The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis struck a deal earlier this spring with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch to enable students to write book reviews for the newspaper.

The Sunday edition of the Post-Dispatch has, thus far, included contributions by UMSL students Susan LaBrier and Elizabeth Oestricher. Mary Troy, director of the writing program, said that reviewing books for the newspaper gives her students the opportunity to read the latest releases, learn what types of books are now being published and receive publishing credit through their bylined articles.

“Another more immediate benefit is they get free books,” Troy said. “And who doesn’t want that?” Click here to download Oestricher’s review of Robert Goolrick’s novel “A Reliable Wife.” (Adobe Reader is required.)