is most welcome.”
Marianne · Goodreads · The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived
Media inquiries, interview requests, review copies, and event booking:
Download the full press kit (ZIP, ~470 KB)
Includes hi-res covers, headshot, bio, ISBNs, and selected praise.
For rights or licensing, please contact Thiessen Press.
